What are the Hidden Risks Associated with Incorrect Inhaler Usage?

Inhalers play a central role in the management of respiratory conditions, with 73 million inhalers used annually in the UK.¹

Using pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) beyond the labelled number of actuations may cause ineffective dosing of medication, leading to poor clinical outcomes;² whereas disposing of pMDIs with doses remaining has implications in terms of medicine wastage, healthcare costs and the environment.

Professor Anna Murphy presents the findings of a published paper which attempted to understand ‘How do patients determine when their inhaler is empty?’.

The study defined inhalers according to their place in therapy; maintenance or reliever. The analysis of results are described in relation to whether a dose counter is present and the influence this may have for patients returning inhalers empty. She moves onto results of a patient survey,  which evaluated patient knowledge of when inhalers are empty and whether they know of how to correctly dispose them. This further supports the observations within the research.

Please also consider watching ‘What is the Importance of Understanding when an Inhaler is Empty?‘ by Professor Will Carroll who discusses some misconceptions patients have in recognising when their inhaler is empty.

References

1. Taskforce for Lung Health. Inhaler Recycling: Reducing Environmental Impact and Enhancing Public Health. June 2024. https://www.taskforceforlunghealth.org.uk/inhaler-recycling-reducing-environmental-impact-and-enhancing-public-health/

2. NICE. British National Formulary; Treatment Summaries; Respiratory system, inhaled drug delivery. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summaries/respiratory-system-inhaled-drug-delivery/

3. Asthma & Lung UK. How inhalers affect the environment. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/how-inhalers-affect-environment

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• Dr Anna Murphy

  Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist & Honorary Visiting Professor

  Read biography
  Dr Anna Murphy

  Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist & Honorary Visiting Professor University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust & DeMontfort University

  Role and Location

  Anna is an experienced Pharmacist with a demonstrated history of working in patient focused roles in both primary and secondary care. Skilled in Disease Management, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Medication Therapy Management, and Healthcare Management. National and international expert and opinion leader for Respiratory and pharmacy.

  Education

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (University of Manchester)
  • Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (The School of Pharmacy, London)
  • Master of Science (MS), Clinical Pharmacy
  • Independent Prescribing (De Montfort University, Leicester)
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) focused in Respiratory medicine (University of Derby)

  Research

  Inhaler resistance, sustainability, recycling, severe asthma.

  Memberships

  • Previous member (co-chair) Taskforce for Lung Health
  • Previous Visiting Professor, De Montfort University