Salamol not as good!

[BlondeHappiness]

I have tried to get on with Salamol but it just doesn’t work as well for me as Salbutamol. My asthma attacks always quickly abated with Ventolin but the new Salamol not only takes ages to ease my asthma attacks, but more often than not it just doesn’t work at all!I also feel as though I have not inhaled anything and it empties far too quickly. I am always worried that if I have a really bad attack that I will not be able to breathe when using Salamol and I have never had that worry with Salbutamol. Is Ventolin still available in the UK?

[fraid]

They are one and the same drug with different propellants, one better for the environment. You can ask for your preferred method of delivery, whichever works better for you. I still have Ventolin but rarely use it as Flixotide preventer has made huge difference for me. But also getting rid of my major triggers, just one left to get rid of, my X ! 😂😂😂🧑‍🎄

[CANINE12]

I find Salamol doesn't work nearly as well as Ventolin. I asked my GP a while back if I could be prescribed Ventolin rather than Salamol and they agreed.

[Homely2 Administrator]

Ventolin is available, but your gp needs to order it specifically.

I am good with salamol, but my asthma nurse gave me a huge new spacer to use with it, which helps. It is inconvenient taking such a big spacer around though.

It might be worth having a chat with your medic about all your medicines at the same time as talking about Ventolin. The last time my salamol was not working they solved it by adding in spiriva to my meds, then my salamol started working.

You can ways have a chat in the New Year with the nurses on the asthma UK helpline.

[Gwalltarian]

salamol and ventolin evohaler have exactly the same propellant, so the argument that Salamol is better for the environment is not true. Furthermore, Salamol contains ethanol - ventolin evohaler does not. So, if your asthma is triggered by alcohol at all you might find that Salamol makes your asthma worse - it had that effect on me and my doctors now prescribe ventolin for me. Try explaining this to your GP.

[Mandevilla in reply to Gwalltarian]

That's helpful to know - alcohol is one of my major triggers!

[fraid in reply to Gwalltarian]

Doc told me plus looked it up that Salamol is better for the environment re less carbon footprint. Propellants are same type but less in Salamol so doesn't seem as fierce. It didn't seem to work as well for me so went back to Ventolin. 🤷‍♀️

[Thomas45]

I very rarely use my salbutamol inhaler, as my asthma is controlled by daily use of my preventer inhaler When I do use salbutamol I use a short spacer called an Aero Chamber, which is much better than a straight inhalation from the Salbutamol inhaler. I've found that inhaler, Salamol to be just as efficient as the former Ventolin. I've been using Salamol for several years.

[Weenibzie]

I also find ventolin more effective than salamol therefore I have spoke about this with GP and he has ensured ventolin be my recommended inhaler

[Patk1]

I wonder if u have a faulty one - worth getting pharmacist to check + replace it

[Elspe]

I have the same problem. My doctor tried to change me to Salamol, it was less than useless. It feels to me as if it is rather less strong than the Ventolin. Or maybe it's the propellant. Something is very different. It seems you can ask for the Ventolin back; insist that the Salamol doesn't work for you.

[ellamental]

Yes it is still available. The useless asthma nurse ( luckily had a good one after her) told me ventolin was no longer avaiable. I explained to the pharmacy in the surgery what she had said and they said it was not the case and lots of people find ventolin works better. I have had ventolin since with a spacer. I was quite cross though because it could be lierally a life and death thing when you can’t breath.

[BreathlessinDorset]

I agree with you reference Salamol. I have also experienced this while using Salamol. Luckily I had Ventolin to hand, and I was able to relieve the symptoms with a quick puff.

[SHAR1970]

It just doesn't work as well as ventolin for me and there are definitely not 200 doses I have kept track of my latest one I started which is now empty and I only got 137 (give or take a few) puffs out of it 🤬

[Poobah in reply to SHAR1970]

Salamol will have a different propellant gas that has a lower carbon footprint, but from what I've read, it's just not as effective, hence your experience. GSK, who make Ventolin inhalers, are currently working on and trialling a more eco friendly Ventolin metered dose inhaler, so it may be ready and licensed in a couple of years time. In the meantime, if anyone struggles with Salamol or other generic inhalers, they should talk to their GP or asthma nurse about going back on their effective inhaler, regardless of the carbon footprint. Clinical need overrides any carbon footprint target in my book.