You can get a blue reliever inhaler online in the UK from a registered pharmacy, after a short asthma questionnaire that a UK prescriber checks. It doesn't replace your GP or asthma nurse, who should still review your asthma at least once a year. And since 2024, UK guidance says almost everyone with asthma should also be using an inhaled steroid, not a blue inhaler on its own. Here's how it works, what it costs and when to get help elsewhere.
Reliever, preventer and combined inhalers
Reliever inhalers open up the airways within minutes when you're wheezy, tight-chested or short of breath. Most contain salbutamol, sold as Ventolin Evohaler and Salamol. They ease symptoms quickly but don't treat the inflammation in your airways.
Preventer inhalers contain a low dose of steroid, such as beclometasone, budesonide or fluticasone. Used every day, they settle the inflammation, so you get fewer symptoms and fewer attacks.
Combined inhalers hold a steroid and a long-acting medicine that keeps the airways open, in one device. Some of them contain formoterol, which also works quickly, and many adults now use one of these as their reliever, either only when needed (called AIR, for anti-inflammatory reliever) or every day with extra puffs when needed (called MART, for maintenance and reliever therapy). If you use one of these, follow the plan your GP or asthma nurse gave you.
What we supply: we can supply salbutamol reliever inhalers after an online asthma review. We don't currently supply preventer or combined inhalers, so your GP or asthma nurse should prescribe and adjust those.
Why a blue inhaler on its own is no longer enough
UK asthma guidance changed in 2024 (NICE guideline NG245). Most people with asthma, including those with mild symptoms, should have an inhaled steroid, either as a daily preventer or as a combined inhaler used when needed. A blue reliever used as your only treatment is no longer recommended, because it leaves the inflammation untreated and is linked with a higher risk of serious attacks.
If you only have a blue inhaler, ask your GP or asthma nurse for a review. Keeping a reliever for symptoms is still sensible, but it shouldn't be your whole treatment plan.
Is your asthma well controlled?
Book an asthma review with your GP or asthma nurse if any of these apply to you:
- you use your reliever inhaler on three or more days a week;
- asthma wakes you at night;
- you've changed or avoided activities because of your breathing;
- you've needed three or more reliever inhalers in the past year;
- you've needed steroid tablets or emergency treatment for asthma in the past year.
These are signs your asthma isn't well controlled. Another reliever won't fix that, and our prescriber may ask you to see your GP before supplying one. If you're not sure whether chest symptoms are asthma or anxiety, our guide to telling an asthma attack from a panic attack may help.
How getting an inhaler online works
- Questionnaire. You answer questions about your asthma, how often you use your reliever, any other inhalers and medicines, and allergies.
- Prescriber check. A UK-registered prescriber looks at your answers. They may ask more questions, suggest a different approach, or refer you to your GP if online supply isn't right for you.
- Dispensing. If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses the inhaler and checks it against the prescription.
- Delivery. It's posted to you. Our delivery information page explains the options and times.
Don't rely on ordering online if you're about to run out. If you have no reliever left and you have asthma symptoms, contact your GP surgery, a local pharmacy or NHS 111 today. A good spacer can also make a reliever work better; see how to use a spacer with an inhaler.
What it costs
On the NHS, a reliever inhaler costs the standard prescription charge in England, and prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Many people in England don't pay at all, and a prescription prepayment certificate can save money if you need regular medicines. You do need a GP prescription or a repeat set up with your surgery.
Privately, you pay for the inhaler and any consultation fee. The full price is shown on each product page before you pay. If you get free NHS prescriptions, that's usually the cheaper route.
How to check an online pharmacy is safe
- Salbutamol inhalers are prescription-only in the UK. A website that sells them without asking about your health isn't operating legally.
- Look the pharmacy up on the General Pharmaceutical Council's online register of pharmacies before you order.
- Check that the website gives a UK pharmacy name and address and tells you who to contact with questions.
When to see your GP or call 999 instead
Getting an inhaler online suits people whose asthma has been diagnosed and is settled. See your GP or asthma nurse instead if:
- you haven't been diagnosed with asthma, or you might have COPD or another lung condition;
- your symptoms are getting worse, or you've had an asthma attack recently;
- you haven't had an asthma review in the last year.
In an asthma attack with a blue reliever, sit up straight and take one puff every 30 to 60 seconds, up to 10 puffs. Call 999 if you feel worse at any point, you don't feel better after 10 puffs, you're too breathless to speak, or your lips or fingertips look blue or grey.
Asthma inhaler FAQs
Can I get a salbutamol inhaler online without a prescription?
No. Salbutamol is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. A registered online pharmacy can only supply it after a prescriber has checked your health information and issued a prescription. A website that skips this step isn't operating legally.
Can I get an inhaler without seeing a GP?
Yes. A registered online pharmacy can supply a reliever inhaler after an online consultation if it's clinically appropriate. You should still have an asthma review with your GP or asthma nurse at least once a year.
Can I get a preventer inhaler online from MedsRus?
Not at the moment. We supply salbutamol reliever inhalers only. Preventer and combined inhalers should be started and adjusted by your GP or asthma nurse, who can check how well your asthma is controlled.
Are Ventolin and Salamol the same?
Both contain salbutamol, 100 micrograms per puff, and work in the same way. The inhaler devices are slightly different, so if you switch from one to the other, ask a pharmacist to check your technique.
Is it safe to get an inhaler online?
It can be, as long as you use a UK pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and a prescriber checks your answers before anything is supplied. You can look the pharmacy up on the regulator's online register before you order.
Further reading
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