Zileuton

[Lillyjuniper]

I recently heard this medication being mentioned on a US podcast. Does anyone know anything about it and whether it's available here? Any information would very much appreciated.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

It seems to have been around a while in the US but not here - doesn't seem to be approved in the UK when I searched the electronic medicines compendium website. I don't know why though - could be concern about side effects but if anything the US tends to be even more cautious than the UK about that, and not afraid to go on about it!

It's somewhat similar to montelukast but works in a slightly different way. Leukotrienes are chemicals which can play a role in asthma and allergic rhinitis. Montelukast stops leukotrienes from being able to work, zileuton stops them being made to start with.

[Lillyjuniper in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you very much for your reply. I have tried Montelucast several times but with no effect. I would very much like to try Zileuton, which I understand is expensive, so if you come across any more information, I'd be very grateful to know.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Lillyjuniper]

If you're in the UK then I don't think you will be able to, regardless of cost - sorry, as it seems not to be approved at all in the UK as far as I can tell. It's not a case that it's approved but not NHS funded, which some drugs are and then you can get them if you pay. Zileuton doesn't seem to be approved to be prescribed in the UK even if you are willing to pay.

I don't think there is any safe legal way to obtain prescription medications that aren't approved where you live, and I wouldn't want to endorse trying it.

If montelukast didn't work for you it may be that Zileuton wouldn't either though, since they're essentially addressing the same specific biological pathway. Asthma can have a lot of underlying biological mechanisms, and sometimes a certain type of drug works well for some people but not for others, depending on what's driving their asthma - which can be complex and involve more than one mechanism.

If your asthma isn't well controlled then you'd need to look at other options that you can take in the UK. It might be worth ringing the Asthma UK nurses to talk through your options, especially if your GP or asthma nurse aren't helping you to find what works for you. The nurses have more time and this is their area. They're on 0300 222 5800 M-F 9-5, or on WhatsApp - 07378 606728.

[Lillyjuniper in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you, I will call them.