If your albuterol inhaler contains a substance called chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC, you’ll need to switch to an environment-friendly HFA inhaler. After December 31, 2008, albuterol inhalers with CFC will not be sold in the U.S.

This would be a good time to ask your doctor if VENTOLIN HFA – the only rescue inhaler with a built-in dose counter – may be right for you.

Why rescue inhalers are changing

Some albuterol (or “rescue”) inhalers contain CFC, which propels medicine out of the device and into the mouth. Because CFC damages the earth’s ozone layer, more than 100 countries, including the U.S., have agreed to stop making products that contain this substance.

HFA, or hydrofluoroalkane, is replacing CFC in rescue inhalers. HFA inhalers are more environment-friendly than their CFC counterparts.

Your doctor may have already switched you to an HFA rescue inhaler. If you’re not sure, check your inhaler’s canister. If it has “HFA” written on it, you’re all set. If not, ask your doctor for a new prescription. If your doctor prescribes VENTOLIN HFA with a built-in dose counter, print a coupon to save up to $15 off your next prescription of VENTOLIN HFA.

What to expect with HFA inhalers

Only the substance that helps deliver the rescue medication from the inhaler is changing -- the medicine stays the same. However, there are some minor differences between the two types of inhalers.

Some HFA inhalers tend to have a softer spray; you also may find that the medicine doesn’t taste the same. The spray characteristics of VENTOLIN HFA, however, are consistent with those of the leading albuterol CFC inhaler. Any differences in spray characteristics won't affect the way the medicine works to treat your asthma.

How to care for HFA inhalers

  • An HFA inhaler must be primed before your first use, and again if you haven’t used it in more than two weeks, or if you have dropped it.
  • HFA inhalers must be cleaned regularly according to the instructions that come with the medicine.

See the Prescribing Information for more information on how to use and care for the VENTOLIN HFA inhaler.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VENTOLIN HFA
VENTOLIN HFA is indicated for the prevention and relief of bronchospasm in patients 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.

If your symptoms become significantly worse when you use VENTOLIN HFA, call your doctor immediately as this reaction can be life threatening. This worsening of symptoms frequently occurs with the first use of a new canister. Tell your doctor if you have a heart, blood, or seizure disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Some medicines can interfere with how well asthma medications work. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, especially heart medicines and drugs that treat depression. In clinical studies, the most common side effects (occurring in at least 3% of patients) were throat irritation (10%), viral respiratory infection (7%), upper respiratory inflammation (5%), cough (5%), and musculoskeletal pain (5%). The side effect profile in children was generally similar to that of adults.

Complete Prescribing Information for VENTOLIN® HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol.

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