Changes to inhaler therapy – SABA to MART

In line with NICE guidance and the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICB formulary, practices are actively switching patients from Short Acting Bronchodilator Agonist (SABA) plus corticosteroid inhaler therapy to Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MaRT) combination inhalers.

We have reports of some contractors advising patients that this is to save money, and this is causing concern amongst patients who are then making unnecessary appointments with GPs and practice nurses to get confirmation that they should stop using their SABA inhaler. Please advise patients that this is in line with BEST PRACTICE as outlined in national (NICE) and local (STW formulary) guidance.

Please ensure your pharmacists and staff are aware of this; the formulary guidance can be found HERE.