Salmeterol (Serevent) will be available as a CFC-Free inhaler from January 2006 according to a letter from the manufacturers.
The new device is dose equivalent to the existing metered dose inhaler in terms of efficacy, dose, safety and price; it is also the same size, shape and colour as the old device. Patients may notice a change in the taste, sound and feel of the new device.
Prescriptions for any of the following can be dispensed as the CFC-Free device:
- Salemterol Xinafoate Inhaler
- Salmeterol Xinafoate CFC-Free Inhaler
- Salemterol Xinafoate Evohaler
- Serevent Inhaler
- Serevent CFC-Free Inhaler
- Serevent Evohaler
Action: Clinicians need to be aware of the introduction of this new device as patients may notice a difference. Prescriptions will not need to be changed immediately although this should be done over time to avoid confusion.