HFA inhalers- What is it all about? #5

   Earth's ozone layer helps protect us against ultraviolet radiation which can icause skin cancer and other problems. Many chemicals we pump into the atmosphere 24 hours a day can deplete this vital layer. One of chenmicals was the propellant used in Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs). Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were gradually removed from the asthmatic's rescue inhalers to comply with the "Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and replaced with Hydroflouroalkane (HFA). HFA on your inhaler tells you that this product is ozone safe.
   The removal of CFC was a gradual process taking a few years. Today most inhalers use HFA as the propellant. Many asthmatics (and COPD people as well) had problems with the new type inhaler. The HFA inhalers taste different and have a softer and warmer mist than the old CFC types. This lead many users to believe that the inhaler was not working properly. Actually, the finer mist in the HFA inhaler contains smaller particles which can improve the amount of drug that is deposited in the small airways of the lungs than the old CFC inhalers. This gives better and quicker improvement during an attack. Unfortunately,getting used to this new type of inhaler took some people a long time.

   A few things to remember about your HFA inhaler:

• your HFA inhaler must be properly cleaned (at least weekly). Check you individual inhaler for specific cleaning methods but in general, (1) remove the canister from the holder (2)Rinse the holder under running water for about 30 seconds (3)Shake off the excess water and let the holder dry overnight.                DO NOT SOAK THE CANISTER IN WATER.
• The inhaler must be "Primed" properly. When it has not been used for a long time or when it is new, spray the inhaler a few times into the air before use. If not primed correctly the inhaler may not give the correct amount of drug.

For more information of the HFA inhaler you can check this website (Food & Drug Administration)
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm077808.htm