South Side residents suffering from asthma may soon have to switch their asthma inhalers whether they like it or not. Many have already switched.

Due to an international treaty meant to stop ozone depletion – most asthma inhalers using a propellant called albuterol chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) must cease production and sale in the United States by the end of 2008.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends patients and their physicians begin the transition to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-propelled inhalers.

“There are some 125,000 asthma patients in Bexar County, and 40,000 pediatric cases,” said Joseph D. Diaz, an allergist with an office at 7390 Barlite Blvd., near Southwest General Hospital. “We need to get the word out that most CFC inhalers are being phased out. Inhalers will be changing. Patients need to be aware of the change and make sure healthcare providers are aware of the change.”

Diaz said the majority of asthma sufferers in Bexar County will be affected by this transition.

“The most common type of medication is the inhaled steroids, dry powder inhalers,” Diaz said. “Most people know them as puffers. They are the most commonly used.”

As the supplies of albuterol CFC inhalers decline, production of HFA inhalers is increasing. Asthma patients should speak to their healthcare providers soon in order to ensure a smooth transition, Diaz said.

“The new HFA inhalers are a little more expensive,” Diaz said. “But most patients have health insurance to cover it.”

Diaz said some patients have expressed fears the new inhalers are not as affective as the older CFC inhalers.

“When you actually pump on a new inhaler, it feels like less medicine comes out,” Diaz said. “Some might feel they are getting less medicine. It’s the same medicine. It just feels less effective.”

The far-reaching Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was meant to stop ozone depleting substances in the air. It was first signed in 1987 under the United Nations Environmental Program. The ozone layer protects from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Diaz cautions asthma patients not to wait for the last minute.

“Get new prescriptions now,” he said.