Salbutamol inhalation products - supply shortage
Ongoing
salbutamol
Shortage
Human
Shortage information
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, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
The shortage situation depends on the medicine and the Member State concerned. In some countries the shortages may be intermittent. The supply issues are expected to continue at least until mid-2025.
For up-to-date information about the status of a medicine shortage in a particular EU/EEA countries, consult the national shortage register or contact the national competent authority.
EMA’s shortages working party (Medicines Shortages Single Point of Contact – SPOC) is closely monitoring the supply situation and engaging with several marketing authorisation holders for salbutamol inhalation products to identify measures to mitigate the impact of the supply shortage. In particular, EMA is in close dialogue with companies to investigate whether production can be increased to meet demand.
The SPOC working party is responsible for monitoring and reporting events that could affect the supply of medicines in the EU/EEA.
- There are shortages of some salbutamol inhalation products in most EU/EEA countries.
- If the brand you dispense or prescribe is not available, other salbutamol inhalation products or alternative treatments may be available in your country.
- It is important not to order more salbutamol than is required to avoid worsening the situation.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority.
- 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.
- You may also contact patient organisations such as the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases, or national organisations.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority
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
- Nebuliser solution
- Availability of alternatives
- Yes
Key dates
- First published
- Last updated