Anoro

[kc110]

A few weeks ago I had a text to arrange my annual COPD review. This is normally with the practice nurse who can prescribe medications too. I was surprised to be given a Doctor appointment. I am mild COPD and was taking Salmeterol and Carbocisteine. It seemed quite effective. The doctor advised that I might be better on Anoro instead of Salmeterol. I took this as prescribed for two weeks and was then surprised that the chemist (situated in the same medical center) rang me to monitor my progress. I have never in 76 years had anyone ring me to follow up on any medicines prescribed. It is now three weeks that I have been taking Anoro and feel that it is not working as well as the Salmeterol.

So, is Anoro more susceptible to side effects than other medications? Is there some incentive for the GP practice and or chemist to prescribe Anoro?

[CDPO16]

Who knows but I would certainly inform my GP that I am not as well with the anora and ask to go back on my previous medication. Good luck and best wishes.

[kc110 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks for your reply. They say it may take a few weeks to be effective and want me to persevere with it. I am taking it day by day at the moment but will request a change back if it does not settle down fairly soon.

[CDPO16 in reply to kc110]

It's true that it can take a month for a medication to be fully effective but not as long to have adverse effects. I once had fostair replaced with seretide and was much worse within a week. Given what they have said you may have to wait the month but do push if you feel worse. My best wishes to you.

[Patk1]

I would speak to t pharmacist again,ring Yr concern x

[garshe]

It's most probably cheaper. I refuse change in my medication if it is causing no problems. My Motto "If it ain't broke, don't fix it " xxSheila ❤️

[Bingo88]

Good morning kc110. Reference your pharmacy saying they may check on how your doing with your new medication in a few weeks. I have had that a few times with my chemist and sometimes they have rang me back. Reference your medication change. Usually takes a month to start working effectively but all medication doesn't suit everyone. You know best. Take care. Brian

[kc110]

Thanks again for all replies. I have just contacted my GP practice requesting a change back to Salmeterol. Interesting you say it may be cheaper. It looks more complicated as an inhaler but I guess the contents may be the expensive factor. Sorry to be a bit cynical as I get older but I remember reading that the Pharma companies readily supply stationery to doctors, so they remember to prescribe the "right" medicine. And, yes, my initial thoughts were "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

[CDPO16 in reply to kc110]

Thanks for letting us know.

[watergazer]

Sorry I can’t help you with knowledge of Anoro however my husband started on new eye drops for his glaucoma and within a few days he had a phone call from the pharmacist then a couple of weeks later he had another phone call and then one from our GP practice. We were wondering if his new drug is very new and there are checking up or it’s known to have certain side affects. Take care x

[Musicqueen49]

Hi kc110

I was prescribed Anora and got a follow up call from my pharmacist, but I was told I would do as this is common practice with my GP for these inhalers. Didn't really work for me and I changed to Relvar Ellipta. I also got a follow up phone call to see how I was getting on. It worked for me, but after several months my voice started changing, bit croaky etc. They changed it again to Fostair and funnily enough I got a follow up phone call today about it. Its working well and my voice is fine. Can't fault the care in relation to my inhalers.

They should change it if you feel it is not working properly. We are all different and there are a lot of inhalers out there. Good luck xx

[blueferret]

I was on anoro ellipta for 2 years, no problems. I`ve been switched to a trimbow twice a day to replace anoro and another inhaler. Overall I think Trimbow is better. I have prob severe copd, struggle to walk more than 20 yds or carry anything etc. My pharmacist always rings to check if I have a change of medication. Good luck.