NHS hospitals hit by shortage of life-saving drug for chronic breathing issues

NHS hospitals are currently facing a shortage of salbutamol, a medication critical for treating severe asthma, COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

Healthcare professionals are directed to limit the use of salbutamol's liquid form due to low stock levels of the 2.5mg and 5mg vials, with the latter unavailable until mid-April 2024.

Doctors have been advised to urgently order unlicensed imports of the medication to prevent depleting current supplies. The drug is typically delivered through a nebulizer, converting the liquid into an inhalable mist that helps patients breathe.

Record-high drug shortages in the UK have raised concerns for patient safety. The DHSC and NHS England have issued a national patient safety alert, instructing hospitals to conserve salbutamol for the most serious cases, urging doctors to:

- Transition patients away from nebulizers once their condition stabilizes.

- Use salbutamol pressurized metered-dose inhalers instead of nebulizer liquid for mild to moderate cases.

- Administer nebulizer liquid only when necessary, not on a regular schedule.

- Reserve supplies primarily for severe COPD and asthma exacerbations, anaphylaxis, and cases where inhalers are not an option.

Salbutamol inhalers, known as "reliever" inhalers, remain available and are not part of the shortage.

The scarcity has alarmed medical professionals. Dr Tim Cooksley expressed the urgency of resolving the supply issues, emphasizing the significant risk to patients without this essential treatment.

Asthma and Lung UK has informed patients about the limitation but assured that alternative treatments and international supplies meeting UK standards would be available.

The DHSC has stated that the disruption, initially caused by a manufacturer's issue, has been addressed and that continued supply for UK patients is secured.