Symbicort or not.

[JBrixton]

I've been on Clenil 250 since Becloforte ended. I have Ventolin 100 too. Been asthmatic for 33yrs.

I tried 'Easy Halers' a couple of years ago but didn't get on with them. I prefer PMDIs.

So, recently the asthma nurse suggested I try Symbicort 200/6. I said I'd try it and see and then get back to them but not immediatley as I still have some PMDIs and wouldn't waste them.

I have been having some trouble with my ICS getting blocked before being empty. So was seeking an alternative expecting a PMDI but this Symbicort is a turbohaler.

Has anyone switched to these meds this way, I've never had Budesonide or Formotorol before.

Anyone gone from PMDI to Turbohaler and what was their experience, good or bad?

Thanks all.

[Troilus]

I can’t speak for myself, but my dad had symbicort (the red one?) and turbu something (same style but blue). He was moved to Fostair but still preferred the sucky ones.

Just a side note about inhalers getting blocked - try giving them a brush with a hard hair artist brush - the long handled white bristle type.

[JBrixton in reply to Troilus]

Good tip for the cleaning, I will pass that on.

[Anselm198]

I'm certain I'm right in saying that there is a symbicort inhaler. Why don't you speak to one of the Asthma UK nurses

[Patk1 in reply to Anselm198]

0300 222 5800

[Highlighter]

I changed to Symbicort 100/3 - (red inhaler) - after ridiculously high doses of Seretide 250 X 4 each day, which gave me night leg cramps and a persistent 6 year cough.

All side effects disappeared immediately when I changed to Symbicort, and I gradually reduced to one puff morning and evening, so I have only good things to say about it.

I panicked about changing medication but this site has always helped me to make informed decisions.

I would take advice from others because it has has also taught me we are all different.

[kjs81]

I was moved to Symbicort a few years ago after Fostair stopped working for me after a particularly bad Covid-induced exacerbation. It was the only thing that helped - has been great for me so is definitely worth giving a go.

[suzy-lou]

Hi JBrixton,

I have been on Symbicort for a number of years (and I mean 'years' - about 15 !) . I started on the Symbicort Turbohaler which is an inhalation powder. After a while, I was getting sore throats and periodic hoarsness. The ENT consultant recommended I change delivery from the powder to Symbicort 200/6 Pressurised Inhalation Suspension which I always take with a spacer device. Problem solved - for me anyway. Never had any trouble with it becoming blocked. Every time the GP surgery suggest I might want to change to another type of inhaler( I think it's about cost), I ask to stay on it. For me, it has worked very well.

Hope this helps and keep well. Suzy-Lou

[JBrixton in reply to suzy-lou]

Hi Suzy-Lou,

Thanks for the advice especially having had both DPI and PMDI.

I found a site that lists many inhalers and prices, Right Breathe, so I can see if cost is a factor as you mention.

I hope the model I get isn't a whistling one as I have seen on info vids. Me and the asthma nurse will have a falling out.

J.

[suzy-lou in reply to JBrixton]

I get my spacer on prescription, so at my age, no charge. They give me "Space ChamberPlus" which is perfecly good ( and no whistles!). I get a new one every year or when it gets scratched from use.

Not sure if you are in UK but, if you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions, you should be able to ask for one from your GP surgery or whoever prescribes your medication.

I also bought one myself . It's a collapsable one for my handbag and for travelling called "A2A" by ClementClarke InternationalLtd.' Hope this helps .