New inhaler dispenser. Bit annoyed.

[Paradigm]

I picked up two new cannisters of salbutamol, except the pharmacist gave me salamol easi-breathe instead of normal metered dose ventolin.

I wouldn't mind except I didn't realise what it was until I got home. I'm no good at taking MDI without a spacer (always but especially in an attacj) or DPI.

I've never used breath actuated MDI before and can't tell if anything is coming out. So I've been advised to always use a spacer.

I called the GP receptionist but she only took onboard that it was a "different mouth piece but the same drug" despite several repetitions from me.

I presume she said this to the GP as he came back and said as the pharmacy dispensed it I needed to go back and get them to show me.

It just seems a bit rude given I'd been in only this evening and told I could increase my Fostair 200/6 to 8 puffs a day (after a month of poor control) and given a rescue pack for if it gets worse.

I thought inhalers were meant to be branded and the preventer and reliever of the same dispensing type.

[Bsr92]

I know exactly what you mean on this one, I used to have easibreathe which is fine when you only need it occasionally for mild flare ups but not if you need to use a spacer! So I ask for simple MDI to be used with any spacer

Explain to your doctor you can’t use it with a spacer.

I have in the past screwed the top off it and used it that way when I was desperate however that’s not official advice x

[Paradigm in reply to Bsr92]

Does it work alright like that? I've been very tempted.

I've got one more MDI to tide me over while I get it sorted, at least.

[Bsr92 in reply to Paradigm]

It’s worked for me before but I still prefer a traditional MDI! The easibreathe is actually more expensive than a MDI too! X

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I hate those though have a couple as spares. I have managed to get it to work with my spacers but don't feel I get it in enough.

If you're not managing to take it with the spacer I would definitely try what becks92 suggested and say you actually can't take it properly! Usually this is a cost-saving thing where they give you any type (prescription will just say salbutamol inhaler) but I always thought those cost more and were mainly for older people who find it hard to coordinate an MDI!

[Nutzs47 in reply to Lysistrata]

I use an easibreathe salbutamol inhaler and find it much easy to use than the standard one although I don’t use it with a spacer as I just carry it in my pkt or bag .All you have to do to change it to a standard one is take off the top and the flip bottom which is what triggers it and it should fit a spacer no probs as this is what I do for my grandson if he needs his and hasn’t got it with him

[Kjm83]

Lift the top lid off and press the canister like a normal ventolin

[kidas]

I would have thought your doctor would have discussed any changes in medication with you maybe the pharmacist made a miistake. Make an appointment with the doctor and speak directly to them rather than receptionist at the very least it might put your mind at rest.

[Matman]

Might have misunderstood, but if what you were given requires you to muster a strong inhalation to pull the drug out of the device into your lungs then, when you’re really struggling to breath, it can sometimes be quite difficult to find enough breath to easily draw the drug from the device into your lungs. In such circumstances, an MDI (with or without Spacer) is - in my opinion - easier.