However it is essential to ensure that medications are on the market before the FDA phases out the current CFC-propelled medications. Dr. Haddad agreed with consumer groups that adequate testing for effectiveness and affordability both need to be considered by the FDA before implementing these changes. If we require a switch to new medications and delivery systems and the cost leaps beyond the means of many patients to pay, then I would find these proposals troubling. Creating new inhalers is slow and expensive because of the complex nature of the devices. Each drug requires its own system to be sure that it delivers the correct dose, in particles of the correct size, to the correct part of the lung, every time.
New propellants have to be proven safe for inhalation.
Every new product must pass the FDA new-drug approval process, even if the active medication has been used before. According to Dr. Haddad there are tens of thousands of asthma sufferers in Connecticut with symptoms ranging from minor to life-threatening. The disease is particularly troubling because is usually manifests itself for the first time in children. The program sees patients on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays each week in the Specialty Center of the Children's Hospital. May is National Asthma Awareness month.