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EPA to ban affordable inhalers?

I'm going to totally ignore the environmental aspects of this silly EPA edict and jump right to the elephant in the room. WTF? Anyone with asthma who treats it with weak, relatively ineffective epinephrine OTC medications ( Asthma Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatment Medications and Information on Asthma Management on MedicineNet.com ) is playing Russian roulette with their lives. Almost all asthma patients are on prescription albuterol rescue inhalers. So this epinephrine idiocy will probably affect few real asthma sufferers.

What makes me bolt upright is the thought that if they can do this for an OTC inhaler, what's to stop them from banning albuterol and other rescue inhalers from sufferers of asthma, emphysema, COPD, bronchitus, etc. Since when can the EPA make medical decisions for the entire populace on its own?

Their own logic is astoundingly stupid. Inhalers are not hairsprays that fill the air with noxious fumes. The contents are inhaled directly into the lungs, held there for as long as possible, and exhaled as carbon dioxide (as is every breath one exhales). What kind of roaring incompetents are filling jobs at the EPA anyway? This is assinine... and it has the potential to be deadly. :2mad:

Yes, it does, and it concerns me. I use an albuterol inhaler.
 
You know, sometimes the government responds to what somebody else tells them.

Like, when the entire scientific community goes "Whoah crap we need to stop using these like pronto."

Are you calling Reagan a "big government" type? He signed the treaty, dude.

I wonder how many of them own stock in the companies that make the new puffers. It's also scientists that say that we're all doomed, because of global warming.



You can prove that it does?

Well, the price went up on the puffers. A purdy good indicator, that is.
 
Important Facts.

1) The U.S. is bound by the Montreal treaty, signed in 1987, which has timetables for phasing our a ozone attacking gases called CFC. CFC is used to propel the drug in an inhaler.
2) The FDA mandated the end of most CFC inhalers back in 2008. This article is about a specific type of inhaler for that dispenses epinephrine that is being taken off the market by 2012.
3) The CFC propellant has largely been replaced by another type of gases called HFA in most inhalers.
4) There is no HFA version that dispenses the epinephrine drug. Users will have to switch to an entirely different drug called albuterol.
5) The Pharma industry made a deliberate choice not to develop an HFA epinephrine inhaler back in 2007, even though the FDA pointed out there were no technical barriers.

Its easier to force consumers to buy a new more expensive prescription drug than create an actual replacement. Yet another example of the American public being bent over by the drug industry.

The last 2 sentences make sense for companies. It costs A LOT of money for them to create new drugs. They have to pay for research, scientist's salaries, FDA testing and more.
 
Ever stop to think that it might actually cost more to manufacture the new puffers? Kinda like when the EPA outlawed R12 refigerent and forced us to use 134A, which is three times more expensive.

They DID update their more expensive, prescription products. Which were about the same relative cost to the non-prescription variety as now. So its not that.
And you forget the need for a prescription now.
 
As long as the inhalers remain affordable I dont see the big deal. But if they expect people to go from a 10 dollar inhaler to a 100 dollar one, that can be a different story. I dont know the price of inhalers btw...
 
The last 2 sentences make sense for companies. It costs A LOT of money for them to create new drugs. They have to pay for research, scientist's salaries, FDA testing and more.

Government helps with research quite a bit. You might look up teaching institutions and their contrabution to research.
 
Was just doing a bit of reading about what is replacing the CFC based epinephrin*e inhalers in other countries - hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) based epinephrin*e inhalers. This is the propellant Big Pharm switched to in its more lucrative products. Seems the FDA has been dragging it feet on approving the HFA inhalers for US use - not surprising considering the FDA lives in Big Pharm's pocket.
 
You know, sometimes the government responds to what somebody else tells them.

Like, when the entire scientific community goes "Whoah crap we need to stop using these like pronto."

Are you calling Reagan a "big government" type? He signed the treaty, dude.



You can prove that it does?



So.. you're suspicious of essentially every aspect of modern medicine? Do you have any specific reason to believe that tiny doses of CFCs in an inhaler would have direct health impacts or is it just more of a general "omg it's a chemical" thing?

Yes - I am suspicious. Highly suspicious. Does that seem over the top?

This is the same chemical that is used in your air-conditioner (freon) - same stuff. You think it's safe to inhale this intentionally and directly?

According ot this study done the alternative means of propellant increase the rate of absorption and thus would require less dosage. Pharmacokinetics of chlorofluorocarbon and hydrofluoroalkane metered-dose inhaler formulations of beclomethasone dipropionate

If my children used inhalers I would have switched over (and likely I would have known about this from the start and just sidestepped it completely)
 
This is more about Big Pharm wanting to see this low-cost alternative gone than the ozone or EPA. The same company that makes this has switched the propellant in its more expensive inhaled products but not this one. If they can blame the government for this and make it stick, well that's gravy.

And they would be doing this without the government. Making money is about making money.
 
Government helps with research quite a bit. You might look up teaching institutions and their contrabution to research.

Well that is something I do not like about Pharmaceuticals companies. They receive all kinds of grants and government aid, they should pay atleast some of it back. But I guess they do with taxes on their products.
 
Well that is something I do not like about Pharmaceuticals companies. They receive all kinds of grants and government aid, they should pay atleast some of it back. But I guess they do with taxes on their products.

They also employ many high paying scientists who are looking for new drugs.

It is amusing to read the different threads on this site. On one thread folks will bemoan the loss of competitiveness and jobs which has shrunk our middle class. The same thread and many more will then demonize yet another industry.

It would be interesting to see how many industries have been demonized both here and by this administration and how much of our GDP those industries make up.
 
As long as the inhalers remain affordable I dont see the big deal. But if they expect people to go from a 10 dollar inhaler to a 100 dollar one, that can be a different story. I dont know the price of inhalers btw...

According to the article it might be $20 to $60 PLUS the cost of a doctors visit. So what would that be? $115 extra?
 
Obama Administration to ban Asthma Inhalers over Environmental Concerns

first off, it's asthma sufferers own dang fault for not organizing and sending more checks to the Obama 2012 campaign.

Asthma patients who rely on over-the-counter inhalers will need to switch to prescription-only alternatives as part of the federal government's latest attempt to protect the Earth's atmosphere...

But the switch to a greener inhaler will cost consumers more. Epinephrine inhalers are available via online retailers for around $20, whereas the alternatives, which contain the drug albuterol, range from $30 to $60...

oh well, not like poor people ever get asthma, right?
 
Re: Obama Administration to ban Asthma Inhalers over Environmental Concerns

Edit: (nvm). So this is being force and banning regular pumps? No choice?
 
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Re: Obama Administration to ban Asthma Inhalers over Environmental Concerns

So it would seem.
 
Please tell me this is just hyperbole and not really the EPA's position.

Asthma patients who rely on over-the-counter inhalers will need to switch to prescription-only alternatives as part of the federal government's latest attempt to protect the Earth's atmosphere.
The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday patients who use the epinephrine inhalers to treat mild asthma will need to switch by Dec. 31 to other types that do not contain chlorofluorocarbons, an aerosol substance once found in a variety of spray products.
The action is part of an agreement signed by the U.S. and other nations to stop using substances that deplete the ozone layer, a region in the atmosphere that helps block harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun.
But the switch to a greener inhaler will cost consumers more. Epinephrine inhalers are available via online retailers for around $20, whereas the alternatives, which contain the drug albuterol, range from $30 to $60.


We couldn't make this other type of inhalers available over the counter? I thought this administrations position was in making health care more affordable.

Obama Administration to Ban Asthma Inhalers Over Environmental Concerns | The Weekly Standard

Are you only just getting around to this NOW?? We got rid of CFC's YEARS ago!

http://www.debatepolitics.com/breaking-news-mainstream-media/109027-epa-ban-affordable-inhalers.html
 
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Well that is something I do not like about Pharmaceuticals companies. They receive all kinds of grants and government aid, they should pay atleast some of it back. But I guess they do with taxes on their products.

Since America is lagging the rest of the world on this there should be no excuse for the price hike
 
Our country routinely ignores treaties for the sake of its own interests. I don't think CFC inhalers are causing that much damage to the environment, given that major CFC sources have been phased out of our society.

It disturbs me greatly how even agencies that have nothing to do with the medical sector pay lip service to the pharmaceutical industry. The lobbying and corporate infiltration is systemic.
 
Moderator's Warning:
Two threads merged
 
Obama Administration Set to Ban Asthma Inhalers

Asthma patients who rely on over-the-counter inhalers will need to switch to prescription-only alternatives as part of the federal government's latest attempt to protect the Earth's atmosphere.
The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday patients who use the epinephrine inhalers to treat mild asthma will need to switch by Dec. 31 to other types that do not contain chlorofluorocarbons, an aerosol substance once found in a variety of spray products.
The action is part of an agreement signed by the U.S. and other nations to stop using substances that deplete the ozone layer, a region in the atmosphere that helps block harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun.
But the switch to a greener inhaler will cost consumers more. Epinephrine inhalers are available via online retailers for around $20, whereas the alternatives, which contain the drug albuterol, range from $30 to $60.


I have really bad asthma that has been under control by my intake of a steroid inhaler called Symbicort. I also take an Albuterol rescue inhaler wherever I go. I have noticed remarkable results with Symbicort, whereas my previous inhaler, Advair stopped working for me. It looks like the Obama administration has deemed that I and all the rest of the asthma sufferers must die in order to save the environment. Gee, I didn't know I would be forced to fall upon my sword for all this. I smell Cass Sundstein in the works, here.
 
Re: Obama Administration Set to Ban Asthma Inhalers

I have really bad asthma that has been under control by my intake of a steroid inhaler called Symbicort. I also take an Albuterol rescue inhaler wherever I go. I have noticed remarkable results with Symbicort, whereas my previous inhaler, Advair stopped working for me. It looks like the Obama administration has deemed that I and all the rest of the asthma sufferers must die in order to save the environment. Gee, I didn't know I would be forced to fall upon my sword for all this. I smell Cass Sundstein in the works, here.

Assuming you're under a doctor's care in some way and can get a prescription, it looks like it shouldn't be a problem.

I thought Symbicort was prescription only anyway. I could be wrong.
 
Yes - I am suspicious. Highly suspicious. Does that seem over the top?

This is the same chemical that is used in your air-conditioner (freon) - same stuff. You think it's safe to inhale this intentionally and directly?

According ot this study done the alternative means of propellant increase the rate of absorption and thus would require less dosage. Pharmacokinetics of chlorofluorocarbon and hydrofluoroalkane metered-dose inhaler formulations of beclomethasone dipropionate

If my children used inhalers I would have switched over (and likely I would have known about this from the start and just sidestepped it completely)

And yet you seem totally willing to accept hydrofluoralkane shooting into a kid's lungs. I'm just taking a wild guess that you have no idea how dangerous either chemical is to breathe in. (CFC's, incidentally, are a wide range of chemicals. The substance in the inhaler is not freon) I have no idea either.

Food for thought: CFCs have been used for ages in inhalers. You'd think somebody would have noticed health problems by now if there were any, right?
 
I'm an asthmatic and when they EPA went full retard and decided to ban CFC inhalers the price of inhalers went up. I also think that they don't work as well (just my opinion having used both of the inhalers). It was unnecessary.

Also to the OP though. To my knowledge there are no OTC asthma rescue inhalers. I cannot support making albuterol or other inhalers OTC. They need to stay prescription only and a patient's asthma needs to be monitored by a physician. Also, just because something goes OTC does not mean it will become cheaper. For many people keeping medications prescription only saves them money because they can run the medication through their insurance.
 
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I'm an asthmatic and when they EPA went full retard and decided to ban CFC inhalers the price of inhalers went up. I also think that they don't work as well (just my opinion having used both of the inhalers). It was unnecessary.

Also to the OP though. To my knowledge there are no OTC asthma rescue inhalers. I cannot support making albuterol or other inhalers OTC. They need to stay prescription only and a patient's asthma needs to be monitored by a physician. Also, just because something goes OTC does not mean it will become cheaper. For many people keeping medications prescription only saves them money because they can run the medication through their insurance.

The EPA didn't ban CFC inhalers, it was the FDA and was done according to treaty obligations. The price when up because some complete BS that put HFA's back under patent, so there were no generics available. It was necessary, as a minor inconvenience for asthmatics is frankly worth the cost for avoiding UV exposure.
 
Re: Obama Administration Set to Ban Asthma Inhalers

The ban applies only to epinephrine inhalers with a cfc propellant. It is an OTC product called Primatine Mist. Your fears are unfounded, stoked by the GOP misinformation network.

...And the original agreement regarding the withdrawal was signed by Ronnie Reagan himself, not the Obama admin.
 
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