GlaxoSmithKline has announced FloventÒ HFA (fluticasone propionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol, a reformulated version of the asthma medication FloventÒ (fluticasone propionate) Inhalation Aerosol, will become available in pharmacies on March 1.

Flovent HFA will replace Flovent Inhalation Aerosol, which used chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to propel the medication out of the canister and into the lungs. The new formulation uses a more ozone friendly propellant, hydrofluoroalkane (HFA-134a).

With the introduction of Flovent HFA and the phase-out of the CFC-containing Flovent product, GlaxoSmithKline will successfully complete the transition of its respiratory products to CFC-free formulations, a company release said here.

"We are very proud to be the first company in the US to achieve the transition of our asthma and COPD medicines to CFC -free formulations," Stan Hull, senior vice-president, GlaxoSmithKline said adding, "This has been a significant undertaking, involving substantial work and resources, but we're pleased to achieve our goal of a 100% CFC -free portfolio without disrupting patient access to these very important medicines."