Hospitals in the UK’s National Health Service are facing a widespread scarcity of a vital medication that is crucial for preserving the lives of patients who are in danger of death due to their inability to breathe without medical assistance.
Physicians have been instructed to limit their usage of salbutamol in liquid form, a crucial medication for those with severe asthma attacks or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often associated with emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
An alert from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England warns that there is a shortage of 2.5mg and 5mg vials of salbutamol liquid, which are considered “safety critical” for patients. The 5mg vials will not be available until mid-April 2024.
There is such a shortage that hospitals were instructed to immediately request unlicensed imported salbutamol nebuliser liquid – do not delay in ordering imports until current supplies run out.
The medication is given through a nebuliser, which uses air to turn the liquid into a mist, allowing the patient’s muscles to relax and their airways to open back up.
In January, The Guardian reported that the UK was experiencing unprecedented levels of drug shortages. This raised concerns among doctors as they feared that patients’ well-being could be jeopardized.
A doctor who specializes in lung health and regularly administers nebulized medication to patients who cannot breathe on their own expressed concern over this situation. The drug in question is essential for saving lives and is a staple in treatment for acute respiratory issues.
“We have been instructed to limit its usage and prioritize using alternatives when possible. It has been strongly recommended to only use it when absolutely necessary. While it is not currently a crisis, the fact that a life-saving medication is being rationed is concerning.”
The alert for patient safety also advised hospital leaders that physicians should prioritize supplies for the most critical cases in order to preserve them.
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Gradually discontinue use of nebulisers once patients’ condition has stabilized.
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Instead of using nebulizer liquid for mild to moderate asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups, it may be more beneficial to use a salbutamol pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI).
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When a patient requires nebulizer liquids, they should be used on an as-needed basis instead of consistently.
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Supplies should only be utilized in cases of “acute, severe exacerbations of COPD and asthma,” individuals experiencing breathing difficulties from an episode of anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to ingesting a substance – and those unable to utilize a pMDI.
The scarcity does not impact the accessibility of salbutamol inhalers, the blue “reliever” inhalers used by patients with lung issues like asthma to alleviate shortness of breath.
The shortage pertains specifically to liquid salbutamol, also known as Ventolin, and is only available in nebulizer form or vials. In cases where repeated inhalation through a tube does not improve breathing ability, patients may be prescribed a salbutamol nebulizer.
Medical professionals are expressing worry about the current state of affairs. According to Dr. Tim Cooksley, former president of the Society for Acute Medicine, Salbutamol is frequently prescribed to treat medical patients experiencing acute respiratory issues and there are currently no viable alternatives. It plays a crucial role in daily medical practice and any delay in addressing supply shortages could result in serious harm to patients.
Unfortunately, the organization Asthma and Lung UK recently announced on their website that there is a current shortage of salbutamol nebuliser liquid in the United Kingdom.
“The statement indicated that healthcare providers will have options for prescribing. Additionally, nebulizer liquid from other countries with comparable strict licensing standards to the UK will also be accessible.”
The DHSC declared that the scarcity had been resolved after finding alternative sources.
A representative from the NHS stated that the recent interruption in the availability of salbutamol nebuliser liquid has been resolved. This was due to a problem with one supplier’s manufacturing process. The department promptly worked with suppliers and other parties involved in the supply chain to ensure that patients in the UK had access to the necessary supplies.
Source: theguardian.com
