The manufacturer of Combivent® (ipratropium 20micrograms / salbutamol 100micrograms) has announced that the metered dose aerosol inhaler will be discontinued in 2008.
The decision to discontinue this product is based upon European CFC environmental legislation that restricts the use of CFC propellants. There are no concerns about the safety profile, effectiveness or quality of the product.
This product is indicated in the British National Formulary as being less suitable for prescribing.
Action: Clinicians should take this opportunity to review existing treatments. Prescription of ipratropium and salbutamol in separate inhalers is one solution to this discontinuation.