Peanut allergy is a very serious and potentially lethal sensitivity about which the public has heard a great deal in the past two years.  The reader is referred to other available sources for a review of the entire subject.

The purpose of this Health Alert is to advise peanut - sensitive persons who are also asthmatic of the risks involved in using some commonly prescribed  bronchodilator medications.  The category of concern is the bronchodilators, both metered-dose and some liquid medications used in hand nebulizers (Pulmoaid, etc.) for inhalation therapy.  The problem is that some of these medications include lecithin (derived from soy or peanut) in their formulation.

The following is based upon review of the Physicians Desk Reference and upon inquiry made of the relevant pharmaceutical companies regarding their products.

• The only “rescue inhaler” reportedly without lecithin and thus appropriate for peanut-sensitive individuals  is VENTOLIN  metered dose inhaler, ordered as “brand medically necessary”.  No clear statement was available regarding Proventil or generic Albuterol  to recommend  these inhalers.
• The only inhalation therapy solutions  reportedly without lecithin are ATROVENT and XOPENEX.

GS