On May 30, 2008, FDA issued a public health advisory alerting patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to important information about albuterol inhalers that are used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing) in patients with obstructive airways disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Albuterol inhalers that use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are being phased out and will no longer be available after December 31, 2008. Patients who now use albuterol inhalers containing CFCs will need to transition to alternative albuterol inhalers which contain a propellant called hydrofluoralkane (HFA).

There are currently three approved HFA propelled albuterol inhalers:

• ProAir HFA Inhalation Aerosol
• Proventil HFA Inhalation Aerosol
• Ventolin HFA Inhalation Aerosol