Is Ventolin Being Phased Out in the UK?
In this article, we’ll look at whether Ventolin, a popular reliever inhaler for asthma, is being phased out in the UK. We’ll discuss whether changes to Ventolin could affect how you use your inhaler and what any possible changes might mean for those who rely on it to manage asthma symptoms. We’ll also explain what to do if you’re concerned about your treatment options and whether it might be worth discussing any worries with your doctor.
Key Takeaways
Environmental Impact Driving Changes
Ventolin Evohalers, a common asthma reliever inhaler, may eventually be replaced due to their high carbon footprint. The NHS plans to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives like dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which emit fewer greenhouse gases, aligning with its goal to reduce carbon emissions.
Improved Asthma Care with New Guidelines
New NHS guidelines recommend combination inhalers containing both reliever and anti-inflammatory medication for better asthma management. These changes aim to improve patient outcomes by addressing inflammation rather than relying solely on short-term symptom relief provided by Ventolin.
Consult Your Doctor About Changes
If your inhaler is switched to a new brand or type, your doctor will guide you on proper usage and address any concerns. You can still buy Ventolin privately if it works well for you, ensuring continued access to your preferred treatment.
Update November 2024: New NHS Guidance to Reduce Blue Inhaler Use for Asthma Management and Climate Impact
As of November 2024, the NHS has issued new guidance advising GPs to limit the prescription of traditional blue inhalers [1]. This decision aims to address both environmental concerns and improve asthma care for millions of patients in the UK.
Why the change?
Environmental concerns
Blue inhalers, also known as short-acting beta agonist (SABA) relievers, contain hydrofluorocarbon propellants, which significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
A single blue inhaler has the same carbon footprint as a 75-mile journey in a petrol car.
Inhaler emissions account for 3% of the NHS’s carbon footprint, with over 60 million inhalers prescribed annually in England.
Health risks of overuse
More than 17 million blue inhalers were prescribed last year to nearly 4 million patients in the UK.
Over-reliance on blue inhalers can mask the underlying cause of asthma (airway inflammation), increasing the risk of severe asthma attacks and even death.
Experts recommend limiting SABA inhalers to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and improve asthma outcomes.
What are the new asthma treatment guidelines?
Combination Inhalers for Better Care
Patients aged 12 and above should be prescribed combination inhalers. These contain:
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to reduce airway inflammation.
Formoterol, a fast-acting reliever.
Evidence shows combination inhalers reduce the number of severe asthma attacks compared to blue inhalers.
Encouraging Environmentally Friendly Options
Patients will be informed about the environmental impact of their inhalers and given leaflets showing the carbon footprint of each type.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which do not use propellant gases, will be recommended as eco-friendly alternatives.
What are the potential benefits for patients?
These changes aim to:
Improve asthma control by addressing the cause, not just the symptoms.
Reduce hospital admissions related to severe asthma attacks.
Promote sustainable healthcare practices by lowering the NHS’s environmental impact.
The Next Stages
The new guidelines will be implemented across the UK, requiring GPs to prioritise combination inhalers.
Patients will receive educational materials to understand the benefits of these changes.
A move towards eco-friendly asthma treatments aligns with the NHS's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
By shifting the focus from blue inhalers to combination treatments, the NHS aims to improve asthma care while supporting a greener planet.
The Situation Previously: Is Ventolin being phased out in the UK?
No, at the time of writing, Ventolin was not being ‘phased out’ in the UK, however, it does fall under the umbrella of changes being made by the NHS to help reduce their carbon emissions.
What are the reasons?
As mentioned, the NHS may try to phase out certain inhalers in the UK in an attempt to tackle their carbon emissions. Approximately 60 million inhalers are dispensed by the NHS every year and a lot of these are metered dose inhalers, known as MDIs, like Ventolin Evohalers. The NHS prescribes more MDIs than other European countries, however, the safety and effectiveness of the treatments prescribed by these countries is no worse than the UK.
Emissions from MDIs account for 3% of the NHS’ total carbon footprint. With other effective treatments available that are better for the planet, MDIs may be phased out by the NHS [2].
What will Ventolin be replaced with?
Ventolin Evohalers have not yet been phased out by the NHS. If the choice to remove Ventolin Evohalers from prescriptions is made by the NHS, there are a number of options that may be appropriate. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) will likely replace MDIs as they have a much lower carbon footprint. Ventolin Evohalers would likely be replaced by DPIs for patients over the age of 12 years old when appropriate. Popular DPIs include:
In 2022, the NHS announced that it was planning on changing Ventolin Evohaler prescriptions to alternative salbutamol inhalers such as Salamol due to their reduced climate impact [3].
Are there many differences between Ventolin and Salamol?
Both Ventolin and Salamol contain salbutamol and both are used to relieve asthma symptoms, they are just sold under different brand names. The main difference between Ventolin Evohalers and Salamol inhalers is their impact on the environment. A Ventolin Evohaler has more than twice the carbon footprint of a Salamol inhaler, making it a far more efficient choice for prescribers [3].
Have there been any delays?
Yes, there were initial delays in phasing out certain medications on the NHS. In 2021, NHS England postponed plans to help reduce the workload on GPs. Resources were then redirected to support COVID-19 booster vaccination programmes and the plans were deferred until 2022 [4].
In 2022, NHS England announced plans to phase out high-emission inhalers, including Ventolin Evohalers, to replace them with lower-emission alternatives like Salamol.
Will I be able to use my inhaler in the same way?
If you get your inhalers from the NHS, you may notice that your doctor changes the brand of inhaler that you use. If you are given a new inhaler then it is important that you familiarise yourself with how to use it using the patient information leaflet before you begin using it. Your doctor will also provide you with instructions on how to use it.
If you want to continue using Ventolin Evohalers you are able to purchase them privately from UK Meds. You may choose to continue your treatment if they are particularly effective for you. At UK Meds, we have a number of different asthma inhalers that you can purchase.
To buy an inhaler from us, select the medication, strength and package size you require. You will then need to complete our online consultation. Once done, this will be reviewed by a registered prescriber who will decide whether or not to provide you with a free private prescription. If approved, your order will be processed and your order will be shipped to the delivery address provided.
Should I speak to my doctor if I'm concerned about my treatment changing?
Yes, if you're concerned about changes to your treatment, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor. They can provide guidance on any potential changes to your treatment, explain the reasons behind these changes and help you understand how they may affect your health. If you're concerned about switching to a different inhaler or have questions about its effectiveness, your doctor can answer these and ensure that you continue to receive the best care for you.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC Reference no: 7151419
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Sources
[2] Greener NHS » Improving health outcomes for respiratory patients while reducing carbon emissions
[3] Changes to Salbutamol Inhalers - Aegis Medical Centre
[4] NHS England delays green inhaler targets to ease GP workload - The Pharmaceutical Journal
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