Changing to the new inhalers It is important that people with asthma, and their doctors and nurses, fully understand the reasons for the change to CFC-free inhalers. People with asthma should only be provided with a CFC-free inhaler following a full discussion with their doctor, nurse or pharmacist, and when they feel confident about the change. It may be necessary to move to a different type of asthma medication or mode of delivery when changing to a CFC-free inhaler. It is then also important to ensure that future prescriptions are for the new inhalers only. This will help avoid confusion in the period when CFC and non-CFC inhalers are still both available.
Current inhalers are safe and effective for people with asthma.
New CFC-free aerosol inhalers will contain exactly the same medicines and be kinder to the environment. They may look, feel and taste different. These new inhalers have passed very thorough testing. They are just as effective and safe as current inhalers. Others will be introduced gradually over the next couple of years.