Freedom of Information request about salbutamol (FOI 21/215)
Published 7 May 2021
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Thank you for your communication to the MHRA in relation to a Freedom of Information request for:
1) Has the agency ever acted against an ambulance service or medical provider (NHS or otherwise) to prevent the supply/ administration of salbutamol by non-HCP staff?
2) Has the agency ever formally reviewed or advised a third party on the legal status of the administration/supply of salbutamol to non-HCPs? if so, please could you share the outcome?
3) Does the agency have any formal recorded stance on the legality of administration/supply of salbutamol to non-HCPs?
Medicines legislation does not specifically address the issue of administration of medicines except where the product is for injection. Then, it may only be:
- self-administered
- administered by a doctor or subject to certain limitations, an independent nurse prescriber or supplementary prescriber
- by anyone acting in accordance with the patient-specific directions of a doctor or, subject to certain limitations, an independent nurse prescriber or supplementary prescriber.
Salbutamol is a prescription only medicine. It can be administered by anyone provided it has been lawfully obtained i.e. on prescription from a doctor/prescriber for a named patient or by an ambulance trust or hospital.
Furthermore, we would like to inform you that we have no records of actions taken by the Enforcement Group against an ambulance service or medical provider.
If you have a query about this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us at IE&[email protected]
If you are unhappy with our decision, you may ask for it to be reviewed. That review will be undertaken by a senior member of the Agency who has not previously been involved in your request. If you wish to pursue that option please email: [email protected]
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we are not able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices.
After that, if you remain dissatisfied, you may write to the Information Commissioner at; The Information Commissioner’s Office Wycliffe House Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF
They will make a decision on whether or not we have interpreted the FOIA correctly in handling your request.
Yours sincerely
MHRA Customer Service Centre
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU Telephone 0203 080 6000