Why have I been given this information link? You have been given this link because you are taking, or are about to take the asthma reliever medications salbutamol and terbutaline, which are prescription-only SABA medications used to treat breathing problems in people with asthma and similar conditions.
Advice for patients
Seek urgent medical assistance if worsening asthma symptoms (for example, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing) are not relieved by using the asthma reliever medicines prescribed by a healthcare professional to be used during an asthma attack.
If a blue inhaler is prescribed as the asthma reliever medication to be used during an asthma attack, a separate asthma preventer therapy will always be prescribed for regular daily use as well.
Use the asthma anti-inflammatory maintenance medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional even when asthma is well-controlled and the blue inhaler is rarely or never needed.
If the blue inhaler does not have a dose counter, manually track the doses used and ensure you always have access to a spare inhaler before your current inhaler runs out or expires.
Follow your agreed asthma plan if you have one or ask your healthcare professional for an asthma review if the prescribed asthma blue reliever inhaler is needed more than twice a week.
Your healthcare professional can provide advice on recommended alternative treatments (to the blue inhaler) for people over 12 years of age with poorly controlled asthma.
What should I do if I’m experiencing issues with SABA? Talk to a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any problems with SABA medicine.
Patients can also report suspected adverse drug reactions to SABA via the Yellow Card scheme, for more information please visit:
www.yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
Where can I read additional information about SABA?
It is important to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/short-acting-beta-2-agonists-saba-salbutamol-and-terbutaline-reminder-of-the-risks-from-overuse-in-asthma-and-to-be-aware-of-changes-in-the-saba-prescribing-guidelines