Complain about a product or service

HFA Inhalers

Janet of Wickenburg AZ (02/16/09)
I was given a sample PROAIR inhaler by my pulmonary doctor, and this was the first I learned that the CFC inhalers were being done away with. The inhaler made my chronic asthma worse - it made me cough, and I had trouble breathing for DAYS after use. My 24 year old son, who is also a lifelong, chronic asthmatic, had the exact same experience. Not only that, the new inhalers COST MORE at the pharmacy.

Upon further investigation, I learned that a part of the propellant being used is ETHANOL - jet fuel - KNOWN TO BE HARMFUL TO ASTHMATICS! I will not knowingly inhale ETHANOL and/or buy ANY product which uses ETHANOL as a propellant. I am now buying my inhalers OUTSIDE the UNITED STATES. And people wonder why this country is in the state it is in!

To promote the propoganda that the CFC propellant used by millions of asthmatics in their rescue inhalers, and to remove them from the market, when I can go to the corner drugstore and still buy EASY OFF OVEN CLEANER or AQUA NET HAIRSPRAY is a prime example of how ridiculous this ban on CFC inhalers is. It is obvious to me that profits by pharmaceutical companies are more important than the health of millions of asthmatics who rely on their rescue inhalers for every breath they take.

Consequences: Asthma attack BROUGHT ON by the product. Who knows if there was any permanent damage to my health from inhaling ETHANOL! I ceased use, and threw the product in the trash, as I was not willing to continue to jeopardize my health. Economic damage: out of pocket expense of 35.00 for my insurance co-pay.

April of St. Louis, MO February 16, 2009

April of St. Louis MO (02/16/09)
I was surprised when I got my first HFA inhaler. It was ProAir . My asthma is considered severe. I was used to using my inhaler and getting immediate relief. Shortly after using the new inhaler I felt the need to use it again. Then later again. I couldn't care less how the new inhalertastes. I need the inhaler to relax my lungs so I can breathe. The new inhaler never makes my lungs fully relax like the old CFC inhaler.

In the first week in the middle of the night I woke up needing my inhaler which I always keep under my pillow. I could not get relief from the new HFA inhaler! Quickly I ran to my purse where I had an old CFC inhaler and used that. Immediatly I could feel my lungs relaxing. I could then breathe freely and could go back to bed. The next morning I called my DR. and reported to him that the new inhaler didn't work so I needed my old one and was informed they were no longer legal or available! How can this happen? Our lives depend on these life saving inhalers. My DR. tested me while I was experiencing little asthma and was able to breathe deeply. Yes, after recieving the medicine I showed improvement. But when my asthma is severe or I have a full blown attack, I am incapable of breathing deeply or holding it in my lungs as needed in order for the medicine to have effect. Also when I get a virus that goes into my chest my asthma is so severe that I am put on 80mgs of prednisone to breathe. I also use my nebulizer every 4 hours. I need my inhaler to live. Help.

I am unable to go the places I used to go. I am a travel agent and travel is my passion. Now I need to be within minutes of a hospital for emergency treatment. My asthma has become unstable. I used to be pretty active but now I fear vigorous activity that will bring on more severe asthma. My ears have begun to ring all the time interfering with sleep. I also just in the last few days experience a feeling of flash disorientation that I never had before. As time goes on I continue to experience side effects. I fear my life is and increasingly will be greatly harmed without my old inhalers. Please help.

Sammye of Powell, TN February 16, 2009

Sammye of Powell TN (02/16/09)
I am not a medical professionl or pharmacist and didn't really KNOW what is in the Pro Air inhaler that we are being FORCED to use....all I can tell you is...1. they do NOT work nearly as well, therefore you use them more often, placing you at risk...and 2. I have actually counted the puffs. and there is NOT 200 puffs in them! I complained to my pharmacist at Walgreens here in Powell, TN..and she said she has had nothing but complaints about them..but that her hands are tied.

I complained to my insurance company..they said they cannot cover the old inhalers anymore..its the Pro Airs or nothing. I talked to my doctor, he said he cannot give me a script for the old ones either and he also said he has heard nothing but complaints from them either. WHEN is anyone going to listen to the PATIENTS? They don't work correctly. Period.

The economic impact was immediate..because they do NOT work well, you use them more and the puffs are NOT measured correctly..you buy more of them ..and therein is the whole bottom line..the ...the manufacturers are making more on them. ONE inhaler cost over %40...my doc always writes a script for me to get two at at time...but..again...since they do not WORK right, sometimes I would have to pay for one or two out of my pocket since my ins wouldn't cover more than the 2 a month.

I have also gotten very sick to my stomach with them. I am now on a nebulizer, so not as dependent on my inhaler, but so many do depend on them. I know that many are having to use them more than the other inhalers, and I know serious damage can result from that. I am an ALPHA1/Lung patient...and I need something that is safe and will work!!

Catherine of Salt Lake City, UT February 16, 2009

Catherine of Salt Lake City UT (02/16/09)
My adult daughter has had asthma since she was a child. She has always used a Ventolin CFC rescue inhaler with great success (only needing 1 or 2 puffs). It seems that she is now one of the unlucky ones for whom the new HFA inhalers DO NOT WORK as expected!

She needs to use 5 or 6 puffs, and it leaves her with visible tremors and shaking for nearly 30 minutes after using the inhaler. I have witnessed this first hand. She has even used an old expired CFC inhaler after the HFA one was not working, and gotten immediate relief from the expired inhaler! For SOME people, the HFA inhalers simply DO NOT WORK. My daughter should have the opportunity to choose what works for her, so she can breathe, so she can stay alive!

Nancy of Chicago, IL February 16, 2009

Nancy of Chicago IL (02/16/09)
Please give us back our CFC inhalers. This is like living in Nazi Germany where no one cares if you live or die. ProAir inhalers get clogged after every few uses. The inhaler doesn't care if you are in the middle of an Asthma Attack or not.

I am a senior citizen. The recession will not matter if I cannot breathe. Money doesn't help you breathe when you are in the middle of an Attack. Please bring back the CFC inhalers. Please.

Brett of Fenton, MO February 16, 2009