Greener inhalers

Greener inhalers

Suitable patients will soon be able to work with their healthcare professional to discuss swapping to a ‘greener’ inhaler which could significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

The NHS is promoting the use of dry powder inhalers (DPI) instead of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) for conditions such as asthma and COPD. This is because many people will be able to achieve the same benefit from using a DPI, which is better for the environment as it does not use greenhouse gases to propel the medication into the lungs.

Patients will be invited to discuss their inhaler at their next routine respiratory review and work alongside their healthcare professional to make the right choice for them.

Under the nationally-commissioned New Medicines Service (NMS), the pharmacy can provide structured support to patients who have changed their inhaler, with their consent. This happens in three stages:

Step 1: The pharmacist will provide the patient with initial information on the new inhaler, including how to use and maintain it.

Step 2: The pharmacist will arrange a face-to-face or telephone follow-up seven to 14 days later to check if the patient needs any additional support or information.

Step 3: A further follow-up will be arranged 14 to 21 days after step two, to again check all is well and whether more information is needed.

Dispensing practices will provide appropriate support for their dispensing patients. Practices are being encouraged to consider referring other patients to their usual pharmacy for NMS support for an inhaler change, and should discuss the best referral process with their pharmacies as soon as possible.

Patient information about the NMS is available here, while a leaflet which aims to help them get the best from their green inhaler can be found at this link.

How to use your inhaler

Improve your inhaler technique in three minutes! Watch these short videos to learn how to use your inhaler properly and better manager your respiratory symptoms.

How to use an Accuhaler inhaler

How to use a metered dose inhaler

How to use a metered dose inhaler with a large volume spacer device

<p>How to use a metered dose inhaler with a small volume spacer device <br /><iframe src="/“<a href="/>https://player.vimeo.com/video/179464174”" width="”640”" height="”360”" frameborder="”0”" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen">