Tip of the Week – Primatene Mist (2011-12-01)

CLICK TO HEAR MP3 Recording: Primatene Mist Update (December 1, 2011)

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5 Responses to CLICK TO HEAR MP3 Recording: Primatene Mist Update (December 1, 2011)

  1. Judy McD says:

    What we all want to know is an expected date when the new Primatene without CFCs will be available. We know that the FDA has to approve it, but isn’t there a target date?

    [Good question – thanks for asking. I’ve checked their web site and they list no target date. I called them last month and they had no answer, so for now my best answer is to check back frequently. – Doc Cindy]

  2. alice says:

    Will there be any “over-the-counter” epinephrine products available anytime soon (like by the end of this year hopefully)? I have tried numerous types of albuterol inhalers, and none of them worked as well as the Primatene Mist inhalers. Such a shame this product will no longer be available πŸ™ I’ve been using this for almost 20 years.

    • Doc Cindy says:

      Hi Alice,

      The manufacturer says there will probably be a gap in availability until the new HFA version of Primatene is available, so stock up before the end of this month. The shelf-life listed is at least a year (and in reality likely many years), so this should tide you over until the new one is available.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Do you know what kind of shelf-life can be expected for Primatene Mist?

    • I called the manufacturer today. The expiration date on Primatene Mist is approximately two years from date of manufacturer, which is a minimum period through which the medicine has been proven to be full strength. Lots of Primatene shipped recently had a 2013 expiration date.

      This does not mean that it necessarily loses strength afterward, only that it has not been tested longer. (See articles on expired medications.)

      I also asked if they had had any reports of ill-effects from anyone taking old or expired Primatene Mist, and they said no. I am aware of patients using other inhalers such as albuterol years beyond their expiration date with good result and no side-effects. This is anecdotal evidence, but still worth knowing.

      UNOPENED MEDICATION STORED AS DIRECTED may be safe and effective for several years beyond the imprinted expiration date.

      Doctors cannot recommend drugs beyond their expiration date, but the informed consumer is permitted to come to his or her own conclusion.

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