India set to make the switch !!

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, CFCs in asthma inhalers were the last ones left for phase-out, as these were considered an “essential drug”. All 160 signatory countries had agreed to 2010 as the deadline for a 100 per cent CFC-free world.

For India, with an estimated 22-25 million asthma and bronchitis patients dependent on inhalers, the change to non-CFC alternatives is perceivably expensive and difficult.
The new CFC free MDIs use HFA (Hydro Fluoro Alkane) as the propellant & will be 20% more expensive than the conventional ones.

‘We are in the process of changing the technology, equipment and facility to roll out the new technology in inhalers. This has required a sizeable investment of nearly Rs 100 crore. The inhalers will be commercially available in the market, in phases, over the next few months,’ says Amar Lulla, joint MD, Cipla, which is the market leader in asthma inhalers. Drug major Ranbaxy has already introduced a range of inhalers using HFA technology.

The FDA has found that HFA inhalers are safe and effective, and patients should not find any significant differences from their CFC inhalers. However, some patients might find that the new inhalers have a slightly different taste or feel. The mist is less forceful & warmer. Also the new inhalers may need to be cleaned & cared for differently. Since all HFA inhalers do not contain the same inactive ingredients, one may want to try out more than one kind in advance of the deadline to find the most suitable one.