Inhalers are very important for people who have to live with asthma, but making sure that the person fully knows how to properly use their inhaler and medications can make the difference between life or death.
HFA is an acronym that is short for the group of chemicals in the hydrofluroalkane group. HFAs are a newer type of propellant in metered dose inhaler for asthma. This means they help push the medicine in an inhaler canister out in to the air in mist form, so that people with asthma can easily breathe the medicine in to their lungs.
In the past, propellants made of CFCs were used, but they were banned because they are harmful to the ozone layer. Prescription CFC inhalers will no longer be available after 2008. (Over-the-counter epinephrine inhalers will remain on the market until the end of 2010.)
HFA inhalers are considered to be safe for the environment. Many people with asthma do not find them to be as effective as their CFC counterparts, though, and/or they have side effects, including allergic reactions to some of the components. They are also much more expensive than CFC inhalers.
Currently, there are only three albuteral HFA rescue inhalers, but most of the common brands of inhaled steroids, such as Flovid and Pulmicort, along with the combination inhalers, such as Advair and Symbicort have HFA versions. There is no HFA version of the over-the-counter epinephrine inhalers, such as Primatene Mist, however.
Info taken from about.com, reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Amanda Trevino, who is a registered nurse, made a powerpoint called "HFA Inhalers and You". Listed below will be the sections to the powerpoint.
Intro to HFA Inhalers
General Instructions
Other questions
MDI Use
What is a Peak Flow Meter?
Intro to HFA Inhalers
General Instructions for use of HPA Inhalers
Other Questions
MDI Use
What is a Peak Flow Meter?
