Tip of the Week: Primatene Mist

Many preppers know about the benefits of Primatene Mist, the only OTC inhaler for asthma (and also useful for COPD and severe allergic reactions).  Though doctors rarely recommend this medication due to increased risk of elevated heart or rate or blood pressure (as compared to prescription drugs), it can be life-saving when a person is in respiratory distress. 

However, it was withdrawn from the market December 2011, due to concerns about the propellant contributing to global warming (which seems unlikely to me).  The withdrawal had nothing to do with the safety of the drug in patients needing it.

Here are my 2 tips for you: 

1.  A fellow prepper recently told me he had found this medication on the shelves at a popular mega-store.  It’s possible you may find leftover stock yet remaining.  If you can get it, I would recommend stockpiling this epinephrine inhaler. 

2.  The manufacturer of Primatene Mist has formulated a petition you may sign in order to help bring back the OTC version.  CLICK HERE to check it out.  Yours may be the signature that succeeds.

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About Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

CYNTHIA J KOELKER , MD is a board-certified family physician with over twenty years of clinical experience. A member of American Mensa, Dr. Koelker holds degrees in biology, humanities, medicine, and music from M.I.T., Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the University of Akron. She served in the National Health Service Corps to finance her medical education.
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3 Responses to Tip of the Week: Primatene Mist

  1. Doc Harvey says:

    It is worth remembering that an asthmatic attack can often be stopped by a tablet of Valium 10 mg under the tongue.

  2. Martha S says:

    Seems like a very lame excuse by the EPA to ban these inhalers.
    I’ve suffered w/asthma since I was a small child and know how important it is to have a “rescue” inhaler. Some poorer people may not be able to afford expensive RX Albuterol inhalers and these OTC ones could save their lives!

    [Doc Cindy replies: It does make a person wonder. If Primatene applied now for OTC status, I’m sure it would be denied. Maybe that’s part of the plan. There is a more affordable albuterol inhaler available, previously called Ventolin ReliOn, now just Ventolin 60-dose inhaler (as opposed to the regular 200-dose inhaler), which runs only $15, available at Wal-Mart (and Target, I believe), but does require a prescription.]

  3. Leigh says:

    I really need to know what “popular mega store” still has this available. I don’t have health ins so I don’t have a doctor to prescribe whatever else there is to take.

    Thanks a bunch for the info. And I have signed the petition & forwarded it to others.

    [Doc Cindy replies: As I remember it, that was Wal-Mart. However, it would be worth the money to find yourself a family doctor or go to a clinic to get albuterol, perhaps the 60-dose Ventolin inhaler that costs only $15 from Wal-Mart. Your doctor might be willing to write this with refills, so you could purchase as your budget allows.]

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