Boehringer Ingelheim wishes to announce that Combivent (ipratropium and salbutamol) Metered Aerosol will be discontinued in Ireland on June 30th 2008.
Combivent Metered Aerosol is a CFC-containing inhaler, and in accordance with the Montreal Protocol concerning the phase-out of CFC-containing products, Boehringer Ingelheim has agreed to cease sales of this product by the end of June 2008. Combivent is licensed for the treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD. The discontinuation of Combivent Metered Aerosol is driven solely by the restriction on the use of CFCs. Combivent UDVs for nebulisation are not affected by this phase out and will remain on the market. Combivent Metered Aerosol consists of a short-acting anticholinergic (ipratropium) and a short-acting beta-agonist (salbutamol). Boehringer Ingelheim recommends that all patients currently receiving Combivent Metered Aerosol should be re-evaluated, as the best alternative treatment will depend upon why the patient was prescribed Combivent. Several alternatives to Combivent Metered Aerosol are on the Irish market in the form of separate anticholinergic and beta-agonist inhalers. The choice of alternative treatment should be selected according to relevant international treatment guidelines. Guidelines on the management of COPD are available from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructiven Lung Disease (GOLD) at www.goldcopd.com
Healthcare professionals requiring any additional information should contact Boehringer Ingelheim’s Medical Information Department on (01) 2959620.
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