Changing type of inhaler device...

Hi, I am new to asthma and was only diagnosed about 2months ago.

I was first prescribed Ventolin MDI reliever inhaler and then a Clenil MDI preventer inhaler was added.

After using the Clenil Preventer inhaler for 4weeks I saw a big improvement in my asthma and peak flow. However, the Clenil was causing me to cough (even with a spacer). I recently went back to my GP and she prescribed me Pulmicort Turbohaler instead.

I much prefer the Turbohaler, it is so much easier, you dont need to co-ordinate and it also has a marker which tells you when its running low. I really want to swap the Ventolin MDI to a Turbohaler (I have been told there is one called Bricanyl). Is there any reason my GP would object to this? Can I do it just because of preference even though there is not a medical need to swap? I don't want to feel like I'm wasting her time!

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Hi Emma,

I'm with you there - I find turbohalers much easier to use!

Bricanyl is a different drug, terbatuline rather than salbutamol (sorry if you knew this already but couldn't tell from your post whether you did). It does seem to be less commonly used as a reliever and presumably there are reasons for that but not sure what they are. I was on it as a kid though and if I remember correctly I think that had a lot to do with me not being very good at taking my Ventolin, even with a spacer! Bit of a hazy memory but I think it would be worth asking your GP at least; normally they say 'use a spacer' but a) not always possible when you're out and b) it doesn't seem to work that well for you.

If you're not sure the asthma nurses on here should be able to help if you ring them, or there's a section on medication if you haven't already read that.

Good luck with switching!

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there is a turbohaler....Asmasal Clickhaler, Easyhaler® Salbutamol, Pulvinal® Salbutamol,

Salbulin Novolizer or ventolin accuhaler. If next time you go ask them to perscribe the dry powder ones

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Thanks for replies. I am new to all this so really don't have a clue!

Philomela - I do have a spacer and it deffinitely find the inhaler easier to use with it but wouldn't fancy taking it when I go out!

Bird - I haven't heard of all these inhalers, do you need co ordination to use any of these! Are they all Dry powder inhalers like the turboher? I will try and do some research!

The reason I mentioned the Bricanyl is because I really like my Pulmicort preventer and the bricanyl looks exactly the same, just a different drug. Does anyone know any reason why you couldn't switch to this?

I am going to try and research tonight and have a telephone appt with my GP tomorrow. She has been really good, I just don't want to be wasting her time!

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OK... I spoke to my GP today on the phone and she had no problem switching my Ventolin MDI over to a dry powder inhaler. She has prescribed me Bricanyl Turbohaler as it is the same type as the Pulmicort which I realy liked.

It says to take 1 puff as needed up to 4 times a day on the dosage, my Ventolin said take 2 puffs as needed up to 4 times a day. Is the Bricanyl a different strength? It is 0.5mg per dose, but it is Terabutaline not Salbutamol.

I also have another problem... Whilst looking at my repeat prescriptions, I have noticed that the instructions on my Pulmicort are to take 1 puff 2x a day... When I started on a preventer inhaler it was the Clenil 100mg and I was told to take 2 puffs twice a day, since switching to the Pulmicort I have continued to take 2 puffs 2x a day. Is the dosage for the Pulmicort different? I am worried I have been taking too much if it is stronger? Either that or the dosage on my repeat prescription is wrong, my GP didn't mention reducing the dose? I am a bit confused... Can anyone help with this?