Primatene mist no longer available

Primatene mist has been the lone "over the counter" nonprescription quick relief asthma inhaler for decades.  Its active ingredient was adrenaline, which would relax the bronchial muscles for only about 15 minutes, and was meant only for dire emergencies till an asthmatic could get proper evaluation by a doctor and safer long term control of asthma.  Unfortunately, many asthma sufferers would ignore the limitations on the label, and repeatedly use the inhaler when effects would wear off 15 minutes later -- again and again, leading to cardiac toxicity and no relief of worsening asthma.  This dangerous practice led many doctors to question whether this type of medication should even be available over the counter.  


Now for other reasons, Primatene mist is no longer available, since the recent CFC propellant ban has required a change in its manufacturing -- but this is a good opportunity for every asthmatic to have proper medical evaluation and safer prescription treatment tailored to his or her situation, along with a good back up plan for management of asthma symptoms, and a plan for avoiding triggers.

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