Reliever Inhaler Use
Anecdotally, many contractors have reported a large number of PFS Urgent supply for reliever inhalers. Additionally, some PCNs have raised the opportunity for pharmacies to support reduction in over-ordering these inhalers. As always, it is important to check that the patient needs this item before it is ordered. Potential overuse or sole use of these inhalers is indicative of poorly controlled asthma and puts patients at risk of serious exacerbations.
So, what can we do to support patients and help them to understand the risks of relying on reliever inhalers? According to HW ICS Asthma Treatment Guidelines, when asthma is well controlled, there should be little or no need for a reliever inhaler. Any patient who has been given 6 or more reliever inhalers in six months or 12 or more reliever inhalers in a year should be urgently called in for a review. Put simply, the advice to the patient is that if they are using their blue inhaler to control symptoms more than three times a week then they need to have a review of their asthma medication.
Links for further information for patients: Asthma and Lung Reliever Advice for patients
Have you got any great examples of patient interventions or NMS around inhaler use and technique? We would love to hear from you. You can email us at ahwlpc@gmail.com
written by Paul Rowley, CPHW committee member
