Naïve Pharmaceutical Society Buckles Under PR

Media Statement

18 May 2005

Naïve Pharmaceutical Society Buckles Under Onslaught of Misleading PR Campaign

Today’s announcement by the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand regarding Salamol, the sole supply salbutamol inhaler for asthma patients, is a naïve response to a carefully engineered public relations campaign.

Ruth Williams General Manager of Air Flow Products said: `The Pharmaceutical Society’s recommendations that both Ventolin and Salamol should be subsidised are regrettable and naïve in that they have accepted as fact the half truths and fictions peddled as part of a public relations campaign against Salamol during recent weeks.

These include;
- A non-existent UK study claiming to prove clogging in Salamol inhalers. King’s College London has issued a statement acknowledging there is no published research data to support these allegations.
- Alarmist coverage over the ethanol content of Salamol, when a number of other asthma medicines in New Zealand also contain alcohol (none in any significant amounts)
- That Salamol inhalers alone have to be washed, when all salbutamol inhalers include instructions for regular washing.
- That patients should be able to choose between different brands of the same asthma inhaler, when the New Zealand market is simply too small to allow two clinically identical products to be subsidised.

`We can categorically assure pharmacists and asthma patients that Salamol is as effective and reliable as any other salbutamol inhaler in New Zealand. It is supplied by a bona fide New Zealand company which reinvests all the proceeds from the sale of its products for the benefits of New Zealand asthma sufferers.’

ENDS

SalamolTM CFC-Free Inhaler contains 100mcg Salbutamol (as sulphate) per metered dose. Also contains the CFC-free propellant Norflurane (HFA134a) and Ethanol (anhydrous). 200 metered doses. Salbutamol makes it easier to breathe when airways (breathing tubes in your lungs) get tight due to asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is suitable for use in the relief of asthmatic symptoms. Many asthmatics also require a preventer inhaler. Check with your doctor that Salamol is right for you. Precautions: Use strictly as directed. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose from time-to-time depending on the severity of your asthma. Do not stop using your inhaler without your doctor's advice. See your doctor if a previously effective dose fails to give relief for at least three hours or if you need your inhaler more often than usual. Do not use if you are allergic to Salbutamol or any of the inhaler components. Side effects may include Trembling, headache, fast heart beat. Mouth and throat irritation may occur. See your doctor if you have side effects. Normal doctor's visit fees will apply. PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE. This medicine is fully funded on prescription. See your doctor or pharmacist for further information. Made in Ireland. Air Flow Products Ltd, PO Box 1485, Wellington. www.air-flow.co.nz. Phone 0800 AIRFLOW (0800 247 3569) or email: afp@air-flow.co.nz. Salamol is a trademark.

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