Asthma Handbook

Chloro-Fluoro Carbon-Free Inhalers

Since it has been shown that CFCs have the potential to damage the ozone layer, the manufacture of aerosols that contain CFCs is gradually being phased out. From January 1995 in the European Union and January 1996 in the rest of the developed world production of CFCs has been produced for non-medical aerosols but CFC use in medical serosols has been considered essential. However, they are gradually being phased out for medical use as erll. The pharmaceutical industry has developed new non-CFC propellants which do not damage the ozone layer. These new propellants have been extensively tested. They will contain exactly the same medicines as the CFC aerosols. They may look, feel and taste different but the medicine they dispense will be the same.

During the changeover it is important for asthma patients and their doctors or nurses to understand the reasons for the change. Patients should only be changed to the new non-CFC inhalers when they feel confident about changing and after full discussion with their doctor or nurse. It is then important to ensure that future presciptions are for the new product to avoid condusion during the period when both CFC and non-CFC inhalers are available.

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