Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI): risk of airway obstruction from aspiration of loose objects (MHRA release July 2018)

Remind patients to check and remove the mouthpiece cover properly before inhaling a dose and to shake the inhaler to remove loose objects that may have become trapped in the inhaler during storage. The mouthpiece cover should be replaced securely after use. We have received reports of patients who have inhaled objects into the back of the throat, resulting in coughing. In some cases, objects were aspirated, causing airway obstruction.

Further information can be found in the MHRA Drug Safety Update