why are GPs stopping rescue meds for COPD

[Pnut]

a few weeks ago I used my rescue meds (prednisolone and doxycycline) and always feel better after the course 😌. I have used these meds ones or twice a year, for a few years now .

when I went to pick my meds from chemist there was no rescue pack, so when I asked for the second time at GP receptionist to order the rescue medication! then I was eventually told that the GP has stopped prescribing medication, no reason!!🙁. I need to phone and make an appointment with GP and/or111 this is a joke😠 as when I’m having a problem I have difficulty talking and breathing 😮‍💨,

I looked up on nice guide lines but could not find anything stopping the rescue pack for copd!

So it looks like it will be 999 and by the time I get assistance, I would have stopped breathing ⚰️

[sassy59]

We are fortunate here as Pete has no problem getting a rescue pack for a chest infection. He has COPD and is recovering from covid. I would press your GP into his/her reasons for stopping such vital medication. Unfortunately we have to be proactive in getting what meds are needed so please don’t take no for an answer. Let us know how things go. Xxx

[Pnut in reply to sassy59]

thank you

[Patk1 in reply to sassy59]

Hope Pete feels better soon,Sassy.ru feeling better x

[sassy59 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you Pat, I’m sure Pete is doing better but it takes a while. I’m not too bad but a bit wheezy. We’ve been left with a cough. Thank you for asking and hope you’re ok. Xxx❤️

[Patk1 in reply to sassy59]

Hope u both pick up soon.xxx

[sassy59 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you very much xxx❤️

[GD53]

I to am very fortunate with my gp/respiratory team too. No problems with emergency meds just a change to Augmentin after recent flare up. Keep pushing Pnut. It's your body and YOU know what you need! 😏 Best wishes. Dawn.xx

[Patk1]

There r a cpl posts today explaing why

[Mellywelly]

Cannot believe a doctor refusing you rescue medication. We must have the same doctor, rubbish. I would demand to see someone or the anxiety will set in as well. Put your foot down. I know it's easier said than done. I still can't believe they won't give out ventolin anymore. Nobody gets on with the little salamol. Keep posting let us know how you get on. I am not confrontational but when it comes to your health its a no go

[Janzo54 in reply to Mellywelly]

yes we all need to be proactive in our health care. I had to be very assertive before my Ventolin was re -introduced, it took 3 years! There is new advice out for GPs about our rescue packs, in the new article that was posted on this site, thank you, Drs are advised to assess the patients need for them along with educational advice giving. This is all very well but when and how often do we actually see a GP? In our Surgery you are not allowed to talk about more than one symptom/condition at a time as all appointments are very time restricted. We all have to make that decision about if and when to start taking steriods plus antibiotics. Personally I seldom use them due to their side effects anyway, also I worry about reducing my resistance to things by over use, but, I don't know if having infections are scarring my lungs further?!!

Some people on here will need to take them and so they should, thats what the rescue pack is for isnt it, to improve symptoms and head off more serious complications of COPD. I have always thought prevention is much more sensible.

Some GPs and Nursing staff still dont have specialist training in COPD which is alarming considering how many people in this country have it now or will develop it in later life. We are a growing community of sufferers and need to start lobbying our local MPs by writing to them to raise awareness and ask for Education for Health proffessionals! You are very lucky if you have a trained nurse in copd because you can have someone who performs spirometry tests but can they read and interpret the results accurately for us the patients?

Is it our right to ask for better health care? Why not push all the way to The Court of Human rights about these things?!!!

Keep on fighting, keep on knocking on the doors people!

Janzo

[Mellywelly in reply to Janzo54]

Hi again, I am not sure where you are based but I am in the uk, you said it took you a few years to get ventolin back. Myself and my sister have been given salamol the little blue pretty useless one compared to ventolin. I have been told they have stopped ventolin because of the ccfc element of delivery, but am not sure if this is true or not

[ABBA2 in reply to Mellywelly]

Hi, not sure if this is the same everywhere but my prescription says salamol but I use Boots for my renewal and always get ventolin. Maybe if your near a Boots it might be worth asking.

[Mellywelly in reply to ABBA2]

Thank you so much for your reply. My sister and her husband have always used boots for their repeat prescription and unfortunately they told her that most doctors are staying clear of ventolin now because of the gas. A shame really they didn't ask the patients first. That would be a first 🤣