GPs should inform asthma patients that three batches of Ventolin Accuhaler and Seretide Accuhaler asthma inhalers have been recalled for not delivering the full number of doses.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned that patients using the affected Ventolin devices may find their symptoms are not relieved as normal.
Patients with affected inhalers should take them to their pharmacy and get a replacement.
The fault is the result of a manufacturing problem. The two affected batches of Ventolin Accuhaler and the one affected batch of Seretide were distributed to the UK market and were manufactured by Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd.
Other asthma inhalers, including the more commonly used Ventolin Evohaler, are not affected.
The Seretide Accuhaler, used for maintenance treatment is being recalled from hospitals and pharmacies, retailers and wholesalers across the UK.
The affected batches are:
- Ventolin 200mcg – Accuhaler 1x60D, 786G, exp 05/2019.
- Ventolin 200mcg – Accuhaler 1x60D, 754P, exp 05/2019.
- Seretide 50/250mcg – Accuhaler 1x60D, 5K8W, exp 04/2019.
Dr Karen Mullen, UK medical director at GSK, said it was ‘easy to check whether a Ventolin Accuhaler device has come from an affected batch by checking the Lot number’.
She said: ‘Any patient who has an affected inhaler should return their inhalers to their pharmacist or dispensing practice where they will be issued with a replacement inhaler.’
She added: ‘This isn’t something we want patients to be alarmed about but it is important that we ensure our inhalers work properly for all our patients. We are committed to supplying high-quality products to our patients and sincerely regret any concern caused to them and healthcare professionals.’
Bernadette Sinclair Jenkins, from the MHRA, said: ‘It is important people check whether they have an affected inhaler. We want patients and their families to be confident treatment will be safe and effective when required.’
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