Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are being phased out worldwide, it is anticipated that the currently available CFC-containing beclometasone inhalers will also be discontinued in 2010 (subject to demand).

Currently two brands of the CFC-free beclometasone inhalers are available on the UK market, Clenil Modulite, and Qvar. It is important to note that these two brands are not interchangeable as they are not equipotent. For patient safety reasons the MHRA issued guidance in 2006 advising prescribers to issue prescriptions for CFC-free beclometasone dipropionate inhalers using the brand name of the products to ensure that the intended inhaler is dispensed.

Clenil Modulite can be prescribed at the same dose as the currently available CFC-containing beclometasone dipropionate MDIs. Qvar has a 2
to 2.5 fold greater potency than currently available beclometasone dipropionate MDIs, and therefore should be prescribed at a lower dose than currently available CFC-containing beclometasone diproprionate MDIs.

If a prescription for generic CFC-Free product is received by the dispenser; he/she should check with the prescriber which of the two available branded products should be dispensed, and then should endorse the prescription accordingly to ensure correct payment. If no endorsement is made on the prescription then NHS Prescription Services will return the prescription to the practice for this information to be added.

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