Pirfenidone.: Just received a letter... - Lung Conditions C...

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Pirfenidone.

Mrbojangles profile image
16 Replies

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.

🙏🙏

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Mrbojangles profile image
Mrbojangles
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16 Replies
sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Fingers crossed Mrb. Xxx🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼❤️

Suzie42 profile image
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 profile image
Davegt in reply toSuzie42

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 profile image
Suzie42 in reply toDavegt

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

Davegt profile image
Davegt in reply toSuzie42

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

Suzie42 profile image
Suzie42 in reply toDavegt

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

Davegt profile image
Davegt in reply toSuzie42

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

eleanordigby profile image
eleanordigby in reply toDavegt

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 profile image
Davegt in reply toeleanordigby

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

Davegt profile image
Davegt in reply toeleanordigby

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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
Suzie42 in reply toAlberta56

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 profile image
Morrison10

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

eleanordigby profile image
eleanordigby in reply toMorrison10

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

Morrison10 profile image
Morrison10 in reply toeleanordigby

Thanks.best.regards

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