Green inhalers in Greater Manchester
Inhalers are prescribed for people with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In Greater Manchester more than 300,000 are prescribed each month.
Traditionally, most inhalers prescribed in Greater Manchester have used a gas to release a puff of medicine for you to breathe into your lungs. The type of gas used is called a greenhouse gas as it contributes to global warming.
Just one inhaler has the same impact on the environment as driving an average car from Manchester to Blackpool!
But the good news is there are more environmentally-friendly alternatives which are also easier to use.
More and more people in Greater Manchester are switching to more modern inhalers which use dry powder to help deliver the medicine deep into your lungs. These inhalers don’t contain greenhouse gasses and have 10-30 times less impact on the environment.
Many people find greener inhalers relieve their symptoms at least as well as other inhalers or even better. Also, they are more convenient to use.
- You don’t need spacer device – a tube which some people connect to the mouthpiece of their inhaler to help them take their medicine.
- A counter shows you how many doses you have left, so you are less likely to run out.
Greater Manchester talk about the benefits of switching to greener inhalers in the video below.
People with asthma and COPD are invited for a yearly respiratory review by their GP practice. This makes sure that they are managing their symptoms well.
Ask how a greener inhaler can benefit you at your respiratory review.
Got a problem with your inhaler?
Speak to a practice nurse or a pharmacist so they can advise you.
And when you have finished with your inhaler?
Return all used or unwanted inhalers to your pharmacy so they can be disposed of properly.
Remember, you don’t have to order your inhalers every month if you already have enough!
Greater Manchester patients talk about the benefits of switching to green inhalers.