Pulmicort MDI preventer inhaler discontinued

Pulmicort (budesonide) pressurised metered-dose inhaler (MDI), a preventer treatment used for controlling asthma, has been discontinued. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said it had ended the production of the MDI version of pulmicort because of manufacturing issues, not the medicine itself. This does not affect pulmicort in powdered form (turbohaler).

Pulmicort is one of a number of preventer treatments used by people with asthma. Preventer inhalers can be lifesaving as they control the swelling and inflammation in the airways. This stops them from being so sensitive and reduces the risk of severe attacks and long-term lung damage. The protective effect builds up over a period of time so they need to be taken every day (usually morning and evening) even if no asthma symptoms are present. It is important to never miss a dose.

‘It is very important for people to have a preventer inhaler they are happy with and can use properly,’ explains Erica Evans, Asthma UK’s Clinical Lead. ‘People who have been using pulmicort (budesonide) by MDI need to find a suitable alternative before their supply runs out. We therefore urge people to make an appointment with their doctor or asthma nurse to discuss appropriate alternatives and get a new prescription. They should then discuss any issues which arise once they have tried their new inhaler to ensure it is working well to control their asthma.’

If you or your child are taking pulmicort and have concerns around this change you can talk to an asthma nurse specialist in confidence on the Asthma UK Adviceline (0800 121 62 44).  Calls are free from a BT landline and interpreting service is available. 

Asthma Uk