Supermarket chain Asda says that it will become the first retailer in the UK to sell asthma reliever inhalers over the counter when its pharmacies begin offering salbutamol (albuterol) inhalers for sale on July 24. Asda has pharmacies in 218 stores. Patients over the age of 16 will be able to purchase two inhalers for £7 after filling out a simple questionnaire.
Asda Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist Faisal Tuddy commented, “Asthma is a condition that affects millions of UK residents and it can often prove to be stressful trying to book a GP appointment when your inhaler is running low. We have listened to our customers and it was clear that easier access to asthma relief is the most desirable service we could provide, ensuring sufferers receive the very best advice at the lowest cost. Customers simply need to visit an Asda Pharmacy, fill in a questionnaire with one of our registered pharmacists and they can receive the treatment within a matter of minutes.”
According to Asda, online doctor service DrThom will “oversee” the sale of inhalers.
