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.