Two treatments to be discontinued
23 October 2006

People with asthma who take Becotide or Becloforte metered dose (aerosol) inhalers to control their symptoms will be transferred to alternative treatments over the next year, as the two products are being phased out.

In accordance with the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, all treatments that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are, where possible, being replaced with CFC-free alternatives - not because they are bad for people with asthma but because of their effect on the ozone layer. Becotide and Becloforte both contain CFCs; as equivalent CFC-free products are now available, they are being discontinued and will be unavailable from the end of September 2007, although doctors may start phasing them out earlier.

Erica Evans, Asthma Care Development Manager for Asthma UK, reassured people with asthma and said they should not be alarmed: ‘People currently using the CFC products should arrange an appointment with their GP or asthma nurse to discuss their needs and find a suitable alternative,’ she said.

'This should be seen as an ideal opportunity for people to review their asthma medicines. Many will find that their asthma improves as a result.'

Asthma UK has produced a factfile on CFC-free inhalers, which explains the background to their implementation and outlines the wide range available to people with asthma; this can be downloaded below.