ORLANDO, Fla. — Later this month, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp. plans to begin rolling out Asthmanefrin, an over-the-counter alternative to the discontinued Primatene Mist inhaler.

Asthmanefrin Starter Kit

Nephron said Tuesday that starting late August through the first week of September, Asthmanefrin will be available nationally in Walmart, and then shortly thereafter will be sold at CVS/pharmacy and other retail outlets.

The product comes in a starter kit and a refill package. The starter kit includes 10 Asthmanefrin vials and the EZ Breathe Atomizer. The refill package contains 30 Asthmanefrin vials.

The EZ Breathe Atomizer sprays the liquid medication in aerosol form into the air that a person will breathe.

Indicated for the temporary relief of bronchial asthma, including shortness of breath, tightness of chest and wheezing, Asthmanefrin (racepinephrine) will provide an option for millions of former Primatene Mist users.

EZ Breathe Atomizer

The Primatene Mist epinephrine inhaler was removed from the market by the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency as of Dec. 31, 2011, because of its chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. Asthmanefrin doesn’t contain CFCs or preservatives, Nephron noted.

"Until now, there has been no alternative to fill the void left by Primatene Mist CFC inhaler," stated Lou Kennedy, chief executive officer of Nephron. "As an industry leader in respiratory medications, introducing Asthmanefrin into the retail market is a natural choice for Nephron. We are proud to bring this quality, low-cost, OTC medication to the market.

"The use of Asthmanefrin, along with the pocket-sized EZ Breathe Atomizer, will give bronchial asthma sufferers an excellent alternative treatment to Primatene Mist, at an affordable price," Kennedy added.