Posted on 12/29/2007 10:02:50 AM PST by grundle
This is the problem with the politicians, and especially those who are so worried about the environment: They forget what and who is important -- people. The reason I say this is because of what has happened with prescription inhalers used for asthma treatment.
I recently needed to refill my inhaler and was told by the local pharmacist that the inhaler was now different because it contained ingredients that harmed the ozone layer. However, these ingredients were the most effective for helping calm down an asthma attack.
I was also informed by the pharmacy that since the medication was altered, it was not covered by my prescription coverage because it is now considered a new medication.
To make a long story short, I had a minor asthma attack and this new, altered inhaler did almost nothing to help. I then went to the emergency room and needed to receive a couple of breathing treatments to settle down my breathing. I then informed the ER doctor what inhaler I used and he actually began to laugh, saying, "It's crazy that the medication would be altered like this. Don't they know how many millions of people rely on inhalers for asthma relief?"
I was diagnosed as asthmatic when I was about 7 or 8 years old and have needed to use inhalers every day since. I ask you this: What happens to the elderly who rely on inhalers also and who are on fixed incomes? Will they receive the same rude awakening when they are advised that these asthmatic medications are now not covered by insurance because they supposedly harm the ozone layer?
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
The replacement gas has no chlorine atoms and can’t be pressurized to the same level and not leak through the walls of the inhaler body; it doesn’t blow as hard and must be used before the hydrogen all migrates out as a fugitive gas.
You must be made out of money; doesn’t that stuff have a warning not to use it or extended periods?
Sorry you don’t approve of my fractured syntax, now ask me who cares what you approve of? (notice I ended the sentence with a preposition. Reckon that might keep me out of Harvard or something like that?)
Yes, I see, now, that it is just a Letter to the Editor or something. A rant, as you say.
Warrick is albuterol. The empirical formula is C13H21NO3.
The sulfate is not counted against the base dosage of 90 mcg.
You do -- if you didn't, you wouldn't have said such silly things to me.
My copay on advair is pretty cheap. I think it’s like $20 or $30 a month. My doctor never told me to stop using it. Although many days I don’t use it twice.
I was shot in my left lung in 1968 in Viet Nam. I have developed severe asthma as I’ve grown older, and I must say the new CFA’s just flat don’t do anything to help me when I really need help. You are correct in saying someone will die for the political stupidity being forced on us by the change, and I hope it is one of the politicians it happens to first!
Actually, I was only being polite what with the holidays and all. Normally I don’t suffer fools and just ignore them, but in your case I changed my mind.
Well, see, I judge a fellow’s argument in part based on whether he can express a coherent thought. You can talk about fools all you want — but you’d best not write like one when you do it.
If the inhaler proved to help animals breathe better then it would still be available.
Yes Mother Hen.
A bit twisty-knickered today, eh?
The insert for my ProAir©HFA states it delivers 108 µg albuterol sulfate (equivalent to 90 µg of albuterol).
They lowered the speed of delivery, and inreased the weight of the 'bullet'. The new formulation is not effective.
Does your elevator go all the way to the top, or are the doors just stuck? Folks like you drive us normal folks to drink adult beverages while trying to forget your existence. Have a nice day!
I have already noted my dissatisfaction with the new delivery method. I note, however, that the medication is not different. Proventil used the same formulation before and after the propellant change — there’s no difference in the medication.
Yup. Definitely twisty-knickered.
Maybe no difference in your medication, but there is in mine and most others. As I noted above, the mole weights prove it, and the pharma and insurance companies are raping the patients (and taxpayers for Medicare/Medicade) for an unneeded and unwarranted environmental change. This is a rip-off, pure and simple.
They did this to Sassy too. The insurance company informed me they would no longer pay for her old inhaler which DID work better . So we had to change them & she is now using the new inhaler more often. GRR!
Thanks. You’re a treasure trove of shopping information!
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