Ventolin rationing

[jackie111095]

I Have been informed by my G.P that they can only give 4 ventolin inhalers per year has anyone else had this problem.

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Hi jackie111095 hope your ok no I get one every month think there trying to cut back on medications but ventolin is priority so shouldn't be allowed to do that really x

[holehead]

Unless there is something new to relieve an Asthma attack which we know nothing about then may I suggest your gp gives your Asthma management to the nurse who will know more. Obviously doesn't have Asthma then! If your practice has an Asthma nurse specialist then I would book an appointment with them. Failing that another GP or a phone call to Asthma uk for advice.

[shassh]

No I can have as many as I need

[Tracey1972 in reply to shassh]

Same here I have no problem getting mine

[Erin001]

No I get 2 inhalers every time I order some

[elanaoali in reply to Erin001]

I do too.

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I am asked about my ventolin use sometimes but they seem happy to give me one a month. I agree with the others, try and see the asthma nurse as they usually know more than the doctors.

[jackie111095]

I do have an Asthma nurse, this is apparently a new policy they say any more than 4 per year means it is poorly managed, money saving me thinks. I will speak to the GP, Asthma nurse and the hospital that manages my asthma I wonder if they are covered for problems that may persist from this. Lots more A and E visits will be had when we run out.

[23asdfg]

If you're using that much Ventolin u should be on different preventer my asthma nurse told me if you use Ventolin more than 4xweeek u are raising chances of copd

[jackie111095 in reply to 23asdfg]

I am currently on Relvar Ellipta, montalucast, and I have to use the ventolin occasionally I have not got copy but when my asthma is bad it happens quickly and I end up in hospital the G.P said it's a new policy for all re ventolin only 4 per year.

[Matman in reply to 23asdfg]

Regarding your point about increased risk of COPD, I've not heard that said before and - if your advisor is correct - you could do a lot of people on this Forum a big favour by reproducing your comment as a new post to get a dialogue going. If increased use of Ventolin really does represent a higher risk of COPD, everyone needs to know about it.

[shirl13]

I have two a month but also on Fostair, Clenil and Atrovent. Was told some people now use Fostair instead/as well as Salbutamol. Cannot see how they can put a limit on it as everybody is different, I know some people who have asthma that may only use one or two a year as there's is so mild

[risabel59]

Whilst I have never been denied Ventolin, I get the absolute 3rd degree about how much I am using. In a way it's a safe guard to make sure your asthma is properly controlled. I think in some respects by limiting prescriptions surgeries can keep track of you. If it was just on permanent repeat, they would probably forget all about you.

Even in the US, where either you pay for drugs, or they are covered by insurance, My doctor was incredibly stingey about prescribing reliever inhalers, saying that if I ran out /was running out, he wanted to see me asap.

Of course Ventolin is a lifesaver, and simply marvellous drug, but like all drugs it can have long term side effects. Nowadays there are a lot of tools to help prevent asthma attacks and alleviate symptoms. If I am using Ventolin more than 4 times a week, over and above exercise, I definitely make an appointment with the G/P or Consultant. So we can adjust other medications or check for infections etc.

If you are concerned and worried about this, and I know what a shocker it can be to find that you didn't put your inhaler in your handbag!!! I would suggest keeping a peak flow diary and logging exactly when you have problems and when you need to use your inhaler. Sometimes if you feel you need to use your inhaler a lot, if you feel able, its good to do a peak flow measurement before and afterwards. Like all the other respondents have said, a great Asthma Nurse is a major weapon in combatting your problems, also they tend to know more than G/P's. Everyone with Asthma should have a written asthma treatment plan. This is in NHS guidelines. There is a great PDF on the Asthma UK web site to download that you can take to your GP / Asthma nurse to fill in.

I do know quite a few people with Asthma, (even in my family!!!) who don't want to take corticosteroids, and prefer the instant relief that Ventolin gives you. It is such a great feeling. However, if you don't get to the bottom of what is causing your airway narrowing/ inflammation and treat that, you get stuck on an ever diminishing circle. The reality is inhaled corticosteroids probably have less long term side effects than overuse of Ventolin.

I have Stage iv/v Brittle Asthma, and use 6 different drugs everyday other than Ventolin to stay vaguely on top of things. If I start needing to use my Bluey more than twice in a day, I know I'm heading for a major down turn, and try and take a appropriate steps.

[jackie111095 in reply to risabel59]

Thanks for your advice it's very informed I do have an writen asthma plan and keep regular peak flow readings my asthma is not uncontrolled I also have emergency prednisone tablets given by my gp I have regular reviews by the asthma nurse but I still don't understand why this new policy exists.

[elanaoali]

I think it's down to cost. When 2/3 of my inhalers expire in august I will ask for more. I have 4 inhalers at the moment that I had for a couple of years. I keep one set + aerochamber in rucksack and one set in hand bag. I am not expecting to need them at all. My at risk time is autumn/winter. I have extra ones I.e two instead of 4 from back about 16 months ago when my asthma went from mild to moderate.

Ventolin is hard to know if you have any in the inhaler.

[Egret_J]

Hi my GP surgery has a similar policy, citing the same reason, but for six a year, instead of four.

[jackie111095 in reply to Egret_J]

How can this be a cross the board for all, although 6 inhalers year is better than 4 it should be by individual needs assassment I feel this could put lives at risk.

[Egret_J in reply to jackie111095]

I agree with you. I have allergic asthma with a long list of triggers as well as a permanent productive cough. My need for ventolin is unpredictable but regular. I thought a ration of six was bad enough but four a year seems very tight to me.