Phase Out of Maxair Autohaler - Questions and Answers
1. Why are Maxair inhalers being phased out?
Maxair Autohalers are being phased out because they contain chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, which are substances that harm the environment because they decrease the protective ozone layer above the Earth.
Under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the United States and other participating countries promised to make it illegal to make or sell substances that decrease the ozone layer, including CFCs, after certain dates.
Maxair Autohalers use CFCs as propellants (spray) to move the medicine out of the inhaler so patients can breathe the medicine into their lungs.
2. When will Maxair Autohalers be gone?
Maxair Autohalers cannot be made or sold after December 31, 2013.
3. What should I do if I use a Maxair Autohaler?
If you use Maxair Autohaler, talk with your health care professional about switching to a medicine that does not contain CFCs as Maxair Autohaler will not be available after December 31, 2013.
If you have a Maxair Autohaler, you can use the product after December 31, 2013, as long it has not expired. Check the expiration date, which can be found on the product and its packaging.
4. What other inhalers can I use for my asthma?
There are many other inhalers available in the United States that do not contain CFCs. Alternatives to Maxair Autohaler include albuterol HFA inhalers. Hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) are different propellants (spray) than CFCs. Albuterol is also available for use with a nebulizer. Talk to your health care professional to decide which choice is right for you. To see some of the FDA-approved treatments for asthma and COPD, visit the web page: Drug Treatments for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease that Do Not Use Chlorofluorocarbons.
5. How can I find out more about the phase-out of CFC inhalers?
More information about the phase-out of CFC inhalers can be found on these FDA webpages:
- Phase-Out of CFC Metered-Dose Inhalers Containing flunisolide, triamcinolone, metaproterenol, pirbuterol, albuterol and ipratropium in combination, cromolyn, and nedocromil
- Phase-Out of CFC Metered-Dose Inhalers.