MHRA issues warning over potencies of beclometasone inhalers
Total daily dose conversion
CFC-containing
pMDIs/ Clenil Modulite (µg/day) |
Qvar (µg/day) |
200–250 |
100 |
300 |
150 |
400–500 |
200 |
600–750 |
300 |
800–1,000 |
400 |
1,100 |
500 |
1,200–1,500 |
600 |
1,600–2,000 |
800 |
|
The two CFC-free beclometasone dipropionate inhalers on the UK market — Clenil Modulite and Qvar — are
not equipotent and this needs to be taken into account when the products
are prescribed and dispensed, the Medicines
and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warned this week.
Clenil Modulite, recently introduced to the UK market, is approximately
half as potent as Qvar. For that reason, Kent Woods, chief executive
of the MHRA, has written to health care professionals highlighting the
safety implications.
The MHRA warns pharmacists to check whether a CFC-free product is required
for beclometasone dipropionate pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI)
prescriptions written using the generic name, and if so, which of the
two available branded products should be dispensed. Prescribers are asked
to use brand names to make their intentions clear.
In his letter, Professor Woods also sets out dose conversions for patients
being switched from one beclometasone dipropionate pMDI to another.
Clenil Modulite, which is authorised for use in children, should be prescribed
at the same dose as the currently available CFC-containing beclometasone
dipropionate pMDIs. Qvar has a 2–2.5 fold greater potency than
CFC-containing inhalers and so should be prescribed at a lower dose (see
Panel above). |
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