This sounds like a shill for the same powers that forced Primatene mist off the market.
Primatene worked wonderfully for me for over 55 years - better than any other product. The removal of Primatene mist has nothing to do with environmental protection. That is just a smokescreen. This is about GREED.
Just wondering how your transition off primatene is going? I also am an asthmatic smoker, and have been using primatene for many many years. However not as often as you, I may go through one inhaler every 3-4 weeks. But I do agree that the prescription inhalers do not do as good a job. I am currently on a ventolin inhaler. I am doing ok with it however I to have noticed a little more tightness in my chest than I am used to. When I used primatene a couple puffs in the morning would last me all day. I am using my ventolin multiple times a day so there is a very big difference in the performance of the prescription inhaler. I heard that primatene mist will be coming back soon, and that they are reformulating it without the CFC's. Has anyone heard any progress on this or can even confirm the truth to it? I really hope it returns soon as the prescriptions are expensive and not as effective.
i have also used primatene for years. i am now on proventil, and it seems not to react as quick as the primatene, nor does it last as long.
I to miss Primatene I think they should have left things alone ever since they took it off the market I have been in the hospital twice with asthma attacks and now they have me on Albuterol Spriva and Advair plus Predsone so I will take primatene back anyday because this other crap is not doing nothing for me.The Doctors know primatene helped a lot of people and they wanted the money.I felt so much better with primatene and I hope it comes back soon.
So please put back Primatene back on the shelves........
Personally I think the CFC police should have left asthma inhalers alone. NONE and I really mean not one of several prescriptions I've tried, have been as good as the CFC ones. I have been on prescription albuterol for half my life. I noticed the change in the CFC to non-CFC prescription inhalers.
Some even seem to bring on an asthma attack - like inhaling a chemical that doesn't agree with you. (I can't remember the brand, sorry.) Currently on ProAir, but I miss Primatene (for when I couldn't afford the doc & prescription refill) and my prescription CFC inhalers SO BAD!
Glad we could help. This forum is very supportive of people that come here.
Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.
I think everyone is hitting on key points with Primatene. Epinephrine is an inhaled adrenaline. You don't get the same adrenaline rush as if you injected it as not a lot of it gets into your blood stream. It is incredibly effective at opening your lungs up, though.
Anyway, I've been on QVAR as a maintenance and Proventil as a rescue since I made the initial post and I don't feel the need for Primatene anymore.
Mostly, I think this was a psychological thing as it was what I had been using for a while and the thought of it going away was fairly scary. I've definitely noticed some effects of going off of it, though. I feel less energetic, less focused, more tired, etc. This, I think, had to do with the little bit of adrenaline rush I did get.
And to Ann's point, yes, I am somewhat of a Type A when it comes to deadlines. I like having goals, achieving them, and moving on so this might have had something to do with it. But I wasn't using Primatene to get that rush, it was just a side effect. If anything, I think I've actually calmed down a bit since going off Primatene.
Mike, there isn't really a 'crash.' If you're an asthmatic you should get to a doctor and get prescriptions if possible. I basically just transitioned from the Primatene to the prescriptions. The biggest issue is that I have to get used to a certain way of breathing again. Perhaps the best part of Primatene is that you feel like you could inhale like a champ all the time. Asthmatics, even when under great control, are still a little hard of breathing at times. Also, I've been much more strict on an exercise regimen. I make sure to get my heart rate up a few times a day (to create that natural adrenaline).
I wish I could find some studies or research to explain the actual effects of the Primatene inhalers. All I've been told is that it's bad and it's synthetic adrenaline, but never why. Doctors want me on prescriptions (because they make money off that). Pharmacists, same thing. I want to know what the actual long term ill effects are of Primatene. If any one has any research to explain that, I'd love to see it.
Anyway, thanks for all the responses, everyone. It's been very helpful.
Can you ask your dr about some other type of inhaler to get your asthma under control?
Hi there--I'm so glad you're here. You are not an addict, but your body has been acclimated to the Primatene. Primatene is a chemical hammer! It can be deadly, too. I'm glad your loving family helped with the expense of seeing a doctor. Well, you need to make one more visit and tell that doctor what you told us. Go to him THIS WEEK. If you are having chest tightness, your asthma is still not under control. The doctor may have to change your inhaler(s) or even add another to your current regimen. Asthma is very treatable these days, and I know that if you see your doctor and are diligent in reporting any problems to him/her that you'll do well. Communication is EVERYTHING in a doctor/patient relationship! Please post and let us know how you are doing. I wish you all the best!
Are you a type A personality? Do you thrive on having too much to do, tight deadlines, running from meeting to meeting, or are you an adrenaline junkie? That is all that I could find that could expalain an addiction to epinephrine. Do you get an adrenaline rush when you use the inhaler?
Love to know if you have had any luck with this? I have a similar situation and I too rely on the Primatene Mist inhaler as well. I go thru one every 4 to 5 days. I am certain, once it is out of our systems for a while we will not need it but I am sure it will not be a fun time. Any insight on any ways to break or curve the crash would be greatly appreciated.