Coronavirus: Albuterol inhalers in short supply in some areas

Some areas are seeing a shortage of one asthma medication due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers are reporting a shortage of albuterol inhalers and some are being told that it could take up to a week for the supply to be replenished, ABC News reported.

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The medication is used to open up airways, allowing patients to breathe easier, and is being used in emergency rooms when someone comes in with potential coronavirus.

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The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology addressed the issue, saying it is not due to the lack of production, but because of them being used in hospitals.

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The group said if you are having difficulty getting a prescription filled, first, don’t panic. Make sure you have medication in your inhaler. Then call your doctor to see if there are other options instead of albuterol. Also, don’t overuse it. Experts say it should last for months.

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For updates, visit the ACAAI.