Comments on: Albuterol HFA, and Proventil/Ventolin substitutions http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html Life on the pharm Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:06:35 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Noli http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-2#comment-185456 Noli Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:27:42 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-185456 Many thanks, RJS. Many thanks, RJS.

]]> By: RJS http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-2#comment-185444 RJS Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:50:18 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-185444 Combivent and albuterol are often used in conjunction with one another. They accomplish the same thing (bronchodilation), but work in different ways. They complement each other in individuals where one or the other does not work alone. In fact, there is a product which combines the two, but it's only for use in nebulizers (DuoNeb). Most physicians use albuterol first, with Combivent as a backup. Albuterol is a first-line agent for bronchoconstriction. In general it's cheaper. In the future, you could ask your physician to write for "albuterol MDI" rather than a specific brand (Proventil, Ventolin, ProAir). This leaves it open for the pharmacy to choose the product that's the least expensive for you. If you find you need it more often, you may wish to ask your physician about an inhaled corticosteroid (Advair or similar). The other option is to improve the air quality of your environment. Cold, dry air often aggravates COPD, asthma, and other pulmonary conditions. A humidifier does wonders. I spent a little extra money and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunter-34357-2-Gallon-Humidifier-PermaWick/dp/B000JWE7NK/httpriannet-20" rel="nofollow">got one with a built-in hygrometer so it doesn't run constantly</a>. The humidifiers you find at pharmacies are absolute junk. You're better off going to Walmart, Target, or similar big box store and getting a larger unit and putting it into a part of your home where the moisture will propagate to a large area easily. (As opposed to just having one in your bedroom.) Combivent and albuterol are often used in conjunction with one another. They accomplish the same thing (bronchodilation), but work in different ways. They complement each other in individuals where one or the other does not work alone. In fact, there is a product which combines the two, but it's only for use in nebulizers (DuoNeb).

Most physicians use albuterol first, with Combivent as a backup. Albuterol is a first-line agent for bronchoconstriction. In general it's cheaper. In the future, you could ask your physician to write for "albuterol MDI" rather than a specific brand (Proventil, Ventolin, ProAir). This leaves it open for the pharmacy to choose the product that's the least expensive for you.

If you find you need it more often, you may wish to ask your physician about an inhaled corticosteroid (Advair or similar). The other option is to improve the air quality of your environment. Cold, dry air often aggravates COPD, asthma, and other pulmonary conditions. A humidifier does wonders. I spent a little extra money and got one with a built-in hygrometer so it doesn't run constantly. The humidifiers you find at pharmacies are absolute junk. You're better off going to Walmart, Target, or similar big box store and getting a larger unit and putting it into a part of your home where the moisture will propagate to a large area easily. (As opposed to just having one in your bedroom.)

]]> By: Noli http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-2#comment-185441 Noli Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:32:46 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-185441 Thanks for the quick reply, RJS. Going through my leftover inhalers, I discovered that I had used Proventil before! This was prescribed by my doctor who gave me Combivent when I complained that Proventil did not do much for me. He prescribed both on an as need basis. That was about a year ago. Now my new doctor prescribes Ventolin which is the same as Proventil and ProAir to supplement Combivent. I'm really lost here. What do you think is going on? I am going to talk to my doctor about this on my next visit. Thanks for the quick reply, RJS.

Going through my leftover inhalers, I discovered that I had used Proventil before! This was prescribed by my doctor who gave me Combivent when I complained that Proventil did not do much for me. He prescribed both on an as need basis.

That was about a year ago. Now my new doctor prescribes Ventolin which is the same as Proventil and ProAir to supplement Combivent. I'm really lost here. What do you think is going on?

I am going to talk to my doctor about this on my next visit.

]]> By: ray cesarz http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-2#comment-185439 ray cesarz Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:27:32 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-185439 After reading pro's and con's of pro-air, all I can say is if pro-air works for you, your condition must not be too bad. If you have copd - emphysema, pro-air is dangerous and worthless. All of the hfa type do are NOT as effective as the cfc albuterol. My own experience is that Ventolin comes close to the cfc type. AS far as cost goes, I can get Ventolin for $3.15 at an overseas pharmacy. The U.S. pharmacies are out to make a bundle of money and care less if their products are satisfying their consumers. The air pollution scare that led to the hfa inhalers is part of the global warming B.S.that is being jammed down our throats. i am patiently waiting for sensibility on this matter to change before it's too late for copd sufferers like me. After reading pro's and con's of pro-air, all I can say is if pro-air works for you, your condition must not be too bad. If you have copd – emphysema, pro-air is dangerous and worthless. All of the hfa type do are NOT as effective as the cfc albuterol. My own experience is that Ventolin comes close to the cfc type. AS far as cost goes, I can get Ventolin for $3.15 at an overseas pharmacy. The U.S. pharmacies are out to make a bundle of money and care less if their products are satisfying their consumers. The air pollution scare that led to the hfa inhalers is part of the global warming B.S.that is being jammed down our throats. i am patiently waiting for sensibility on this matter to change before it's too late for copd sufferers like me.

]]> By: RJS http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-2#comment-185426 RJS Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:50:46 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-185426 If it were me, I would call my insurance company, or check their formulary online to see which one they prefer and request that one instead. It'll probably end up being ProAir. They're all equally effective. If it were me, I would call my insurance company, or check their formulary online to see which one they prefer and request that one instead. It'll probably end up being ProAir. They're all equally effective.

]]> By: Noli http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-185424 Noli Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:48:20 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-185424 My doctor prescribed Ventolin HFA on an as needed basis to supplement combivent which he prescribed to be taken on a daily basis(2 puffs in the AM and 2 puffs in the PM). Ventolin costs almost twice as much as proventil and pro-air. I don't really know, if there are differences in efficacy among the three. Naturally, I would go for the least costly, if there are none. My pharmacist says Ventolin not being in the formula list is the reason why it is more expensive. So, Ventolin or Proventil? My doctor prescribed Ventolin HFA on an as needed basis to supplement combivent which he prescribed to be taken on a daily basis(2 puffs in the AM and 2 puffs in the PM). Ventolin costs almost twice as much as proventil and pro-air.

I don't really know, if there are differences in efficacy among the three. Naturally, I would go for the least costly, if there are none. My pharmacist says Ventolin not being in the formula list is the reason why it is more expensive.

So, Ventolin or Proventil?

]]> By: Ray Cesarz http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-182514 Ray Cesarz Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:04:09 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-182514 I read all of the postings in favor of or against hfa inhalers.I had been using the generic Albuterol for about 5 years before being FORCED to switch to HFA pro-air. From the start, the PRO-AIR was terrible, the taste and puffs so weak that I felt no relief. It also caused a severe rash on my leg.A few months ago, I found that CVS drug stores still had some generic Albuterol left. All I was able to get before Dec.31,08 was two. Using the generic for 7 days, my rash dissapeared and I felt much more in control of my shortness of breath.I have severe COPD=Emphysema with 20% lung capacity.They can post all of the stats in favor of the HFA,but the real truth is they are dangerous.I hope that the pushers of this product someday need an inhaler, because only then will they realize the truth !!! I read all of the postings in favor of or against hfa inhalers.I had been using the generic Albuterol for about 5 years before being FORCED to switch to HFA pro-air. From the start, the PRO-AIR was terrible, the taste and puffs so weak that I felt no relief. It also caused a severe rash on my leg.A few months ago, I found that CVS drug stores still had some generic Albuterol left. All I was able to get before Dec.31,08 was two. Using the generic for 7 days, my rash dissapeared and I felt much more in control of my shortness of breath.I have severe COPD=Emphysema with 20% lung capacity.They can post all of the stats in favor of the HFA,but the real truth is they are dangerous.I hope that the pushers of this product someday need an inhaler, because only then will they realize the truth !!!

]]> By: RJS http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-182418 RJS Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:23:39 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-182418 Elizabeth, It *is* crazy. The hole in the ozone layer doesn't exist anymore. There is no need to ban ALL use of CFC products. In this case, the economic harm done by banning CFC products entirely is far greater than the marginal environmental harm done by keeping them on the market. I think it's ridiculous, but it's unlikely to be reversed anytime soon. Elizabeth,

It *is* crazy. The hole in the ozone layer doesn't exist anymore. There is no need to ban ALL use of CFC products. In this case, the economic harm done by banning CFC products entirely is far greater than the marginal environmental harm done by keeping them on the market.

I think it's ridiculous, but it's unlikely to be reversed anytime soon.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-182414 Elizabeth Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:57:00 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-182414 I think them banning albuterol is just outrageous! I personally remember a few years back that they changed these inhalers because of the cfc's now they go and ban them which is just stupid. In the 80's with all the cfc's that were used in the hair spray had more effect on the enviroment then the cfc's in an inhaler. They are worried about the enviroment now when they have already polluted the whole planet! Makes no sense to me. To breath or not to breath. I cant afford the $56.00 they want for the new inhaler they say i have to get. So i get to sit here and not hardly breath because they get rid of the albuterol. I think them banning albuterol is just outrageous! I personally remember a few years back that they changed these inhalers because of the cfc's now they go and ban them which is just stupid. In the 80's with all the cfc's that were used in the hair spray had more effect on the enviroment then the cfc's in an inhaler. They are worried about the enviroment now when they have already polluted the whole planet! Makes no sense to me. To breath or not to breath. I cant afford the $56.00 they want for the new inhaler they say i have to get. So i get to sit here and not hardly breath because they get rid of the albuterol.

]]> By: stephanie parker http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181797 stephanie parker Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:48:45 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181797 Thanks for the information. I'll amend what I was going to say on the voice for the uninsured website. Since every doctor & pharmacist will applaud if the ban on CFC inhalers is reversed, maybe you could all get behind something to help make it happen. Thanks for the information. I'll amend what I was going to say on the voice for the uninsured website.

Since every doctor & pharmacist will applaud if the ban on CFC inhalers is reversed, maybe you could all get behind something to help make it happen.

]]> By: RJS http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181788 RJS Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:51:14 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181788 Yes I am rude, crude, and far more vulgar in person than here on my blog. I'm also a bastard, because I don't know my father. So you're right on all counts, there. And since we're in a pissing match, we're both wrong. CFC inhalers were banned by the FDA, not the EPA, because of the <a href="http://www.unep.org/ozone/Montreal-Protocol/Montreal-Protocol2000.shtml" rel="nofollow">Montreal Protocal</a>. Take it up with them. Every pharmacist and doctor in America will stand up and applaud if the ban on CFC inhalers is reversed. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2005/ANS01349.html <blockquote>I don't believe pharmacies make more on a $10 generic than a $70 brand. I don't have insurance. I pay full price.</blockquote> Your belief is not required to make it so, but this fact is quite well known. If you pay $70 for something like Proair HFA, the pharmacy is probably only keeping ~$1.50. If you pay $30 for a generic CFC formulation, the pharmacy is keeping about $10. Actual numbers may vary, but relative percentages are ballpark. If you want to start conspiracy theories about who's influencing who, you might want to blame the drug companies, because they're the only ones profiting from this. And lest you think I am a completely insensitive bastard, you might want to read these: http://onthepharm.net/2007/12/how-much-does-nexium-cost.html http://onthepharm.net/2007/09/generic-carvedilol.html http://onthepharm.net/2007/12/keep-up-if-you-can-jay-parkinson.html Yes I am rude, crude, and far more vulgar in person than here on my blog. I'm also a bastard, because I don't know my father. So you're right on all counts, there.

And since we're in a pissing match, we're both wrong. CFC inhalers were banned by the FDA, not the EPA, because of the Montreal Protocal. Take it up with them. Every pharmacist and doctor in America will stand up and applaud if the ban on CFC inhalers is reversed.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2005/ANS01349.html

I don't believe pharmacies make more on a $10 generic than a $70 brand. I don't have insurance. I pay full price.

Your belief is not required to make it so, but this fact is quite well known. If you pay $70 for something like Proair HFA, the pharmacy is probably only keeping ~$1.50. If you pay $30 for a generic CFC formulation, the pharmacy is keeping about $10.

Actual numbers may vary, but relative percentages are ballpark.

If you want to start conspiracy theories about who's influencing who, you might want to blame the drug companies, because they're the only ones profiting from this.

And lest you think I am a completely insensitive bastard, you might want to read these:

http://onthepharm.net/2007/12/how-much-does-nexium-cost.html

http://onthepharm.net/2007/09/generic-carvedilol.html

http://onthepharm.net/2007/12/keep-up-if-you-can-jay-parkinson.html

]]> By: stephanie parker http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181786 stephanie parker Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:01:32 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181786 you are a rude, crude, vulgar bastard. You medical people are all blatant liars. The Montreal Protocol, by name, exempted CFC inhalers from the CFC ban. Doctors pushed to get them banned. I don't believe pharmacies make more on a $10 generic than a $70 brand. I don't have insurance. I pay full price. http://www.breatherville.org/MDITransitionTEAM/?gclid=CPDWsbrp2JUCFQukHgodCF4qXg Here is the website with all the medical associations supporting this. you are a rude, crude, vulgar bastard. You medical people are all blatant liars. The Montreal Protocol, by name, exempted CFC inhalers from the CFC ban. Doctors pushed to get them banned. I don't believe pharmacies make more on a $10 generic than a $70 brand. I don't have insurance. I pay full price.

http://www.breatherville.org/MDITransitionTEAM/?gclid=CPDWsbrp2JUCFQukHgodCF4qXg

Here is the website with all the medical associations supporting this.

]]> By: RJS http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181785 RJS Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:40:22 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181785 People like you are what's wrong with this country, stephanie. Morons who open their mouth and spout off about something they know nothing about. (And who obviously haven't bothered to try to educate themselves before mouthing off.) It's really a pity your vote counts as much as mine. But back on topic: The medical profession has NOTHING to do with the decision to go HFA-only. In fact, most of the medical profession (myself included) think it's a waste of time and money. Blame the fools chasing after CFC pollution and the hole in the ozone. (That would be the EPA, since it's obvious you're too ignorant to figure this out without someone spoon-feeding it to you.) I don't know why I'm bothering to try to educate you, but pharmacies make more money on generic medications than on brand-name medications. That means we make more money filling your beloved CFC inhaler than the HFA inhalers you apparently so detest. So take your misplaced vitriol and stuff it up your ass. People like you are what's wrong with this country, stephanie. Morons who open their mouth and spout off about something they know nothing about. (And who obviously haven't bothered to try to educate themselves before mouthing off.)

It's really a pity your vote counts as much as mine.

But back on topic:

The medical profession has NOTHING to do with the decision to go HFA-only. In fact, most of the medical profession (myself included) think it's a waste of time and money.

Blame the fools chasing after CFC pollution and the hole in the ozone. (That would be the EPA, since it's obvious you're too ignorant to figure this out without someone spoon-feeding it to you.)

I don't know why I'm bothering to try to educate you, but pharmacies make more money on generic medications than on brand-name medications. That means we make more money filling your beloved CFC inhaler than the HFA inhalers you apparently so detest.

So take your misplaced vitriol and stuff it up your ass.

]]> By: stephanie parker http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181784 stephanie parker Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:29:12 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181784 HFA inhalers don't work and are an obvious ploy of the medical profession to drum up more business in increased office and hospital visits and more money for pharmacies, many of which are owned by doctors. It is another example of the shameless greed operating in this country at the expense of its citizens. People have died from HFA inhalers, and more will, especially people who can't afford insurance. These people, like myself, just found out that their rescue inhaler has been eliminated and no replacement is in place. What are we supposed to do? Die? HFA inhalers don't work and are an obvious ploy of the medical profession to drum up more business in increased office and hospital visits and more money for pharmacies, many of which are owned by doctors. It is another example of the shameless greed operating in this country at the expense of its citizens. People have died from HFA inhalers, and more will, especially people who can't afford insurance. These people, like myself, just found out that their rescue inhaler has been eliminated and no replacement is in place. What are we supposed to do? Die?

]]> By: RJS http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181477 RJS Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:21:09 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181477 <blockquote>Sorry, RJS. I wish you told me sooner.</blockquote> No worries. :)

Sorry, RJS. I wish you told me sooner.

No worries. :)

]]> By: Susan http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181476 Susan Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:51:27 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181476 Why does everyone get off the subject? I know Lewis. Nice, kind man. Not Nancy Sander. The main concern is about CFC/HFA inhalers. What does any of this petty finger-pointing solve? There are websites all over the net for good information. Why does everyone get off the subject? I know Lewis. Nice, kind man. Not Nancy Sander. The main concern is about CFC/HFA inhalers. What does any of this petty finger-pointing solve? There are websites all over the net for good information.

]]> By: Arthur Abramson http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181475 Arthur Abramson Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:33:02 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181475 I just love these Allergy and Asthma Network MOTHERS of Asthmatics (AANMA) cheerleaders- most of these posts are written by their founder and president, Nancy Sander- under her various aliases (TangoLou, etc, etc, etc)- or one of her staff. A very mature group of individuals. They've posted virtually identical emails on various blogs to drum up business for her paid membership, tax-exempt, 'non-profit' for as long as I can remember. Now she's asking Congress to spend millions of dollars for 'patient education' on the 'transition'- which, coincidentally, is what her 'non-profit' does. She takes a lot of money from the drug companies for 'patient education' as well. This is what I meant when I said they've turned 'the transition' into a cottage industry. If anyone needs to deal with one of these non-profits for 'patient education' because your doctor can't tell you how to clean and use your inhaler, go to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America- they are the least obnoxious of the three. And Nancy- you never took a "College Science Class"- that's part of your problem. What post talked about "Chemical Compound information and ratios"? And I'll tell you one more thing, Nancy- our paths will cross much more frequently in the media now. If I EVER read a quote from you or your organization like this: "HFA inhalers do work." without qualifying that statement by acknowledging the FACT (which I know you are well aware of) that there ARE some people who did well on CFC MDIs who do NOT do well on HFA MDIs, you will regret it. I give you my word on that. Have a nice day, Nancy, Arthur Abramson The National Campaign to Save CFC Asthma Inhalers http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveCFCinhalers/ or google: "save CFC" I just love these Allergy and Asthma Network MOTHERS of Asthmatics (AANMA) cheerleaders- most of these posts are written by their founder and president, Nancy Sander- under her various aliases (TangoLou, etc, etc, etc)- or one of her staff. A very mature group of individuals. They've posted virtually identical emails on various blogs to drum up business for her paid membership, tax-exempt, 'non-profit' for as long as I can remember. Now she's asking Congress to spend millions of dollars for 'patient education' on the 'transition'- which, coincidentally, is what her 'non-profit' does. She takes a lot of money from the drug companies for 'patient education' as well. This is what I meant when I said they've turned 'the transition' into a cottage industry.

If anyone needs to deal with one of these non-profits for 'patient education' because your doctor can't tell you how to clean and use your inhaler, go to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America- they are the least obnoxious of the three.

And Nancy- you never took a "College Science Class"- that's part of your problem. What post talked about "Chemical Compound information and ratios"? And I'll tell you one more thing, Nancy- our paths will cross much more frequently in the media now. If I EVER read a quote from you or your organization like this: "HFA inhalers do work." without qualifying that statement by acknowledging the FACT (which I know you are well aware of) that there ARE some people who did well on CFC MDIs who do NOT do well on HFA MDIs, you will regret it. I give you my word on that.

Have a nice day, Nancy,

Arthur Abramson
The National Campaign to Save CFC Asthma Inhalers
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveCFCinhalers/

or google: "save CFC"

]]> By: Lewis http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181474 Lewis Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:22:38 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181474 I would like for this thread to get back to the isuue at hand. We are just normal people. I feel like I am back in my College Science Class. It does not matter how or why this happened. Knowing the Chemical Compound information and ratios,etc. does not help us breathe any better. We should be told good solid information that we can use now not in 2010. A woman helped myself and my family and many others with the transition. She showed us the way and how to get the correct iformation. All of us had rough spots but we had a successful transition, as have many. Get the facts you can use. The ALA and AANMA have easy to follow steps. The FDA website is also very educational. Help is out there. This will not be changed. HFA inhalers do work. I would like for this thread to get back to the isuue at hand. We are just normal people. I feel like I am back in my College Science Class. It does not matter how or why this happened. Knowing the Chemical Compound information and ratios,etc. does not help us breathe any better. We should be told good solid information that we can use now not in 2010. A woman helped myself and my family and many others with the transition. She showed us the way and how to get the correct iformation. All of us had rough spots but we had a successful transition, as have many. Get the facts you can use. The ALA and AANMA have easy to follow steps. The FDA website is also very educational. Help is out there. This will not be changed. HFA inhalers do work.

]]> By: Arthur Abramson http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181473 Arthur Abramson Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:05:59 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181473 perril, Thanks for the reply. We may only be talking about 1-3% of the population of 40 million US CFC MDI users (I thought it was 35 million- I saw this number on a credible site last night- the number is in this area) who can't handle HFA MDIs, who were doing fine with CFC MDIs (primarily albuterol complaints, but a lot of COPD complaints about Atrovent also, we get others as well, and we are really just getting started. COPD patients were NEVER tested with HFA MDIs as far as Hendeles, Colice and Myers know- March 2007 NEJM- and a lot of them are are in a world of hurt). We just got a complaint from a young paraplegic- she is in trouble with HFA- no pulmonary disease but she needs albuterol when she needs it and the HFA doesn't do it- cystic fibrosis patients, lung cancer- it goes on and on- there ARE a LOT of people who are being BADLY HURT FOR NO REASON, all of your studies/papers notwithstanding. Studies and papers DO NOT tell the whole story- they never did and never will. Any REAL doctor knows this. You want to talk about agendas? We have a top level official of the allergy/immunology college- their past rep to the 'US Stakeholders to the MDI Transition'- Dr. Finegold- telling Forbes in July that the CFC MDI ban will prevent a large number of skin cancer deaths, ok? I have the reference. And as bad as your temper is, I guess mine is worse. We have the American Lung Association, Allergy Asthma Foundation of America, and Allergy Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics- all making a cottage industry out of this 'transition', all paid off big-time by the drug companies- petitioning the FDA to ACCELERATE the CFC MDI BAN in 2004 on behalf of ASTHMA patients- not because CFCs weren't great products, but because it was MUCH more profitable to get on the CFC MDI/ozone depletion bandwagon. They ALL need to lose their tax-exempt status yesterday. One day, take some time and read our complaints from MDs, PhDs, RRTs, RNs, intelligent civilians who ARE using the MDIs correctly, and keep telling yourself that the papers and studies invalidate their comments. I gave up a huge amount of time I should have spent on my business since I first got into this 17 months ago when I was given my first Proair and found out what this was all about. I pay all expenses. We accept no funding/compensation from anyone. So people are welcome to speculate about my 'agenda' all they want- it doesn't bother me a bit- unless/until it becomes slander or libel. Re logistics- gas manufacturer, CFC MDI componenents manufacturer, outstanding MDI manufacturer all ready willing and able to produce if they get the green light- this is NOT an issue. Re harming naive patients- naive patients listen to their doctors, not to me. I've never told anyone NOT to take their meds, and I won't accept responsibility for what fools do- nor will I lose sleep over it. I am focused on REAL people in REAL distress. Either there are a massive number of people who agree that this needs to be changed and are willing to lobby Congress and the Administration, looking towards the 2010 elections as a deadline- or there are not. If there are- we'll change it- no matter who likes it or doesn't like it. If there are not enough people willing to fight this- at least I'll know I did my best. Doing nothing, laying down for this collection of lying, greedy (expletives deleted), for me, is not an option. Take care, perril, Arthur Abramson The National Campaign to Save CFC Asthma Inhalers http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveCFCinhalers/ or google: 'save cfc' perril,

Thanks for the reply.

We may only be talking about 1-3% of the population of 40 million US CFC MDI users (I thought it was 35 million- I saw this number on a credible site last night- the number is in this area) who can't handle HFA MDIs, who were doing fine with CFC MDIs (primarily albuterol complaints, but a lot of COPD complaints about Atrovent also, we get others as well, and we are really just getting started. COPD patients were NEVER tested with HFA MDIs as far as Hendeles, Colice and Myers know- March 2007 NEJM- and a lot of them are are in a world of hurt).

We just got a complaint from a young paraplegic- she is in trouble with HFA- no pulmonary disease but she needs albuterol when she needs it and the HFA doesn't do it- cystic fibrosis patients, lung cancer- it goes on and on- there ARE a LOT of people who are being BADLY HURT FOR NO REASON, all of your studies/papers notwithstanding. Studies and papers DO NOT tell the whole story- they never did and never will. Any REAL doctor knows this.

You want to talk about agendas? We have a top level official of the allergy/immunology college- their past rep to the 'US Stakeholders to the MDI Transition'- Dr. Finegold- telling Forbes in July that the CFC MDI ban will prevent a large number of skin cancer deaths, ok? I have the reference. And as bad as your temper is, I guess mine is worse. We have the American Lung Association, Allergy Asthma Foundation of America, and Allergy Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics- all making a cottage industry out of this 'transition', all paid off big-time by the drug companies- petitioning the FDA to ACCELERATE the CFC MDI BAN in 2004 on behalf of ASTHMA patients- not because CFCs weren't great products, but because it was MUCH more profitable to get on the CFC MDI/ozone depletion bandwagon. They ALL need to lose their tax-exempt status yesterday.

One day, take some time and read our complaints from MDs, PhDs, RRTs, RNs, intelligent civilians who ARE using the MDIs correctly, and keep telling yourself that the papers and studies invalidate their comments. I gave up a huge amount of time I should have spent on my business since I first got into this 17 months ago when I was given my first Proair and found out what this was all about. I pay all expenses. We accept no funding/compensation from anyone. So people are welcome to speculate about my 'agenda' all they want- it doesn't bother me a bit- unless/until it becomes slander or libel.

Re logistics- gas manufacturer, CFC MDI componenents manufacturer, outstanding MDI manufacturer all ready willing and able to produce if they get the green light- this is NOT an issue.

Re harming naive patients- naive patients listen to their doctors, not to me. I've never told anyone NOT to take their meds, and I won't accept responsibility for what fools do- nor will I lose sleep over it. I am focused on REAL people in REAL distress. Either there are a massive number of people who agree that this needs to be changed and are willing to lobby Congress and the Administration, looking towards the 2010 elections as a deadline- or there are not. If there are- we'll change it- no matter who likes it or doesn't like it. If there are not enough people willing to fight this- at least I'll know I did my best. Doing nothing, laying down for this collection of lying, greedy (expletives deleted), for me, is not an option.

Take care, perril,

Arthur Abramson
The National Campaign to Save CFC Asthma Inhalers
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveCFCinhalers/

or google: 'save cfc'

]]> By: Arthur Abramson http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html/comment-page-1#comment-181472 Arthur Abramson Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:15:39 +0000 http://onthepharm.net/2007/03/albuterol-hfa-and-proventilventolin-substitutions.html#comment-181472 Sorry, RJS. I wish you told me sooner. Sorry, RJS. I wish you told me sooner.

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