Asthma Inhaler

PLEASE NOTE:

This service should only be used by people with a confirmed Asthma diagnosis by their regular doctor. You should not use a salbutamol inhaler (blue inhaler) solely to control or manage your asthma, especially if you are using it more than 3 times a week. If you feel your asthma symptoms are not adequately controlled or worsening, you should see your regular doctor immediately.

We are required as part of this service to notify your regular GP of any salbutamol supplies made. This service should not replace your regular annual reviews with your GP. If we feel you are using this service too frequently we may call you. We reserve the right to refuse supply and should this be the case, you will be refunded in full.

Eligibility

In order to supply you with this service, the following must apply

1. You have been diagnosed as asthmatic by your registered doctor
2. You have used a salbutamol inhaler previously.
3. You have had you annual asthma review within the past 12 months
4. You have not noticed any decline in your asthma symptoms and do not use your salbutamol inhaler more than 3-4 times a week. (More frequently use may indicate poorly controlled asthma, and increases the risk of hospital admissions. You should see your regular doctor for a review)

Inhalers

We offer 2 types of inhalers via this platform

1. Metered Dose Inhaler – This requires precise co-ordination in technique, and dispenses 100mcg of salbutamol per actuation (pressing of the top of the inhaler). To see a demonstration of the correct technique, click here.
2. Breath Actuated Inhaler – This inhaler requires less co-ordination as there is no need to press down to dispense a dose. You simply prep the inhaler and take a slow deep breath. The medication is dispensed automatically upon inspiration. To see a demonstration of the correct technique, click here.

During an asthma or wheezing attack, the passages into the lungs become narrower making it harder to breath and can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Salbutamol (the active ingredient in blue inhalers) helps by causing the airways to open up for a short period, thereby reducing restriction of air into the lungs and relieving symptoms. For this reason, it is also sometimes referred to as a reliever. In most cases, asthmatics require a preventer inhaler in the form of a steroid inhaler. If you have your preventer inhaler than it is vital you take this regularly to prevent any asthma flare ups or attacks.

How to take

You can take ONE or TWO puffs of your blue (salbutamol) inhaler up to a maximum of four times a day. Each puff should be separated by at least 1 minute. If any of the following apply to you then you must arrange to see your doctor.

• You require salbutamol more than 4 times a day
• You require salbutamol more than 3 times a week
• Your asthma disturbs your sleep at least once a week

Common side effects

More than 1 in 100 people have these side effects after taking 1 or 2 puffs of their inhaler:

• feeling shaky
• faster heartbeat for a short while
• headache
• muscle cramps

These side effects aren't dangerous and they should soon go away. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects bother you or persist.