Asthma inhalers recalled due to manufacturing errors

A patient and a pharmacy level drug alert recall has been issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for three specific lots of asthma inhalers (manufactured by Glaxo Wellcome UK) as they may not deliver the full number of doses.

This recall has been initiated by GlaxoSmithKline after it had become aware of the manufacturing issue that has meant the devices may not deliver the full number of doses. The company reports that the root cause of the issue has been now been corrected after an investigation of the manufacturing process.

The specific inhalers are two lots of Ventolin (salbutamol) 200 mcg Accuhaler devices and one lot of Seretide (salmeterol xinafoate, fluticasone propionate) 50/250 mcg Accuhaler devices.

Bernadette Sinclair Jenkins, MHRA’s Regulatory Assessment Unit Manager of the Inspections, Enforcement and Standards unit 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.

“People with a Ventolin Accuhaler from the affected lots should take them to their pharmacy or their dispensing practice and speak to a pharmacist who will provide a replacement.

“We strongly encourage anyone to report any issues with their inhalers or other medicines or medical devices to MHRA via our Yellow Card Scheme.”