OTC Primatene Mist
Asthma is not a ‘do-it-yourself’ disease that you can treat yourself with OTC medication - Bradley Chipps MD
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Primatene Mist OTC: Why We Believe Caution is Needed
You see, even though Primatene Mist is a beloved product used by generations of asthma sufferers, it’s viewed somewhat differently by the medical community. Asthma specialists believe that asthma is most appropriately managed by routine evaluation, periodic lung function tests and prescription medications. Now that the new Primatene Mist is making a splash in the news, asthma specialists fear a tidal wave of misuse as consumers rush back to OTC solutions for a disease that’s better managed under the care of a board-certified allergy and asthma specialist.
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Why Primatene Mist May Not be the Best Medicine
Patients with asthma may recall that in 2011, an over-the-counter (OTC) asthma inhaler, Primatene Mist (epinephrine) was removed from the shelves. This was due to the propellants used in the inhaler, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are harmful to the environment and are no longer permitted. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a newer version of this inhaler which instead of CFCs uses hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) as a propellant, similar to many prescription asthma inhalers. With this new approval, it is a fitting time to discuss why allergists, both then and now, have discouraged use of this OTC treatment for the symptoms of asthma.
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About Primatene Mist Then and Now
Some asthma specialists aren’t fans of Primatene Mist, but it’s not the CFCs they take issue with. Experts say its widespread availability encourages people to rely solely on it, rather than obtaining more effective medication and discussing long-term treatment with a doctor. As it’s a rescue inhaler, it only provides relief for mild symptoms. It should only be used in an emergency to buy the user time until they can get to their prescription medication, and not as long-term care.
The Surprising Reintroduction of Primatene Mist in the United States
Mechanisms of misuse and adverse events from the previous epinephrine MDI are well documented. Systemic α- and β-receptor stimulation may exacerbate symptoms of cardiac origin that can mimic asthma (wheeze, cough, dyspnea), with serious consequences.
