The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7222 p631
2 November 2002

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Rotahalers to be discontinued next year

Rotahaler devices (Becotide Rotahaler, Ventolin Rotahaler and Ventide Rotahaler) along with all Rotacap and Ventide medicines are to be discontinued by Allen & Hanburys.

The company has written to health care professionals telling them of the decision and says it plans to discontinue the devices in 12 months time in order to allow patients to be transferred to alternative medication.

Allen & Hanburys says the decision follows a fall in the demand for Rotahalers and Ventide metered dose inhalers.

However, it maintains that there is a range of alternative devices suitable for use by patients currently using Becotide, Ventolin or Ventide Rotahalers. Anna Murphy, consultant respiratory pharmacist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said that although there had been a reduction in use of Rotahalers, some patients had been using these devices for many years with good effect.

"I cannot see it being a large scale problem but, saying that, pharmacists from the community, hospital and primary care trusts must ensure that patients are told of the change and that the best device for them as an individual is chosen.

"Patients must have good instruction on how to use them and adequate follow up," she added.