Challenges in changing to non-chlorofluorocarbon inhalers in the treatmentof asthma

The chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)based metered dose inhaler, which has been the mainstay of the management of obstructive lung diseases, will soon be phase d out world wide and replaced by CFC-free devices. Patients will have to be changed to the devices in a co-ordinated manner to avoid any risk to their health and safety. The different shapes and aerosol delivery characteristi cs of the new inhalers, as well as their distinctive taste, could add to th e levels of poor drug use already experienced in asthma. From previous chan ge scenarios in disease management, the potential for unstable asthma contr ol is a real possibility with all the attendant costs. By using the time av ailable before CFC-based inhalers are withdrawn, there is an opportunity to enhance asthma management during this period of change.