The transition in practice: health professionals and patients

The transition to CFC-free pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) raises issues for health professionals and patients. Health professionals need to be aware of any differences between old and reformulated products. The currently available reformulated salbutamol is equivalent to the old product so no dosage adjustment is implicated in the changeover. Available information on the new reformulated steroids suggests significantly smaller doses may be required for some reformulations as a result of improved drug deposition. This should not pose a problem if health professionals follow current asthma guidelines and titrate treatment against effect. Patients must be well prepared for transition, be aware of key facts about the new formulation and be aware of the reason their physician recommends change. The likelihood of a seamless transition to the new inhalers will be enhanced if health professionals coordinate the transition in a planned way in each district.