What do changes to lower carbon inhalers mean for you?

The government has approved a new, lower-carbon gas for use in some inhalers. You may have heard about this change in the news or in the leaflet that comes with your inhaler.  

The change only affects a few inhalers at the moment but, by 2030, the aim is for all inhalers with gas in them to become lower carbon. These inhalers are called pressurised metered dose inhalers, or pMDIs. They are sometimes called a ‘puffer’.  

The gas (propellant) inside your inhaler pushes the medicine out as a mist, which you can then breathe more easily into your lungs.  

The good news is that you should not notice a difference in how your inhaler works. The medicine and the inhaler device are the same. Only the gas that delivers the medicine has changed. 

But it’s important your medication is working for you. So if you notice your symptoms, like coughing, wheezing or feeling breathless, are getting worse, follow your asthma action plan. You should also speak to your GP or nurse as soon as you can. 

How can I get the most from my inhaler? 

Using your inhaler correctly and taking your medicines as prescribed can help you manage your asthma symptoms and stay well. Here are three important things you can do:  

1. Keep taking your medicines as prescribed. 

One of the best ways to manage your lung condition is to make sure you use your medication as prescribed.  

If you have asthma, you may be using a MART or AIR inhaler. These are combination inhalers. They contain a steroid preventer medicine to prevent symptoms and a reliever medicine to treat symptoms.  

If you have separate preventer and reliever inhalers, ask your GP, nurse or other healthcare professional whether you could benefit from a combination inhaler. They can support you to switch if it’s appropriate for you. A combination inhaler can help you manage symptoms better and lower your risk of having an asthma attack or flare up. 

2. Make sure you use your inhaler in the best way 

Whichever inhaler you’re using, it’s important you know how to use it properly. Good inhaler technique helps you breathe the medicine straight into your lungs, where it’s needed. This gives you the best chance of managing your symptoms. 

Even if you think your inhaler technique is OK, you may still be able to improve it so that more of the medicine gets deep into your lungs.  

You can ask your GP or pharmacist to check your inhaler technique or watch our short videos to help you.  

3. Get an action plan or self-management plan 

An action plan or self-management plan tells you what you can do every day to stay well. This includes:  

• what medicines to take and when what to do if your symptoms get worse 

• what to do if you have an asthma attack or flare up.

• You can download our asthma action plans, and our COPD and bronchiectasis self-management plans here.