Pirfenidone.

[Mrbojangles]

Just received a letter from hospital telling me they are now using a cheaper manufacturer of Pirfenidone as the Roche licence has expired.

We can only pray the cheaper version is as effective.

🙏🙏

[sassy59]

Fingers crossed Mrb. Xxx🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼❤️

[Suzie42]

Yes I got that letter yesterday and was my exact same thought. The trouble is we have no idea of knowing have we?

When they tried changing Ventolin for cheaper salbutamol I knew straightaway it wasn't as good and asked to change back.

Time will tell probably

[Davegt in reply to Suzie42]

Ventolin is just a brand name for salbutamol. It is the same chemical. It is a bit like Panadol is a brand name for paracetamol. However both Ventolin and salbutamol are being replaced with Salamol. This still contains salbutamol so will have the same benefit for the patient. However the propellant in Ventolin and salbutamol is harmful to the atmosphere and is being replaced. It makes no difference to the effectiveness of the reliever.

[Suzie42 in reply to Davegt]

Yes I know this but I can tell the difference and Ventolin is superior.

[Davegt in reply to Suzie42]

But it is the same drug, just a different name.

[Suzie42 in reply to Davegt]

Yes I know, but I'm not alone with saying Ventolin helps more. Never mind though eh

[Davegt in reply to Suzie42]

Ok as long as it works for you. That is what matters. 👍

[eleanordigby in reply to Davegt]

It’s the same drug but with much less propellant and different additives. People with severe lung disease who are very dependent on Ventolin will definitely notice the difference and should be changed back if they request it

[Davegt in reply to eleanordigby]

But with Salamol coming along to save the planet, will we then have a choice.🤯

[Davegt in reply to eleanordigby]

Could be an uphill battle. There is no difference between Ventolin and Salamol. They are exactly the same apart from their names, packaging and inhaler designs.

Pharmacists consider Ventolin and Salamol a ‘branded’ medicine, whereas Salbutamol is the generic ingredient included in both.

Although there are design differences, there is no difference between Ventolin and Salamol.

[Izb1]

Thats very worrying Mr B as I am sure you wont know if it works or not straight away. It seems our health is nothing compared to money. I do hope you are keeping well x

[Alberta56]

If it doesn't work as well, let them know. They may be happy to swap you back on to the original stuff. They will certainly have cause for concern if a lot of people find the same.

[Suzie42 in reply to Alberta56]

I'm afraid with that drug it will be time that tells and even then we will not know. This drug keeps us stabilised and if our lung function gets worse that may be a clue or it could be that we just arent fighting it well and natural decline. With IPF it's a bit of a waiting game unfortunately

[Morrison10]

I.nebulise.Salbutamol,will.ask.consultant.when.can.if.Salamol.is.good.

[eleanordigby in reply to Morrison10]

It makes no difference in a nebuliser, it’s only the inhalers which are affected because salamol has less propellant

[Morrison10 in reply to eleanordigby]

Thanks.best.regards