Saphrona Says:
I Just Found Out The Fda Pulled Asthmanefrin Off The Shelves (Top voted first)
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Saphrona Says:
I've been sitting here crying because the pharmacist just told me that AsthmaNefrin was taken off the market. I look on the internet and it's been recalled by the FDA because it has caused chest pain and has many complaints. This decision by the FDA will kill people like me because I get a paradoxical reaction to Albuterol and Levalbuterol. They work completely different. Different drug. If I go to the emergency because I can't breathe, they save me with ephinephrine, the same drug that AsthmaNefrin is. And look in any drug book, Albuterol and Levalbuterol has worse side-effects than Epinephrine. I have to have my rescue inhaler with me everyday. The Primatene tablets are horrible, causing extreme anxiety and don't mix with my antidepressant. I was on cortisone for years and now I can't tolerante at all. I've stayed healthy and my lungs are good using Singulair and AsthaNefrin. Singulair can't stop an asthma attack. This is really going to ruin my life! What am I going to do?
84 Replies (5 Pages)
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Dear David,
I don't know how I missed your reply. Thank you so much! I didn't think any other countries were making Asthmanefrin and or Primatene Mist but the actual adrenaline drug, raceinephrine, "would" most likely be made by other countries because, I read, it is the drug of choice for emergency, croup patients, that are usually children and it is also used for many other emergencies that effect the lungs.
It gives me a lot more hope, to have another avenue to turn to, just in case I'm left without a rescue inhaler in the U.S.
Lately, I have found the Nephron letter explaining it's current status in regards to Asthmanefrin. I was very happy to read that this drug (racepinephrine) has been on the market for many years and has been classified as safe if used as directed by the government and other health-care organizations. The letter explained that the FDA has already approved it and it's VERY unlikely, that will change, because they have the evidence of the safety of this product for many years.
And even though some of the leading "health care experts" are actively trying to get all epinephrine products out of the hands of asthma patients, the FDA has acknowledged the safety of this product. The FDA does have some "so-called" experts trying to prove that epinephrine is out-dated and dangerous and are misleading the public with their warning letters to Nephron filtrating the internet.
But in the light of the biggest selling "prescription" drug for asthma, Advair, being somewhat dangerous, and having an FDA black box warning on it, and the fact that GlaxoSmithKline has paid and given perks to doctors and healthcare experts to promote this drug, making many involved very rich, they are going to have a hard time proving their double-standard. Also, I received a letter from the FDA, telling me that the FDA advisory panel are not employed by the FDA, they are only presenting their advice and point of view.
And they also told me that the new Primatene Mist HFA hasn't been disqualified by the FDA. The FDA is waiting for the new required evaluations to be completed before Amphastar (Armstrong) can resubmit their product, probably in 2016. I am doing everything in my power to support this new, Primatene Mist HFA, over-the-counter inhaler.
I am doing a lot better now, knowing that this medication is not going anywhere anytime soon! Thanks for caring! It means so much! And thanks for the info!
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Mac Says:
Saphrona, I understand how you feel. I've used pretty much every asthma medication on the market and Asthmanefrin has not only been the most effective for me, but it has given me none of the side effects of the others. I've found that with other medications, I have terrible heart racing and palpitations, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and problems reading and concentrating. Basically other medications, including albuterol from my rescue inhaler, turns me into a zombie. I agree with your comment about the FDA - they have been bought and paid for by the major drug companies, and they have no problem causing further harm, including death, to asthmatics by pulling inexpensive and safe over-the-counter meds off the market (made by smaller companies), while keeping dangerous prescription drugs on it. The official explanation given for pulling Primatene Mist (to protect the ozone layer, while billions of people drive cars, use air conditioners, paint with spray cans, etc) would have been funny if it wasn't so unethical and absurd. What a country the USA has become! I hope that both the Asthmanefrin inhalers and also Primatene Mist and can saved and reintroduced as soon as possible.
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Saphrona Says:
Mac, I agree! It's great to know I'm not alone with this! It feels like it, when I can't even get a response from the American Lung Association. I think many doctors are on the "prescription drug" band wagon also! Makes me mad but I still have a lot of hope for Asthmanefrin. They have a letter on the internet about this situation, that explains why the FDA are not going to get rid of this drug any time soon. Sorry you have asthma too. It's a huge drag on life. I feel like I've had to beg to the FDA, just for the right to breathe. Thanks for your reply! Good luck to you.
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DebJ Says:
I have been using the Prime Asthma Relief from Dr Natural Healing for close to a year now. It works great for me. Simple to use, effective and very convenient. They are also in the process of developing an epinephrine mist delivery system which is reportedly going to be available fairly soon. They also have a number of other natural asthma and allergy products available on their website.
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Saphrona Says:
Great idea but the shots are overkill for the mostly nighttime asthma I get. Breathing the epinephrine in my lungs, doesn't give me any anxiety. I can go to sleep right after I use it. The shots are powerful, getting into your whole system. My daughter is allergic to eggs and we have had to take her to the ER a number of times. I wouldn't be able to sleep. I would have to get a prescription and no doctor would give me one for asthma. They tell me to take Albuterol and that actually gives me asthma. I could go to the ER and get a shot to save my life but the co-pay on my insurance is $400. No kidding. Then I would get an asthma attack again, the next night.
I did call Nephron Pharmaceuticals and they told me, it's the Breathe-EZ atonomizer that was recalled by the FDA. The FDA is considering banning the Racepinephrine (Asthmanefrin) at this time and Nephron Ph. said, if they do, I could still get it with a prescription. Don't know if it's true. They have never had one for Epinephrine my whole life. It has been sold over the counter. I am very happy that it might be!! It would be good for me but people that can't afford a prescription are going to suffer or die. I don't think that's right! Thanks for caring!
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Electronicsnut Says:
You are not alone. Almost everyone I know with asthma using Albuterol has to keep using it frequently, and the prices have exploded making it very expensive option. For me, the drug made my lungs actually more raw, causing liquid to fill up, like it's damaging the cells in my lungs. When Asthmanefrin became available, I used it for a few months, and it gradually allowed me to live without any drugs. Every action the FDA has taken makes it seem they are forcing all sufferers to move to prescription options, which doesn't work for me as I'm healthy otherwise and don't have to seek medical care other than occasional attack. It makes zero sense for me to continue to see a doctor for this if it is not persistent, so having to make an appointment when I'm well just to obtain a rescue inhaler is ridiculously inconvenient. I hope Primatene Mist will be available OTC soon...
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Paul G Says:
Hi All,
As a lifelong asthma sufferer and Primatene Mist user I have read this column with interest. I also tried Asthma Nefrin. While it is better than nothing it leaves a lot to be desired. In searching for info as to if/when a new Primatene Mist would be available I came across another product called Prime Asthma Relief. This one is epinephrine in powder form. It is used in a device that doesn't need batteries. Has anyone tried this product? I am thinking of ordering it but would like some unbiased opinions if possible first. I hope this helps...
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Wheezy Says:
It's interesting, because I've had no problem finding Asthmanefrin refills up here in Minnesota. In fact, it was carried in Walmarts for a time, then disappeared for what felt like at least a year or so from there, but I found a box that reappeared about 3 weeks ago on their shelf.
Of course, the starter kits have been unavailable for ages, but whenever I've needed a refill pack, I've been able to get it at any Walgreens in the area without a problem
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Paul Says:
Hi Saphrona! I was at my local Wal-Mart and noticed that they had THREE boxes of AsthmaNefrin refills in stock! Previously they usually had none, or one at most. The expiration date was Feb. of 2018, which hopefully means they are making new product? Even though I don't need a box right now I grabbed one with my grubby paws because one never knows when the heartless FDA will swoop down and remove it, making our lives more miserable. As an aside, I had my script for Pulmicort refilled. Pulmicort is a steroid preventive inhaler which has been out for years. The price (WITH my insurance) went up to $60 from $30 the last time it was refilled, only 2 months ago. The "ProAir" (albuterol, also called "ChumpAir") inhaler was $30. Or twice as much as Primatene used to cost at a tenth of its effectiveness. I have noticed that asthma scripts have shot up especially with the new "HFA" inhalers. Their greed is taking huge advantage over the American people, especially sad since this concerns health. How they sleep at night is beyond me. I was cursing the medical establishment and FDA in particular under my breath as I left the pharmacy.
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Paul Says:
Hi All. This is a follow-up to my post from Feb. 11th. The drnaturalhealing site has the epinephrine powder capsules back in stock. Unfortunately there is still no update for their promised EpiMist product. The powder takes some getting used to as it can make one cough upon inhalation, thus one may not get the full dose. It is also pricey at about a dollar per capsule. The inhaler is small though and even us men can carry it in a pocket easily. I am not aware of anything similar to it on the market. If anyone knows of a competing product please keep us posted. Hope this helps!
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Explorer Jerry Says:
I called the company, Nephron Pharmaceuticals (the horses mouth) and they informed me that it was ONLY the starter kit that was pulled off the market because the nebulizer was not working properly. Nephron is offering a nebulizer from MicroVaporDevices. Strangely, they (the FDA) requires a prescription from your doctor. Just have your doctor email a Rx to: [email protected]. They are charging $79.95 for the nebulizer. Even my local CVS pharmacy told me that AsthmaNefrin was discontinued. It is simply not true.
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Paul Says:
Hi everyone. I thought you may be interested to know that the new EpiMist epinephrine spray is now available at the Dr. Natural Healing, Inc. website. This product has been promised for 3 years or so and according to the website it is (amazingly) FDA approved. It is a liquid type spray. The unit contains 250 sprays and sells for $65. According to the site, the usual price is $75 but the $65 may be a Black Friday special. Shipping is free. The drawback is that to my knowledge this is the only place where one may buy this. A couple years ago the plan was to put it in retail & drug stores. I just placed an order for one so I cannot vouch for its effectiveness. I have tried their Prime Asthma Relief. The dry power used in that product takes some getting used to and while it was better than nothing, it in no way matched up to Primatene Mist. EpiMist seems to be more promising since it is a liquid spray that one inhales. I'll give a further review after I receive & try it. And least there is now some hope that we can have a decent epinephrine inhaler available again. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts if you buy one. By the way, I still see an occasional AsthmaNefrin box at the local WalMart, so they are still making them. Happy holidays!
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Mike Says:
What is the most comprible to AstaEfrin Epi from a clinic. I guess you could administer it slowly, intramuscularly.
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David Says:
Dear Saphrona,
Sorry to hear about your situation. I sure hope you're still able to get Asthmanefrin (racepinephrine) at least via prescription, rather than not at all. It sounds like it might be a good idea though to double check with another pharmacy just to be sure that they're on the same page as far as its future availability is concerned.
Another option that may be worth looking into is seeing if any other countries manufacturer their own over-the-counter version of generic Racepinephrine that may be available on the internet? My thoughts are that if you were able to obtain it BEFORE Asthmanefrin is officially banned or becomes classified as a prescription drug here in the US, it would still be a legal transaction.
Outside of this, it looks to me like you may have to opt for another alternative, which as you already pointed out, wouldn't necessarily suffice. So at this point in time, all we can do is cross our fingers and hope for the best, but be mentally prepared for the worst in case things don't go as planned. This is the harsh reality of having to be dependent on our faulty healthcare system..and a lot of us here, including many people I know are in the same sinking ship, so to speak. It's just a matter of finding a "life jacket" for when they cut the supply.
I wish you good health and good luck in getting the medication you need!
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David Says:
You're most welcome Saphrona! And thank you very much for the kind words, including updates on the medication's current availability. I will be sure to keep a bookmark on this page to see how things are going down the road!
Best wishes to you! :)
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Stef Says:
If you need a portable non-electric nebulizer and don't want to spend alot try the DeVilbiss 45. I gave up on the junk Asthmanefrin inhaler a couple years ago and now just use the old-fashioned type with the Asthmanefrin solution. Keep in mind, these produce more of a mist rather than a nebulizer vapor but they still work.
Also, if you have a worn out Asthmanefrin inhaler, Nephron will send you a free replacement. You just call them and tell them the serial #s. I got three free replacements this way but they still broke in a few weeks.
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Me Says:
Try the Omron Micro Air Nebulizer NE-U22. It's electric and small/portable. It's been working for my bf for months. ~$150ish.
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Mac Says:
Hi Ken, I just recently got the DrNaturalHealing Prime Asthma Inhaler, too. I hope its working for you. For people who haven't seen this, its basically a powder version of the old Primatene mist inhaler (the ingredient is epinephrine), where the powder is stored in a capsule which you place inside the small plastic inhaler.
The beauty this is that its the first over the counter asthma inhaler I've found since Primatene, AND the design is so simple and compact (no batteries or water required!), that its the first over the counter truly portable inhaler since Primatene as well. Basically you put the capsule in the inhaler, press buttons on the sides to puncture the capsule, and then you strongly inhale through your mouth to get a dose of the medication.
The design is quite elegant in that your inhale provides the "power" of the inhaler, allowing it to be battery-less and small enough to easily carry in your pocket. Since the medication is delivered in a powder, and not water mist, it is truly portable and can be carried with you at all times, like an albuterol rescue inhaler, and unlike Asthmanefrin and other medications delivered through a water mist, which require you to set up a nebulizer with water before using it (not fun when you're feeling really sick!)
I would say that the main disadvantage of the powder design comes from its advantage - since your inhale is essential powering the inhaler by drawing the powder out of the capsule, if your breathing is already weaker, it may take several inhales to get a good dose of the medication. On the company's website, they say they will soon release a spray version of the inhaler, which will spray the medication out as a liquid mist rather than the powder. You can sign up on there to see when it will be released. If this design works, it would essentially be the same as the old Primatene Mist inhalers, except it looks like it would release the medication through a small hand pump (like the small Homeopathic asthma sprays you can find in drugstores), rather than Primatene's old aerosol mechanism.
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Mac Says:
The scum at the FDA are trying to harass DrNaturalHealing just like the they did Primatene Mist. I use their inhaler, which is basically the old Primatene inhaler (but with dry tablets instead of aerosol spray) and it works great. Crushed tablets and capsules are used in inhalers around the world, the FDA is just look for an excuse to scare people. The FDA is not just incompetent, but truly corrupt and evil.
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Refbum Says:
Asthmanefrin is still available. I bought it online with free shipping. Search google for it and you can find it online or at walmart. I ordered two boxes because it helps relieve my chest pressure.
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