January 22, 2009

Beginning this January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the production of ozone harming inhalers, which contain a chlorofluorocarbon(CVC) propellant. It's a change met with mixed reactions, as the treatment works the same, but costs almost five times as much.

Pharmacies are now permitted to sell more environmentally-friendly, hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) inhalers.

University of Virginia allergist, Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills says the new HFA inhalers work the same, but taste slightly different. Doctors say that's not the only difference.

"The price has increased from $5.06 to nearly $30, which is a very serious issue for some people," said Dr. Platts-Mills.

Dr. Platts-Mills says 90% of the inhalers are covered completely by insurance, but the problem comes with people who have to pay directly.

Robert Vogt, an uninsured farmer from Luray, knows first hand the benefits inhalers provide.

"Feeding life stalk, hailin' hay and grain. It's all dusty and the dust would cause me to wheeze and have shortness of breath," said Vogt.

Vogt says taking two puffs of his inhaler in the morning and two in the afternoon is the only thing controlling his asthma.

"Everything I do is physical and with shortness of breath, I just couldn't work," said Vogt.

Vogt says if it's better for the environment and his health, the additional cost is a price he's willing to pay.

"I'm in favor of it," said Vogt.

Using the old inhalers is not illegal, so doctors don't expect the old CFC inhalers to disappear right away. Doctors believe it will be a gradual change over time.

Cheaper, generic brands are not yet available because the HFA inhalers are so new to the market. Doctors say there are groups coming up with ways of helping people pay for the inhalers.