Asthma Patients who rely solely on their blue inhalers may be putting their health at greater risk. That’s why The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is continuously reminding asthma patients to adhere to their preventer anti-inflammatory inhaler regularly as prescribed by their doctor, to ensure proper long term asthma control and prevent any serious complications.

Furthermore, if you find yourself needing your blue reliever inhaler more than twice a week, or if your asthma symptoms are worsening and not adequately controlled, it is strongly recommended to consult your healthcare provider promptly for appropriate medical assessment and management. any side effects should be reported to the yellow card scheme.

Some advice for patients struggling with Asthma:

• Use your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed, even if symptoms are under control and you rarely need your blue inhaler. Preventer inhalers reduce inflammation and help prevent severe asthma attacks.
• If prescribed a blue (reliever) inhaler, you should also have a separate preventer inhaler for regular use.
• Use of a blue inhaler more than twice a week may indicate poor asthma control – consult your healthcare provider.
• If your blue inhaler lacks a dose counter, track usage manually and always keep a spare inhaler
• Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath are not relieved by the blue inhaler.
• Your healthcare professional can recommend additional or alternative treatments for individuals over 12 with uncontrolled asthma.

Learn more: Patients with asthma reminded of the increased risk of severe asthma attacks from overusing blue inhalers - GOV.UK