On December 31^st, 2008, asthma inhalers are set to go “green” – in more ways than one. Rescue inhalers containing fast-acting medications such as albuterol that are used to ease symptoms of an asthma attack will no longer use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a propellant. Instead, by year's end, all albuterol inhalers must be powered by the more eco-friendly chemical hydrofluoroalkane (HFA).

While these green inhalers use propellant that is gentler on the ozone layer, they also cost a lot more, even though the medicine they contain is identical to older, CFC-powered inhalers: $30 to $60 for green inhalers compared to as little as $5 or $10 for the older CFC inhalers. What’s more, HFA inhalers must be used differently than the older CFC versions. Patients report that the medicine feels and tastes different, despite claims that the two types of inhalers work equally well.

While most of the nation’s 20 million asthma patients have already made the switch, about 20% of albuterol prescriptions were still being filled with the old CFC inhalers in mid-November. When these asthma sufferers go to refill their rescue inhaler prescriptions after the end of the year, they will find that not only does it cost a lot more, it also works differently. Pharmacists may not even notice the switch since the medication contained within is the same. This can leave patients on their own to figure out how to use the new inhalers.

Rescue inhalers containing albuterol are for quick relief of wheezing, not for daily asthma management. Patients also need daily medication to control their asthma and prevent flare-ups. If you are using your albuterol inhaler more than a few times a month, your asthma is not well-controlled. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your daily asthma control medications.

Recent research suggests only one in five children has their asthma under good control and no one knows how many adults have uncontrolled asthma. Find out more about asthma control by taking the Healia Asthma Quiz or by reading our guide, the Healia Health Guide on Uncontrolled Asthma.

Quick tips about the new HFC inhalers:

• Expect a softer puff instead of the older version's cold blast of air in the back of the throat.
• The new inhalers clog more often because HFA makes the drug stickier. Clean the hole weekly, following the specific instructions for each brand.
• Never get the whole device wet.

If you have asthma and have not been properly instructed on how to use the new HFA inhalers, make an appointment with your doctor or ask your pharmacist to show you how to use them. To find out more about asthma, see the Healia Health Guide on Asthma or join the Healia Health Community for Asthma.

_{Photo: spcummings, Flickr, Creative Commons}