Urgent recall of popular asthma medicine given by health bosses

An urgent recall has been issued for a widely prescribed asthma inhaler following the discovery of a serious labelling error that could mislead patients about their dosage The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that the Flutiform 250 micrograms inhaler is being withdrawn from pharmacies and wholesalers across the UK - but patients should not stop taking the medication as prescribed.

The recall was prompted by a notification from the inhaler's manufacturer, CD Pharma Limited, which identified a mistake on the outer packaging of specific product batches. While the overall active ingredient content printed on the box is accurate, the delivered dose information, which tells patients how much medication they receive with each use, is incorrect.

This discrepancy could give users the impression they are receiving only half their prescribed dose, potentially causing unnecessary anxiety or confusion. Despite the labelling error, the inhaler itself remains safe and effective. The MHRA has emphasised that patients should not stop taking their medication and should continue using their inhaler as instructed by their doctor.

In a statement on their website, the regulator said: "This is a wholesale and pharmacy level recall that will be actioned by a healthcare professional. There is no quality issue with the product and patients can continue to take their medicine as prescribed."

Flutiform is used to manage severe asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that affects around 7.2 million people in the UK.

It combines two medications, a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator which reduces airway inflammation and keep the breathing passages open.

Asthma attacks are responsible for three deaths per day in the UK, according to national health statistics.

Asthma symptoms, including wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, and chest tightness, can be triggered by a variety of environmental and emotional factors such as pollution, stress, allergens, or viral infections. Proper medication is essential to control these symptoms and prevent severe episodes.

Pharmacists and healthcare providers are being urged to identify and remove the affected Flutiform batches from circulation immediately. Patients with concerns are advised to speak with their GP or asthma nurse, who can confirm the safety of their current medication and offer reassurance.

The MHRA has not yet disclosed how many units are affected but has assured the public that the recall is precautionary and part of standard safety protocol.