Inhaler advise

[Waterboy69]

Now on my new inhaler symbicort it's rubbish is anybody on this and is it working for you

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

How long have you been taking it? And have you been taught how to do it properly?

Symbicort has a more difficult release mechanism than some of the newer preventers, so it may be that you’re not taking it in properly. Or it may be that it’s still building up in your system (takes 8-12 weeks).

Or it may be that you personally don’t get on well with that particular inhaler 😅. If you feel like it’s not working then go back to your GP/AN and they will find an alternative option. Inhalers aren’t a once size fits all - that’s one of the reasons there are so many of them

[Waterboy69 in reply to EmmaF91]

The chemist run throw it with me, I had a phone call from my doctor, s about my asthma and they decided to change it, they have not even called me to see how I'm getting on with it. I used to have a pink and blue easy breath before, I'm not allowed to use these now, feel very let down by them but I guess there is more people worse off Than me.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Waterboy69]

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

To make sure you’re using the best technique try watching the above video from AUK. If you’re really feeling like tots not working for you go back to your GP.

Or you may benefit from talking to someone at AUK who can talk everything over with you. The nurses are great and can be reached on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5. Alternatively their WhatsApp service is 07378 606728.

Hope this helps and you feel better soon

[Waterboy69 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks for that been on it about 2 months very out of breath on some occasions they didn't even do a follow up call to see how I'm getting on, but thanks for your help

[Waterboy69 in reply to EmmaF91]

Hi so I've contacted my doctors today regarding my new inhaler which I've had for 2 months now, asked them why I've had no follow up call, they don't know the answer to this, and told them that I'm not happy with the inhaler and I'm no better than I was, so they have arranged for some body to call me on Monday, my peak flow is around 400 regards Steve

[Frued]

Hiya, I’m on symbicort for several months. Its not the greatest personally speaking, I found relvar Ellipta better for relieving my SOB , but it resulted in a number of chest infections so I had to switch. You need to give it time if you’ve just started, technic is important and make sure you rinse your mouth afterwards.

[Waterboy69 in reply to Frued]

I don't think it's working for me but no checkup phone call to see how I'm getting on with it, not interested I guess

[Frued in reply to Waterboy69]

Would you be able to ask you’re chest for the MDI version, not differs but definitely a better delivery using a spacer . Worth a try

[Waterboy69 in reply to Frued]

I will find out going to call the doctor, s in the morning

[PinkPenguin96]

I've been on Symbicort for several years and it works very well for me. They switched me to Fobumix for a few months in 2019 and even though it is the same medication, it did not work as well for my asthma and I started having problems.

But as Emma said, it may not be the right one for you or it may take a little more time for it to have an effect.

[Superzob]

I have to use Symbicort because I react to the propellant in aerosol inhalers, and have found some improvement with peak flow, even though it’s not obvious without testing it. But, as my GP says, asthma is big business, because everyone reacts differently to different inhalers, which is why there are so many on the market, so it’s a bit of trial and error to get the right one for you.

[Waterboy69 in reply to Superzob]

Thanks for your input I will go back to the doctors

[lucie982]

it does require a degree of technique with inhaling. Id think under the circumstances they wouldnt have been able to asses it, theres a device they used with me to show the amount of force needed(too much force also isnt ideal) If theyve switched you during a flare and you wernt using a budesonide inhaler that might cause an issue as it can take a few weeks to build in your system. My gp tried changing mine in a flare and it really didnt work well so i swiftly resumed the symbicort. Sybicort and seretide(both powders) are the only things that managed my asthma well, i was taken off Seretide based on cost once and had terrible issues and personally think the mist inhalers cause me irritation. Try and speak with whoever prescribed and see if they can change back or try something alongside in the meantime