Your Metered-Dose Inhaler is Changing
to Help Improve the Environment
This
resource is also available public service announcement in PDF
format
Although chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in medicines are
safe for patients to inhale, they are harmful to the
environment. CFCs reduce the amount of ozone in the
ozone layer that surrounds the earth and protects the
earth against the sun's harmful rays. The loss of ozone
can increase the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other
health problems. Replacing the CFCs in your metered dose
inhaler with another substance, called HFA, will
make the environment safer for everyone. This change has already begun and will
continue, as more ozone-friendly choices become
readily available.
HERE ARE THE FACTS
- MDIs containing CFCs are being phased out to
help protect the ozone layer.
- FDA has found that ozone-friendly inhalers
(ones with HFA instead of CFCs) are safe and
effective when prescribed for FDA-approved uses.
- In order to receive an HFA inhaler, an HFA inhaler
must be prescribed for you by your healthcare
professional.
- Many types of CFC inhalers will continue to be
sold until similar HFA inhalers are widely available.
Most HFA inhalers will be clearly marked with the phrase,
"HFA," or will state they contain no CFCs.
In what ways will an "HFA" metered-dose
inhaler be...
the same? |
different? |
- Safe and effective
for the same FDA-approved
uses
-
Shape is similar
-
Size is similar
-
Convenient to use
|
- Ozone-friendly
to the environment
- May be slightly
different in smell
and taste
- May need to be
cleaned and cared
for differently
|
Discuss the use and care of the HFA metered-dose inhaler with your
doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov/cder/mdi
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Date created: September 22, 2003 |