Do I Need a Prescription for an Asthma Inhaler in Australia?

Navigating asthma treatment can sometimes feel a bit confusing, especially when it comes to understanding how to get your inhalers. 

In Australia, the rules for obtaining asthma medication are designed to ensure your safety and provide effective treatment. 

This guide will help you understand when you need a prescription, what your options are for getting your inhalers, and how to make the process as easy as possible.

Important Note: This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.

Understanding asthma inhalers in Australia

To understand how to get your inhalers, it's helpful to know that asthma medications generally fall into two main categories: relievers and preventers.

Relievers vs. preventers: What's the difference?

When it comes to asthma medication, there are two main types: relievers and preventers, and each has a different job in keeping your breathing clear.

• Relievers (often called ‘blue puffers’): These are your quick-acting medicines. They work fast to relax the muscles around your airways when you have asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. They are used only when needed to provide quick relief.
• Preventers: These medicines work over time to reduce the inflammation and swelling in your airways, making them less sensitive to triggers. They need to be taken regularly, usually every day, even when you feel well. Preventers help to prevent asthma symptoms from happening in the first place and reduce the risk of severe flare-ups. 

How to manage asthma effectively

Managing asthma effectively relies on two key things:

1. Taking your medicines correctly. While relievers offer quick relief, preventers are crucial for long-term asthma control and reducing the frequency of symptoms. 
2. Having an up-to-date asthma action plan, created with your doctor, is also a vital part of your management.

Getting your reliever inhaler

One of the most common questions people have is about getting their inhaler. Here are the two most common ways people obtain them.

Over-the-counter access

In Australia, many inhalers are ‘Pharmacist Only Medicines’. This means you can buy them from a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription if you meet certain conditions.

When you ask for one, the pharmacist will first want to confirm that it’s appropriate for you. This will involve checking that you have a known asthma or COPD diagnosis, or if you’ve been given the same reliever inhaler before. They may also limit the supply to one inhaler and advise seeing a doctor if your symptoms are new, worsening, or not under control.

When a prescription might be recommended

Even though relievers are available without a prescription, your doctor might still write you one. This often happens if:

• You're using your reliever inhaler more than twice a week (not including before exercise), as this could be a sign that your asthma isn't well controlled.
• You are eligible for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and want to claim a subsidy for the cost of your reliever.

Getting a prescription for preventers and combination inhalers

Unlike most relievers, preventer inhalers and combination inhalers always require a doctor's prescription in Australia.

Why a doctor's prescription is necessary

Preventer medications contain active ingredients like inhaled corticosteroids and/or long-acting bronchodilators. 

These medicines need careful consideration by a healthcare professional to ensure they are the right choice for your specific asthma type and severity. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history, and overall health to prescribe the most suitable preventer.

How do I get one?

The traditional way to get a prescription for a preventer inhaler is by visiting your GP in person. During this appointment, your doctor can conduct a physical examination, discuss your asthma symptoms in detail, and review or create your asthma action plan.

Online prescriptions (telehealth)

For many Australians, especially for repeat prescriptions or if your asthma is stable, telehealth services offer a convenient way to get your asthma inhaler prescription. You can consult with an AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctor via a phone or video call from the comfort of your home.

This process typically involves:

1. Completing an online assessment or booking a consultation.
2. Having a brief discussion with an AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctor about your asthma history and current symptoms.
3. If deemed appropriate, the doctor issues an electronic prescription (e-script). 
4. A digital prescription is then usually sent to your phone via SMS or email. You can then take this e-script to any pharmacy to pick up your medication. Some services even offer direct delivery from a partner pharmacy.

Making your asthma treatment more affordable and convenient

The Australian Government has introduced initiatives to make essential medicines more affordable. This includes some asthma treatments.

60-day prescribing for eligible medicines

From September 2024, certain asthma medicines, primarily preventers, are included in the 60-day prescribing initiative under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means that, if your doctor assesses your asthma as stable, they can write a prescription that allows you to receive 60 days' worth of your medicine (instead of the usual 30 days) on a single prescription, for the cost of one co-payment.

This initiative can potentially halve your out-of-pocket costs for these specific medicines and reduce your trips to the pharmacy. 

It's important to note that reliever inhalers are generally not included in 60-day prescribing. To access this, your doctor must write a new 60-day prescription with the correct PBS code.

The importance of an asthma action plan

Beyond your inhalers, having an asthma action plan is one of the most crucial tools for managing your condition.

Your personal asthma roadmap

An asthma action plan is like a personalised instruction manual for your asthma, written by you and your doctor. It outlines:

• Daily management: Your usual medicines and how to take them.
• Flare-up guidance: What to do when your asthma symptoms start to get worse.
• Emergency steps: Clear instructions for what to do during a severe asthma flare-up or attack, including when to seek urgent medical help (like calling triple zero 000).

Everyone with asthma, regardless of age or severity, should have a written asthma action plan. It helps you, your family, and any carers (like school staff) know exactly what steps to take.

Regular reviews with your doctor

It's really important to see your doctor regularly to review your asthma. For adults, this is typically once a year, and for children, it's often every six months. 

During these reviews, your doctor will check your asthma control, ensure you're using your inhalers correctly, and update your asthma action plan as needed.

Key takeaways and when to seek medical help

Accessing asthma inhalers in Australia is generally straightforward, but understanding the differences between medication types and prescription requirements is key.

Practical tips for managing your asthma medication

• Know your inhalers: Understand the difference between your reliever and preventer.
• Have an asthma action plan: Work with your doctor to create and regularly review your personalised plan. Keep it in an easy-to-access place and share it with those who care for you.
• Regular reviews: Don't skip your doctor's appointments, even if your asthma feels well-controlled.
• Consider telehealth: For convenient repeat prescriptions of preventers, online doctor services can be a helpful option.
• Ask your pharmacist: They are a great resource for advice on using your inhaler devices and for purchasing over-the-counter relievers.

Urgent situations: When to call for help

If you or someone you are with is having a severe asthma attack and their reliever inhaler isn't helping, or they are struggling to breathe, don't wait. 

Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance in Australia immediately. Follow their asthma action plan, and continue administering asthma first aid until help arrives.

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