Switching to CFC-free inhalers

Outline drawing of a metered dose inhaler. CFCs have been used in asthma inhalers for a long time and are safe for people with asthma. However they are gradually being phased out because of their damaging effect on the Earth’s ozone layer.

For some people with asthma, this may mean a change to their aerosol preventer inhaler. Those containing CFCs are usually beige, brown or dark red.

How will the CFC-free inhalers be different?

The medicines in CFC-free preventer inhalers work in the same way as those in inhalers containing CFCs. They control the swelling and inflammation in the airways, stopping them from being so sensitive and reducing the risk of an asthma attack. Only the propellants have changed.

The inhalers that contain CFC-free propellants may look, feel and taste different from the inhalers you are used to, but they are just as safe and effective.

What should I expect from my doctor or asthma nurse?

You should only be provided with a CFC-free inhaler following a full discussion with your doctor or asthma nurse. This change in inhaler may be a good opportunity for you to have an asthma review so that you can discuss all of your concerns and ask any questions you may have about your new inhaler.

Which inhalers are affected?

Asthma UK has a produced a factfile, which lists all the affected inhalers and their CFC-free alternatives. It also contains more general information about the switch to CFC-free inhalers.

Download the factfile (69 kb) [pdf]

Find out more

To find out more about the switch to CFC-free inhalers, or for confidential advice and information on asthma in general, call the Asthma UK Adviceline on 08457 01 02 03 or email us through the website at www.asthma.org.uk/adviceline.

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