Don't hold your breath for new inhalers.In response to a federal push to remove chlorofluorocarbons chlorofluorocarbons (klōr'əfl  r`əkär'bənz, klôr'–) (CFCs), organic compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. (CFCs)
from asthma inhalers by December 2008, some manufacturers have already
stopped production of CFC-containing inhalers and are employing a new,
more environmentally friendly propellant pro·pel·lant also pro·pel·lent n. 1. Something, such as an explosive charge or a rocket fuel, that propels or provides thrust. 2. , hydrofluoroalkane. But the new inhalers are still in short supply, and drug stores are beginning to see a shortage. Why? The new inhalers can cost up to three times more than their predecessors, and some manufacturers are reluctant to pursue the switch wholeheartedly whole·heart·ed adj. Marked by unconditional commitment, unstinting devotion, or unreserved enthusiasm: wholehearted approval. whole as long as the cheaper inhalers are available. For now, some experts suggest that asthma patients rely more on preventive treatments such as corticosteroids Corticosteroids Definition Corticosteroids are group of natural and synthetic analogues of the hormones secreted by the hypothalamic-anterior pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, more commonly referred to as the pituitary gland. . |
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