Salbutamol inhalation products - supply shortage
Ongoing
salbutamol
Shortage
Human
Shortage information
There is a shortage of salbutamol inhalation products in the EU/EAA (European Economic Area).
Salbutamol inhalation products are used to treat breathing problems in people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease (COPD) and similar conditions. They contain the active substance salbutamol, which works by relaxing the muscles of the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier.
Salbutamol inhalation products are taken using an inhaler (which releases the medicine in puffs) or a nebuliser (which sprays a fine mist of the medicine).
There has been an increase in demand for salbutamol inhalation products, which cannot be met by the current manufacturing capacity, combined with other manufacturing issues for some of the products. These issues have led to shortages of some salbutamol inhalation products in most EU/EEA countries. The shortages are not related to a quality defect or a safety issue with the products.
The shortages may affect the following Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.
The shortage situation depends on the medicine and the Member State concerned. In some countries the shortage may be intermittent.
The supply issues are expected to continue until the beginning of 2026.
For up-to-date information about the status of a medicine shortage in a particular EU/EEA country, consult the national shortage register or contact the national competent authority.
EMA’s Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) and EMA’s shortages working party (Medicines Shortages Single Point of Contact – SPOC - working party) are closely monitoring the supply situation and engaging with the marketing authorisation holders to mitigate the impact of the supply shortage.
- There are shortages of some salbutamol inhalation products in most EU/EEA countries.
- If the brand you dispense or prescribe is not available, there may be other salbutamol inhalation products or alternative treatments available in your country.
- To avoid worsening the situation, it is important not to order more salbutamol than required.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority.
- You may also contact relevant healthcare professional organisations for further information. A list of European not-for-profit organisations with which EMA engages can be found on the EMA website.
- There are shortages of some salbutamol inhalation products in several EU/EEA countries.
- If the brand you use is unavailable, there may be alternative salbutamol inhalation products authorised in your country, or treatment alternatives. Your doctor will discuss suitable options with you.
- You should order your medicine as normal; do not order additional supplies as this may put further strain on supplies.
- If you have any questions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority.
- You may also contact patient organisations such as the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases or national organisations for further information or support. A list of European not-for-profit organisations with which EMA engages can be found on the EMA website.
Key facts
- Medicines affected
- Salbutamol inhalation products
- Supply shortage status
- Ongoing
- International non-proprietary name (INN) or common name
- salbutamol
- Therapeutic area (MESH)
- Asthma
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
- Pharmaceutical forms affected
- Inhaler
- Nebuliser solution
- Availability of alternatives
- Yes
Key dates
- First published
- Last updated