Inhalers, which dispense aerosolized medication for easy absorption, are commonly used in the treatment of asthma. A gas propellant pushes the medication out of the inhaler. Previously, chloro fluoro carbon (CFC) was the gas used in all inhalers. However, since CFC is not environmentally friendly, it has been replaced by HFA, hydro fluoro alkane. HFA asthma inhalers have been around since 1996, and trials have proven them to be effective. However, their use may be associated with some side effects.
Increased Need For Priming
The Respiratory and Allergic Disease Foundation alerts patients using HFA asthma inhalers that proper priming is absolutely essential. Priming is, essentially, spraying the inhaler a few times in the air before using it or when it has been out of use for a while. HFA inhalers might not deliver the correct therapeutic dose if not primed according to the instruction manual. The manual should be consulted because the priming processes may differ slightly among brands.
Liability for Build-up and Blockage
HFA inhalers clog more easily than CFC inhalers, according to the Respiratory and Allergic Disease Foundation. Therefore, patients should clean inhalers at least once a week to prevent build up and blockage. The Palto Alto Medical Foundation also notes that the container that contains the medication, called medication canister or actuator, should never get wet and the mouth piece should be dried promptly after washing. Wetness may cause lumps to form in the medication, clogging the HFA inhaler.
Less Forceful Expulsion
The Respiratory and Allergic Disease Foundation mentions that some patients may mistakenly think their inhaler is not working properly because the stream from HFA inhaler is not as strong as the jet of the CFC inhaler they are used to. This may cause some patients to take excess doses, making them more susceptible to overdose.
