Chiesi has released additional Clenil Modulite 100mcg (beclometasone) batches into the UK supply chain following a steep rise in the demand for the product.
The batches have been released following the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) authorisation.
The batch numbers authorised by MHRA for release include: 1112190, 1112214, 1112215, 1112217, 1112218, and 1112219.
The first seven batches are expected to be in circulation this week. Further batches will be released over the coming months to address the increase in demand.
“We repeat our appeal to all healthcare professionals involved in prescribing and dispensing our range of products to help us maintain supply by continuing to write monthly repeat prescriptions rather than prescriptions for multiple months’ supply of inhalers until such time as the short-term pressures begin to ease," Chiesi said in a statement.
"This will help us immensely in being able to continue to supply all our products to all our patients during this time by bringing demand in line with supply.”
Key points related to the batch variation
- These inhalers contain the same active ingredient, beclometasone; no changes are needed to the prescription or the way patients manage their asthma
- Drug is delivered by the same inhaler device-pressurised metered dose inhaler, pMDI
- The main changes relate to the product appearance: on the new batches the actuator is beige and the cap is yellow, instead of brown and beige, respectively on the original version
- There is no dose indicator on the new batches
- There are no differences to the safety profile (adverse effects) of the drug
- When dispensing the product, healthcare professionals should carefully check the dosage written on the labelling on the package due to the similarities in colour with Clenil 50mcg inhaler
- As usual, patients should be recommended to keep track of when they started using the inhaler as there is no dose indicator; at the usual recommended dose the inhaler will last over a month
- The Clenil inhalers are compatible with a Volumatic Spacer Device
- Patients should be reminded of the importance of cleaning their inhaler once a week.
Health secretary Wes StreetingPic credit: Gettyimages
Atul Patel
Pritee Panchmatia