Foradil Aerolizer - Has anyone had any trouble getting this drug this year?

As of March 1st Foradil was placed on the current shortages list. Below is the information
01 March 2011

Products Affected - Description
Formoterol fumarate 12 mg capsules (Foradil) for use in the Foradil Aerolizer, Merck
Box of 12 (NDC 00085-1402-01)
Box of 60 (NDC 00085-1401-01)

Reason for the Shortage
Merck cannot supply Foradil because supplies are depleted.

Estimated Resupply Dates
Merck cannot estimate a resupply date but do not expect release during 1st quarter, 2011.1

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Implications for Patient Care
Foradil is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) and the only formoterol product labeled for the management of asthma in combination with an inhaled glucocorticoid.2 Other available formoterol products include Perforomist inhalation solution (formoterol fumarate) and Brovana inhalation solution (arformoterol tartrate), however these products are only labeled for patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD).3,4

Safety
Do not substitute other formoterol products for Foradil for the treatment of asthma symptoms, because the dosing varies significantly.

Alternative Agents & Management

Current asthma guidelines do not recommend using a LABA as monotherapy or for treating acute symptoms or exacerbations.5 A LABA is only recommended for patients with moderate or severe persistent asthma.5
If Foradil is not available for a patient with asthma, work with the patient’s physician to convert the patient to a combination product. The Table outlines the properties of available corticosteroid / LABA combinations. If a single-agent product is required, salmeterol (Serevent) is the only other available LABA.

Source: ashp.org

I would recomend printing this out and bringing it to your doctor.

If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

Brian PharmD Candidate