When health officials announce the phase out of a treatment option, it is often due to concerns about patients' health and safety. However, in the case of some soon to be phased-out inhalers, the concern is less about the health of patients and more about the health of the environment.

Patients who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face a greater risk of developing shingles compared to those without COPD. The risk becomes even greater for those taking oral steroids for COPD.