Change of Inhaler...

My son has previously been prescribed Pulmicort 200mg 1 dose twice a day in addition to a reliever he uses when required (not very often - mainly in the summer during the hayfever season and he's ben running around outside) and we have been very happy that his asthma is well controlled.

However, having today picked up a repeat prescription this has been substituted for Symbicort, which in addition to 200mg of Budesonide also contains Formoterol, which we understand is a broncho-dilator (or reliever).

We're very concerned that he will be using a reliever twice a day routinely when taking his 'preventer' - and what effects this might have long term is terms of dependancy upon a regular reliever when up until now he has not needed this routinely.

We have made an appointment to discuss this with our GP, but not sure if we are being over cautious or concerned. Can anyone reassure / advise us on this score?

[KateMoss]

Hello,

Formoterol is generally a long acting Bronchodliator which acts like pit props - holds the lungs open.

It is also uses as a reliever too, under the Smbicort SMART system. So you don't need to worry about him overdosing on reliever so to speak. It can be used regularly and also as a reliver when needed up to 12 doses a day, I think. (I don't use symbicort....)

I take a different type of combination inhaler Seretide which contains Flixotide (the steroid component) and Serevent ( the long acting bronchodilator component) but it can't be used as a reliever like Symbicort can.

Combination Inhalers are often a good choice because there are less inhalers to use in the day and it helps with patient compliance too.

What reliever inhaler does he normaly use? Bricanyl of Ventolin? ( these are short acting bronchodilators)

I would also check with your GP anyway as it is unusual to change a prescription without seeing or consulting the patient.

Hope this helps

Kate