The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7260 p139
2 August 2003

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CFC salbutamol inhalers can still be dispensed legally

Salbutamol metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) that contain CFC propellants can still be dispensed, despite the advice of some primary care trusts to pharmacies that this is illegal.

Some PCTs have been confused by a European Commission decision which prohibits specific manufacturers from placing CFC-containing salbutamol inhalers on the market after 30 June 2003. The decision only applies to those manufacturers and not to any other parts of the distribution chain, such as wholesalers or community pharmacies. Product already in circulation can continue to be used.

Commenting on the confusion, Dr Mandeep Mudhar, AAH Pharmaceuticals's marketing director, said: "The handling of the recent ban of CFC-containing salbutamol MDIs has caused a great deal of confusion. Pharmacists can continue using this product until supplies run out. CFC salbutamol inhalers will continue to be available to patients while stocks last."

The Department of Health's position was set out in a Public Health Link broadcast to PCTs on 11 June, which said that any patients currently using CFC-based inhalers would need to transfer to a CFC-free product.

CFC-free salbutamol inhalers have been available since 1995, but some patients have resisted their use because they taste and feel different to the CFC-based inhalers to which they have become accustomed.