- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

Pulmicort pMDI to be discontinued

The manufacturer of budesonide CFC-free (Pulmicort®) pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI) has announced that this product will be discontinued.

The manufacturer cites "complex manufacturing issues" that relate exclusively to this product and that they have "exhausted all potential solutions". The company are advising patients to find an alternative medication as soon as possible.

It is unclear from this announcement how long current supplies might last. Patients will need a change of their inhaled corticosteroid or a change in the style of device that they use as this is no direct equivalent.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of this announcement. Patients affected should be identified and invited for a review to discuss the available alternatives.