Asthma

MHRA approves ‘world first’ low-carbon version of COPD inhaler

The new version of Trixeo Aerosphere will replace the propellant HFA-134a with HFO-1234ze(E), “a fluorinated gas with near-zero global warming potential”.…

SABA inhaler carbon emissions have dropped by one-third since 2020, NHS England data show

Exclusive: Pharmacy experts said the fall in short-acting beta-2 agonist inhaler emissions most likely owes to patients switching from the Ventolin Evohaler to the Salamol inhaler.…

NHS England to assess feasibility of a national inhaler recycling scheme

Health minister Karin Smyth said NHS England was “currently supporting the implementation of an inhaler recycling pilot to assess a national scheme’s feasibility and potential benefits”.…

First UK joint asthma guidance: what does it mean for practice?

In this episode of The PJ Pod, we explore the main changes and implications for practice brought about by the UK-wide joint asthma guideline.…

Greener inhalers could make up to 10% of NHS net zero emissions cuts, report concludes

A report published by the Office of Health Economics said that a switch to the use of carbon minimal pressurised metered dose inhalers could cut NHS carbon emissions by more than 600,000 tonnes per year.…

Understanding the role of sex hormones in asthma

Asthma is more common and can be more serious in women. Understanding the role of hormones in this disease could improve outcomes and eventually lead to the development of new treatment options.…

Inhaler return to pharmacies part of updated NHS ‘Green plan guidance’

The updated guidance encourages trusts and other NHS organisations to renew their sustainability plans for the next three-year cycle in order to help achieve NHS net zero carbon emissions.…

Third of asthma inhalers without dose counters returned for recycling when half full, study finds

Researchers found that inhalers with dose counters were much more likely to be returned empty (51.3%) compared with those without counters (25.1%).…

First UK-wide joint asthma guideline recommends combination treatment for new diagnoses

The guideline recommends that all asthma patients over the age of 12 should be prescribed low dosages of inhaled corticosteroids and formoterol to address inflammation and symptoms.…

Pharmacy initiative results in 300% increase in inhalers being returned for sustainable disposal

Five pharmacies in and around Edinburgh spent ten weeks adding stickers to dispensing bags to encourage patients to return inhalers to the pharmacy.…