Climate friendly and efficient use of inhalers – from aerosol inhalers to powder-based inhalers

From January 2024, a new project in the Region of Southern Denmark will investigate which patients suffering from lung conditions can safely switch to a more climate friendly powder-based inhaler instead of an aerosol inhaler. 

Up to 25% of the greenhouse gasses coming from the Danish hospitals can be linked to the use of medicine. 3% of this amount is solely related to the use of aerosol inhalers (pMDI) that contain hydrofluorocarbons (HFC). Therefore, the use of aerosol inhalers has a significantly higher climate impact than the powder inhalers (DPI) as the latter does not use HFC gasses.

The purpose of the project is to investigate which patients suffering from lung conditions can switch to more climate friendly powder-based inhalers (Dry Powder Inhaler, DPI) instead of aerosol inhalers (Pressurised Metered- Dose Inhaler, pMDI) in a safe manner and without compromising their treatment and health.  

By changing the type of inhalers, the healthcare sector would be able to contribute significantly to the sustainability agenda as DPI inhalers emit significantly less greenhouse gasses than pMDI inhalers. 

The project will collect and analyse historic data on the health status of patients who have switched from aerosol inhalers to powder-based inhalers. These analyses will serve as the foundation for identifying which patients and with which characteristics can potentially switch to powder-based inhalers with no consequences for their treatment or health status. Furthermore, the project will investigate the user perspective and potential barriers for patients and health care professionals in relation to the switch. 

The results of the project will serve as the foundation for regional recommendations for implementing processes for switching patients from aerosol- to powder inhalers in a safe manner across the entire region. 

The project is led by the Department of Pharmacology at Odense University Hospital, who are in charge of sustainable medicine in the Region of Southern Denmark, in close collaboration with the Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark. GSK, Hospital Pharmacy, and the Lung Association are network partners in the project. 

If you want to know more, please contact Caroline Strudwick, Project Manager at the Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark at Caroline.Strudwick@rsyd.dkCaroline.Strudwick@rsyd.dk