Scotland Switches to Sustainable Inhalers

NHS Scotland has put goals in place to cut medical inhaler propellant emissions by 70% by 2028 “on the path to net zero”. The use of metered dosage inhalers (MDIs) by individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be subject to routine evaluations.

According to consultant pharmacist in respiratory medicine, Toby Capstick, the most effective method to lessen the environmental effect of MDI inhalers is guaranteeing that people’s asthma and COPD are under control.

Mr Capstick explained that “there’s always a risk when you focus on targets that people will go for the quick wins. Two-thirds of MDI inhalers prescribed are salbutamol” and “20% of people are using six” plus of these inhalers each year. “If you’ve got really good control, you shouldn’t use more than one a year … if we optimise [patients’] asthma treatment, we drive down how much salbutamol they are using.”

An important step in reducing damage to the environment is sensible disposal. The propellant risks getting into the atmosphere if proper disposal does not take place, therefore inspiring patients to give their inhaler capsules back to their pharmacists will be an effective mitigation strategy.

Clare Morrison, who joined RPS in September 2020 as Director for Scotland, added “As medicines experts, pharmacists have unique insight into how medicines can be used more sustainably and safely, which would not only reduce impact on the environment, but also provide better outcomes for patients.”

RPS Scotland praised the emphasis on “practising realistic medicine”, which should increase quantity of prescription medications that are used, hence lowering pharmaceutical waste.
“The Scottish government will publish a revision to our ‘Respiratory Quality Prescribing Guide’ this autumn. This will build on what already works and encourage further quality improvements in the respiratory prescribing within NHS Scotland.”

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