Commentary:The Primatene Mist Controversy Still Swirls

The Primatene Mist controversy is far from over.People are genuinely suffering from the withdrawal of this effective respiratory band-aid from the market by the FDA at the end of 2011.What is clear is that no one knows just when a reformulated product will be available.It apparently must be subjected to the full FDA approval process,including patient trials.That could take years.What is more,you're starting from a baseline of professional reservations about the product to begin with.Allergists point out that Primatene only treats symptoms of a potentially life-threatening disease.They do not regard it as a sufficient approach to dealing with asthma.Such a complex and dangerous ailment requires a personal,formal treatment plan drawn up and supervised by medical professionals.Inhaling Primatene often masks the real problem of chronically inflamed lungs which are sustaining damage over time from the underlying condition,bronchial asthma.That is why the National Institutes of Health doesn't recommend use of Primatene.It is considered to be an easy way out that has serious long term consequences for the patient's health.That being said,the lack of adequate health care for the poor and underserved,including those in rural areas,has been once again pointed up by the withdrawal of Primatene,a medication which is really only appropriate for those with occasional,mild asthma.It also illustrates a degree of bungling and foot-dragging on the part of both regulators and industry,who failed to come up with an entirely satisfactory substitute propellant in time.Some interesting articles by other authors on this topic have been posted below.Rest assured,this blog will stay on this very important case.

Primatene Mist Doughnut Hole

Dear Readers,
Many of you have shown interest in a post about Primatene Mist that I published some time ago.I wanted to update you on the situation so that you can take the necessary measures to safeguard your health.Primatene Mist is the only asthma inhaler presently available over the counter.
Unfortunately,in accordance with FDA rules,Primatene Mist,as currently formulated with a CFC that damages the earth's protective ozone layer,must be removed from U.S. shelves by December 31,2011.The product's maker,Armstrong Pharmaceuticals,is arranging to produce a non-CFC form of the asthma inhaler,but will have to submit it for FDA approval.That means there will probably be a doughnut hole period when you will not be able to purchase this popular asthma medication in the U.S.How long this will last is anyone's guess.
In the meantime,patients will have to obtain a prescription for another inhaler.Yes,a prescription will perhaps be more expensive-especially unwelcome in these troubled economic times.At this point,the medication is still being advertised for online purchase.
Sincerely,
Andrew Taylor

Asthma Med Primatene Mist Being Reformulated

Because its propellant is a chloroflourocarbon,Primatene Mist is being reformulated by Armstrong Pharmaceuticals.As of December 31,2011,the Food and Drug Administration is banning the production and sale of epinephrine metered dose inhalers containing CFCs to protect the atmosphere's ozone layer.
Primatene Mist,introduced in 1964,is the only inhalable over the counter medication for the temporary relief of occasional symptoms of bronchial asthma.Although Primatene Mist will have a new,non-CFC propellant,its active ingredient will remain epinephrine.
Primatene Mist relieves wheezing,tightness of chest and shortness of breath in as little as 15 seconds.It is the number one OTC brand for physician-diagnosed bronchial asthma.
The Primatene brand is also applied to OTC tablets,sold since 1954,which ease breathing for asthma patients by reducing spasms of bronchial muscles,loosening phlegm and thinning bronchial secretions.Highly regarded by patients,Primatene tablets are a product of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and have different active ingredients than Primatene Mist.
Pfizer(PFE)