[24 May 2012]
Products Affected - Description
Primatene Mist Inhaler (CFC), Armstrong Pharmaceuticals
0.22 mg/actuation, Over-the-Counter
Reason for the Shortage
- To decrease depletion of the ozone layer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that epinephrine metered dose inhalers (MDIs) containing chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant must be withdrawn from the market by December 31, 2011.
- Other prescription metered dose inhalers such as albuterol were previously transitioned from a CFC propellant to a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant in 2008.
- Armstrong Pharmaceuticals is the only manufacturer of over-the-counter epinephrine inhalers. Patients will now need a prescription for any type of metered-dose inhaler. Additional information for patients is available online.
- Armstrong discontinued Primatene Mist with CFC propellant at the end of 2011. The company is hoping to release a more environmentally friendly Primatene Mist in the near future.
Estimated Resupply Dates
- Armstrong discontinued Primatene Mist with CFC propellant in December 31, 2011.
- There are no other over-the-counter epinephrine metered dose inhalers available.
Related Shortages
Updated
May 24, 2012; February 7, 2012; October 12, 2011, University of Utah, Drug Information Service. Copyright 2012, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
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