available medications Now

[GSPlover]

Always given Salbutamol for my condition. Worked like magic and so quickly too. Don’t know if others are as happy with it as me?

Two weeks ago was prescribed Salumol. Same drug but without the propellant. That means I always need the Spacer I’ve never needed before! Now the medication doesn’t get to where my lungs need it without, I think, using too much.

Two weeks ago I’m told by Doctor Salbutamol not now available - and this new one is cheaper - doesn’t have propellant, better for environment. So having plastic spacers are better for environment?

Does this mean I’ll always have to carry Spacer with me? Doesn’t fit with walking group, vigorous gardening tasks and getting on with a busy life.

Have I read the original Salbutamol is available at other pharmacies

[Alberta56]

I was given Salamol instead of my usual Ventolin prescription. I told the doctor that I could not get on with it and he kindly changed me back on to Ventolin. I am all in favour of saving the environment, but not at the expense of our health. I've had to use my Ventolin out in the street recently, because the cold weather was making me gasp. I could not have managed a spacer.

[Mellywelly]

Ohhh please bring back ventolin. Worked so well and now salamol for a reliever is a joke. R.I. P ventolin 😒

[PaulineHM]

Changing the way we take our inhaler can take time to adjust to.

Were you shown how to use it I wonder ? Does anyone check your inhaler technique for you ?

Have you seen this ?

youtu.be/MsVETfT8qQQ?si=W7j...(Not working as expected?)

Go well.

Pauline

[GSPlover in reply to PaulineHM]

That is I believe why these new reviews by clinical nurses tell us we must be doing it wrong. They don’t use any anyway! Another related matter is having a Preventer inhaler. My type of Asthma is a reaction to a situation, so not something you can plan for. Even Dr agrees with this

[PaulineHM in reply to GSPlover]

Hi GSPlover,

I feel sad that you feel you are not able be supported by the specialist respiratory nurses with the inhaler technique for Easi-breathe.

Can you not use your reliever inhaler prophylactically ? When I need to I use my Easi-breathe like that.

These inhalers as are all inhalers are tested and trialled by the international pharmaceutical companies who manufacture them. Would you be willing to speak to these companies about the issues you have ? They value patient advocacy.

Go well.

Pauline

[GSPlover in reply to GSPlover]

Yes my type of Asthma doesn’t need a regular amount of puffs every day, only when a situation causes me to need it. That’s why salbutamol is quick and effective for me

[Biker88]

Salamol and Ventolin are just brand names for Salbutamol, all that’s changed is its propellant. Used on its own an inhaler will only deliver 20% of the dose into the lungs, 80% ends up stuck in the mouth or throat. With a spacer 80% of the dose gets into the lungs. I have the standard size NHS prescribed spacer and I have bought a small pocket size space from Amazon which I take out with me.

[Jack70 in reply to Biker88]

I don’t believe this for a second

Do you feel 80% better when you when you use a spacer? I certainly don’t feel any difference . But I do know ventolin works better for me than the small wheezy Salumol inhalers

[GSPlover in reply to Jack70]

Definitely Jack70, But why don’t people believe us. Perhaps medical policy or NHS funding is driving this their way

[Jack70 in reply to GSPlover]

Yes all about money!

They don’t give toss if we have to struggle.

Legalised drug pushers is what they are.

[PaulineHM in reply to Biker88]

Biker88.

Is there a spacer which suits Easi Breathe ? I havent come across one yet. Do let me kbnow of there is one please ?

Go well,

Pauline

[Biker88 in reply to PaulineHM]

Possibly but check with you respiratory nurse or GP as spacers are available on prescription. Mine was provided when I was prescribed the inhaler s by my consultant

[PaulineHM in reply to Biker88]

Thanks for that Biker88. But I don't need one.

[majjic]

I've been prescribed Salamol too.....I use a spacer with a return valve and do tidal breathing....It's more efficient.

[poppit1946]

I too had both my inhalers changed until I told doctor and specialist they did not work as well. Was told to try harder with it give them time and use spacer. Being disabled and when out use scooter it is very hard to use spacer.Now awaiting specialist report to go back to the other kinds even if I'm have to pay I'm 77.

I never get checked by the nurse they have not the time they say.

So good luck

[OldGreyWhiskers]

I find that it is too much trouble to carry the spacer with me. As a bloke, I rely on pockets rather than a handbag. Also, although I have a breath-actuated dispenser, when out and about I abandon the cap and use it as a "push-activated" device.

To be honest, I do not find that Salamol helps me very much anyway. I only use it in extremis.

[joycet]

I have been prescribed Salbutamol for years , and still receiving it. Tell your GP it is still available and it sounds like they are just trying to prescribe the cheaper version.

[GSPlover in reply to joycet]

Hi, I was encouraged by your comment on still getting salbutamol. Had an Asthma review by a real practice nurse she could see I’d had a skin reaction to it around mouth and I described how salamol was less effective so there and then changed my script to Salbutamol.

I said to my partner salbutamol is delivered into lungs so effectively I use less. That means Salamol might be cheaper but even if you use twice as much it doesn’t work as effectively so isn’t cheaper in long run!