Change of inhaler

[Highlighter]

Can anyone tell me if there is any advantage to changing from 2 puffs Seretide 250 twice a day to DuoResp Spiromax one puff twice a day?

I have successfully managed my asthma [I'm 66] but the asthma nurse tells me Seretide is being phased out.

From all I've read it's a cost issue but I am worried I have been given an inferior medication.

Duoresp also has lactose [?] in the powder which I try to avoid as it makes me cough.

Any advice most welcome.

[Bobcat_44]

Duoresp is a generic of Symbicort, it's cheaper than Symbicort, so Duoresp is an inferior medication. I've never been able to achieve control on it. Try asking to change you to original Symbicort instead of Duoresp .

[Highlighter in reply to Bobcat_44]

Thankyou for this information.

Would you know if Symbicort non-generic substitute is a better medication than Seretide?

Any advantages, disadvantages, side-effects?

I have one Seretide inhaler left and thinking of abandoning the Duoresp Spiromax and going back to the Seretide 250 immediately.

I feel I dont get correct information from the asthma nurses and the GPs dont seem to be able to answer questions either.

[Bobcat_44 in reply to Highlighter]

Symbicort is different from Seritide. It contains budesonide and formoterol, wich works as fast as Salbutamol. That's why Symbicort can be used not only as a preventer, but as a reliever too. This regime is highly effective and is called SMART - Symbicort maintenance and quick relief therapy.

[Highlighter in reply to Bobcat_44]

Brilliant thankyou.

I feel better informed.

[Sorry for posting twice.

I thought I'd accidentally replied to myself.]

[Bobcat_44 in reply to Highlighter]

Side effects of Symbicort are similar to Seretide because both of them belong to the one family of asthma medications. They both contain inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting reliever.

[Highlighter]

Thankyou for this information.

Would you know if Symbicort non-generic substitute is a better medication than Seretide?

Any advantages, disadvantages, side-effects?

I have one Seretide inhaler left and thinking of abandoning the Duoresp Spiromax and going back to the Seretide 250 immediately.

I feel I dont get correct information from the asthma nurses and the GPs dont seem to be able to answer questions either.

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Highlighter]

The issue with seretide from your GPS perspective will be cost.... It's the most expensive inhaler the nhs can prescribe

I liked seretide when I was prescribed it sadly my body didn't (asthma control was amazing but I had terrible side effects)

I'm on Duoresp and have been for some time and I like that as Well....I like that I can increase and decrease the dosage if my asthma control changes however with seretide being older medication you can't do that with it apparently

Chip

[Highlighter in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Thankyou so much.

Please could I ask what the side effects are?

I feel I have there is a minefield to be uncovered and I am trying to best control my own health.

It stuns me how little the GP's and asthma nurses actually know or tell you and I am finding this forum invaluable.

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Highlighter]

The only ones I get with Duoresp are that if I take high doses (8 puffs a day) i notice I bruise very easily and my sleep is disturbed quite easily (neither of which are as bad as being on prednisolone)

With the seretide I couldn't sleep and I noticed I was feeling bloated (like swelling)... interestingly when I swapped to Duoresp I peeed like a donky for a few days and felt loads thinner (So I must have been retaining fluid)

[Snowdrop27 in reply to Highlighter]

My advice is ring asthma uk helpline on 0300 222 5800 open Mon-Friday 9-5 pm. Give them your full history and they will help you with your questions.

[tiger1000]

I would not have not have it, as it cheaper there tried to changed mine from symbicort I had a very bad reaction to it I was coughing all the time so I got them to changed it back .. symbicort is the only one I can have

[MrsCMK]

Hi. I would strongly advise having a chat with your pharmacist about the difference between branded and non-branded (generic) medications. They’re experts in medication, as doctors are experts in medical conditions, so I think having a chat with your pharmacist should provide a great deal of reassurance

Unfortunately, when the word “cheaper” is used, it naturally sets off alarm bells for people, especially when they’ve been taking said medication for a long time. Expensive branded medication vs cheaper generic medication is exactly the same as Nurofen vs Ibuprofen, or Imodium vs Loperamide- the active ingredient is exactly the same but it’s the excipients that can differ.

Also, medications with different active ingredients can’t be compared with regards to dose because 10mg of one medication could be the equivalent to 500mg of another.

Your local pharmacist is a fantastic resource that’s accessible and readily available.

I hope this helps and hope you get some answers soon and back to mediation that works for you

[Gardeninguy]

Yes I used to be on Seretide 250 two puffs morning and night .Duo resp Spiromex is not an equivalent to Seretide —- the active ingredients are not the same . Here in Northern Ireland we have moved on to Sirdupla 250 which is a direct equivalent and the active ingredients are the same as Seretide . I believe the price is now significantly lower than Seretide hence the reason for change at our clinic . Have been on it now for a number of months and is working for me the same as Seretide .

[mariyn]

Yes I am on SIRDUPLA 250 and find it good Marilyn