Salamol is Effective and Reliable

Media Statement
8th June 2005

Salamol is Effective and Reliable

Air Flow Products welcomes today’s announcement by Pharmac that Salamol will be the fully subsidised salbutamol inhaler for New Zealand asthma patients.

Ruth Williams General Manager of Air Flow Products said: `Pharmac’s decision follows rigorous tests for MedSafe which found that Salamol is effective and reliable when used according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The tests by ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research) in Porirua and by the TGA (Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration) Laboratories in Canberra completely exonerate Salamol.’

- New Salamol Inhalers met their product specifications.

- Of the inhalers reported to be faulty, sixty percent operated correctly.

- All the remaining reportedly faulty inhalers that were subsequently cleaned, operated correctly and provided a dose that met the requirements for metered dose inhalers.

- All reportedly faulty inhalers that were cleaned, subjected to simulated patient use then retested at the recommended cleaning time passed.

Professor Julian Crane, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences and medical adviser to Air Flow Products commented: `The test findings refute 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. Patients should be aware that all salbutamol inhalers include instructions for regular washing and may not be delivering the optimum dosage if not properly maintained.’

`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.’

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.

ENDS

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