I take 2puffs of seretide twice a day. The canister contains 124 doses. I am sure I read somewhere that you should stop using the inhaler

[CouncillorB]

When the counter shows only 20 doses left. I have looked at the instructions and I can't find any reference to this. It seems such a waste to throw it away if there is medication left

[qbjb]

I was on Seretide and I'm sure you're meant to finish every numbered dose - 31 days of medication makes sense.

I just wish every type of inhaler had a counter!

Jude

[Mollysdad in reply to qbjb]

How right you are Jude ! I often huff n puff on an empty Ventolin inhaler until I realise it is not doing it's job. I guess it must be an " old blokes syndrome" or I need a brain transplant

[qbjb in reply to Mollysdad]

Definitely not, Mollysdad!! It's absolutely impossible to keep track grrrrrr.

[thomlin in reply to qbjb]

I make a box on the box and cross off every puff I take ,that way you dont lose track.

[Mollysdad in reply to thomlin]

Now that IS a good idea Thomlin !

[qbjb in reply to thomlin]

There's nowhere to write on spray inhalers ...

[annliz1]

I'm on Seretide 500 1 puff twice daily, there's a counter( 60 doses) on it and when the numbers turn red then it is time to order a new 1 if you don't already have a spare.

Ann

[Mollysdad in reply to annliz1]

I am on Seretide 250. Two puffs twice daily. I wonder why my GP does not prescribe 500? Cost maybe ? Our local NHS trust is vastly overspent and all GP's are under pressure to cut their drugs bill.

[Hidden in reply to Mollysdad]

I was originally on Seretide 250, but my Consultant said I needed the 500 so been on that for a few years now.

Thérèse

[annliz1 in reply to Mollysdad]

maybe you could have a chat to your Dr about it

[peege in reply to Mollysdad]

I think they're just unaware mollysdad.

I know the inhaler is £60 and the round disc (powder) accuhaler is £45 so I was given the latter but it's false economy because it only holds 60 doses against the inhalers 124!

Doh, honestly. I had to explain it to GP. He just hadn't worked it out.

[peege in reply to peege]

PS I always take the doses to the last one. Never heard about stopping before they're finished. The inhalers are well made with metered doses and the accuhalers have separate capsules of powder inside so it would be wasteful to chuck them before .

I believe Seretide 500 only comes in the powdered accuhaler (gave me throat thrush so do rinse/gargle well). Lucky for me I can taper down my winter 500 to 250 then 125 for the good summer months.

[helingmic in reply to Mollysdad]

You may not need 500!

[PompeyBob in reply to Mollysdad]

The 500 has got more steroid in then the 250 that could be the reason you are on the 250.

[Offcut]

I took one apart and it is a clever bit of kit as each time you click it in it breaks the capsule to give the dose. Numbers are a great idea if only they were bigger I cannot read them I think I was told that they are £50.00 each so dont come cheap.

My consultant has said to come off seretide as he sees no benefit to my RLD but my GP has not stopped me using it, yet?

[jeanielee in reply to Offcut]

My copd nurse prescribed seretide 500 but then my gp said not to use it totally con fused now.

[Suzy6]

Hi I'm on Symbicort and the instructions state "When you first see a red mark at the edge of the indicator window there are approximately 20 doses left. For the last 10 doses the background of the dose indicator is red. When the 0 on the red background has reached the middle of the window you must start using your new Turbohaler". I go by this as it seems a waste to leave some unused. xx

[Suzy6]

Hi I'm on Symbicort and the instructions state "When you first see a red mark at the edge of the indicator window there are approximately 20 doses left. For the last 10 doses the background of the dose indicator is red. When the 0 on the red background has reached the middle of the window you must start using your new Turbohaler". I go by this as it seems a waste to leave some unused. xx

[EVEREST]

Hi I'm on seratide 125 and use it twice a day, there are 124 doses initially and you waist the first 4 making sure it's working properly. When it gets down to 0 then is the time to change to a new one. However there is still in the cartrage an extra 40 doses but they can't garantee it's giving you the full dose you require. I hope this helps .

Best regards

Keith

[qbjb in reply to EVEREST]

That answers it, Keith. It might be useful to know in an emergency ...

Jude

[salis]

Maybe it's time to re-order. I use all of my meds with or without a counter. Most turn red when it's time to order. These things cost too much to throw out with any left.

[loulbell]

Hi i take seritide 500 2 puffs twice a day. My asthma nurse told me when the numbers change to red its a reminder to order a new one. Hope this helps Lou

[helingmic]

I finished it all! I take one puff twice a day, 30 days!