The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued guidance to asthma patients, stressing the necessity of consistent use of preventer inhalers, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
The agency advises against relying solely on blue inhalers intended for immediate relief. Consistent use of preventer inhalers is crucial to manage asthma symptoms effectively and minimise the risk of severe attacks.
This guidance follows recent updates to product information and recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) regarding short-acting beta 2 agonists (SABAs), such as salbutamol and terbutaline.
These medications are used to address sudden asthma symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathlessness.
Patients are encouraged to follow their prescribed preventer inhaler routine and consult healthcare professionals if they use their blue inhaler more than twice weekly.
The MHRA advises patients to seek urgent medical assistance if symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing persist or are not relieved by the blue inhaler. The agency also encourages reporting any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.
MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave said: “Patient safety is our top priority and we continue to monitor all medicines to ensure their benefits outweigh any risks.
“Patients should use their preventer inhaler as prescribed by their doctor, even if their asthma feels under control. Blue inhalers are important for treating symptoms during an asthma attack, but should not be used as the only treatment to manage asthma.”
Cave added: “We advise patients to speak to a healthcare professional if they find themselves needing their blue inhaler more than twice a week. Preventer inhalers should be taken as prescribed, even when symptoms appear under control.
“If asthma symptoms worsen or are not relieved by their blue inhaler, such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing, patients should seek urgent medical help. Any suspected side effects should be reported through our Yellow Card scheme.”
