FDA Moves Forward With Ban on Asthma Inhalers

Asthma inhalers a banned product?

The FDA is moving forward with its plan to stop the sale of Primatine Mist inhalers after Dec. 31 over concerns about their use of chlorofluorocarbons, which damage the ozone layer.

The ban on the over-the-counter medicine is intended to comply with an international agreement pertaining to ozone depletion, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The decision stems from an advisory panel's recommendation in 2006 that this type of inhaler doesn't serve an essential health need and the final decision on the phase-out date was made in 2008.

Many other prescription options are available for asthma sufferers.