The manufacturer of Bricanyl® Turbohaler has written to healthcare professionals, and also informed Asthma UK, advising that supplies of this inhaler are very low in the UK.
The reason behind this shortage is being investigated and it is currently expected that this issue will persist until the end of January 2019. Asthma UK is advising patients to check their inhalers and ensure they have adequate supply; it is also recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional for a suitable alternative before their current inhaler runs out.
Switching to an alternative will require a change to salbutamol. Consideration should be given to the range of devices available including pressurised metered dose inhalers, breath actuated aerosols and dry powder inhalers. Provision of a spacer device may also be appropriate.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this product supply shortage. It would be prudent to run clinical system searches to identify any patients who are currently prescribed this product to allow a review and arrangements made to identify a suitable alternative.