Volumatic spacer is withdrawn
30 August 2005

The Volumatic spacer will no longer be available to people with asthma from the beginning of September 2005, when its manufacturers stop producing the device.

While some other large volume spacers do exist, many people will be prescribed smaller spacers instead, and as this could alter the amount of medicine inhaled, some people may have to adjust their dosage.

People who currently have a Volumatic are being advised to hold on to them for now, but because the devices should be renewed after 6-12 months, eventually they will have to switch to an alternative.

Monitor your symptoms when using a new spacer

The Volumatic is a large volume spacer but most alternative spacers available have a smaller capacity, which could affect how much medicine is inhaled. This in turn may affect the control of asthma symptoms for some people, or could increase the risk of side effects developing.

This is not dangerous, but experts recommend that if you are switching spacers you should monitor your symptoms more closely than usual to ensure you spot any worsening of your condition or side effects straight away.

Why spacers are useful

A spacer is a cylinder that is used by fitting a metered dose inhaler at one end and breathing in through a mouthpiece at the other. When the user releases the dose of medicine from the inhaler, it is held in the chamber for a short time, ready for the person to breathe in either in one go or by breathing in and out on the mouthpiece several times so they get the full dose.

Spacers are particularly useful for helping parents give asthma medicines to young children, and for people who find it difficult to coordinate their breathing with pressing the inhaler canister.

Life-saving function

Research has shown that large volume spacers are extremely effective in delivering asthma medicines, and can even be used as an alternative to a nebuliser if necessary – which could be a life-saving function.

However, studies of spacers large and small have found that the key is to ensure that people with asthma who are changing spacer adjust their dose according to its effects.

Be in control

'When you change any aspect of your asthma treatment, medicine or device, it's vital that you take greater care to monitor your symptoms so you can identify any potential problems as soon as possible,' said Martin Dockrell, Assistant Director of Policy & Public Affairs at Asthma UK.

'Using Asthma UK's Be in Control action plan and peak flow diary may be beneficial when switching spacers, as they can help you to see when your symptoms are worsening,' he advised.

Professor Martyn Partridge, Asthma UK's Chief Medical Adviser said: 'The reasons why this particular large volume spacer will no longer be available have not been made clear. The BTS/SIGN asthma guidelines executive committee will be monitoring this situation carefully but at present the withdrawal of this one particular spacer is unlikely to alter their recommendations.'

All doctors, nurses and health professionals are being informed about the withdrawal of the Volumatic, so they should be able to give people with asthma advice and reassurance about any worries they may have about making the transition to a new type of spacer.