Asthma Patients Concerned By Changes To Inhalers

Matthew Ferraro, 8, is well-versed in the ways of his inhaler.

“You take off the cap, take a deep breath and put it in your mouth and push this button,” he explained.

But Ferraro and millions of others with asthma will have to learn a new way soon. Starting Jan. 1, the ones that have been around for years will be banned because they're not environmentally friendly.

The main ingredient, albuterol, will stay the same, but asthma specialist Dr. Deborah Gentile said the chemical propellant that delivers it will change.

“The old propellants are CFC's, or chlorofluorocarbons. They actually cause depletion of the ozone layer, which can contribute to increased skin cancer risks and just problems in general,” Gentile said.

CFC's will be replaced by HFA's, which are better for the environment. But inhalers with HFA's will cost more because they're made with brand names and don’t have generic alternatives like the old ones.

Because Ferraro’s mother and sister also have asthma, the price difference will add up.

“For a generic like I could use before, I would have paid $10. Now, for the name brand I have to switch to, I have to pay $35 for the co-pay instead,” said Tammie Ferraro, Matthew’s mother.

The family uses three inhalers a month so they'll go from paying $360 a year for the generics to around $1,200 a year for the new ones.

“Patients that don't have insurance coverage can certainly be in a bind,” Ferraro said.

But price isn't the only concern. The new inhalers have a weaker spray, which could cause patients to use more than necessary. They have to be pumped more to prime them, up to four times, and they require a slower inhale, which for many patients, will take some getting used to.

Currently, four companies are making the new inhalers and each one is a little different, so asthma patients should check with their doctors to find out which type will work best for them.

Some companies are offering financial assistance or even free inhalers.

Experts say the new inhalers are just as effective as the old ones and they also have the same rate of side effects.

MORE INFO: Asthma Inhaler Changes