Primatene Mist and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say

• wyv...
• February 4, 2012

For COPD, Acute "I have emphysema/COPD, and this works for me when I am getting winded. I tried albuterol, but it actually makes me worse. After just 4 days of using albuterol, I was waking up at night having trouble breathing. The Primatene Mist doesn't have the rebound effect that albuterol had. When I learned they were going to stop selling it after Dec 31, 2011, I stocked up. Hopefully, what I have will last me until they reformulate it and it's available again. I don't know what I would do without it."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2022

For Asthma, acute "I have used albuterol rescue inhalers for several years. My prescription had run out, and I had to be seen by my doctor in order to refill it. In the meantime, I purchased the Primatene Mist inhaler, hoping to buy some time. BIG MISTAKE! I took ONE puff and had the scariest reaction I’ve ever experienced. My lungs were on fire, I broke out in a cold sweat, my heart rate dropped to 56 bpm, my hands started to tingle and went numb, my blood pressure shot up to 156/136! I normally sit around 117/65. I could barely open my eyes or speak. I nearly blacked out! That went on for about an hour before it finally calmed down. Absolutely terrifying. I scared my husband and children. My blood pressure and heart rate returned to normal, but it left me weak, trembling, wheezing, and coughing with sore lungs for the next few days. Be VERY cautious!!"

• Mis...
• February 15, 2022

For Asthma, acute "Only inhaler I have ever used. 1st time, and I have developed severe allergies over time. COVID long haul symptoms have me wheezing, etc. I was fine after the vaccine, but 4 months later, the wheezing is back, plus allergic reaction when lungs close up can hardly breathe, etc. I started using Primatene Mist, and it’s a lifesaver. Now I’m hoping the government will extend to a 4th booster dose, as I know it will stop the wheezing for another 4 months at least. This is my new reality :("