New Greener Inhalers

As part of the NHS commitment to provide excellent care and protect our planet, we are reviewing the prescriptions for some inhalers.

The propellants used in inhalers make up 5% of the carbon emissions the NHS generates each year. The NHS is therefore reviewing the use of inhalers to ensure we are using the inhalers that are least harmful to the planet (green), whilst ensuring they are equally as effective for treating your asthma.

Salamol is a greener alternative to ventolin. It contains salbutamol (the same drug as in ventolin inhalers) and is your rescue inhaler. It is the same dose as your previous inhaler.

Which of my inhalers does this affect?

This affects your reliever (blue) inhaler, which you use only when you have symptoms. You may know it as your salbutamol inhaler, or by the brand-name Ventolin. Your pharmacy may dispense a salbutamol inhaler with a different brand name. It appears on your medication list as either of the following:

• Ventolin Evohaler 100microgram/ dose
• Salbutamol CFC-Free Inhaler 100microgram/ dose

How will my prescription change?

The World Health Organisation has said that climate change is the greatest risk to health in the 21st century. We want to prescribe inhalers that release less greenhouse gases, to reduce the impact on climate change. From now on, all prescriptions we issue for blue reliever inhalers will be for the lower carbon footprint Salamol inhaler (Salamol CFC-Free Inhaler 100microgram/ dose). 

What do I need to do?

Salamol contains the same medication as Ventolin and is used in the same way. So, you can continue using your inhaler in exactly the same way. Finish the doses in your current inhaler before starting your new Salamol inhaler.

Some people notice a change in the taste of the inhaler and this is normal.