Salbutamol Nebules 2.5mg/2.5ml Shortages

Previous news article about shortage:

·         https://cpsc.org.uk/news/latest-cpsc-news/salbutamol-nebules-supply

CPHIOW were contacted by a Respiratory Lead and the Consultant Pharmacist for Medicines Safety in the area regarding the shortage of Salbutamol nebules 2.5mg/2.5ml.

The ICB raised their concerns due to patients being admitted to hospital as unable to obtain Salbutamol nebules and they want help to prevent further potential hospitalization of patients.

Pharmacies that are unable to order the required item via their normal channels are able to order unlicensed products if these have been prescribed correctly – see guidance from SPS below.

Unlicensed products should only be used if 5mg/2.5ml or alternative beta2-agonist are not suitable.

SPS Guidance

We would like to draw your attention to this alternative source and encourage you to use the “unlicensed” pathway bearing in mind that there is a very specific and vulnerable group of patients that use nebulizers. Pharmacy will be reimbursed as per DT for supply of special items providing Rx is written correctly.