Ventolin inhaler -v- salbutamol generic inhaler

[Eibhlinn]

I feel better with the genuine ventolin inhaler rather than the generic one. Does anyone else have any advice on this?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

It happens. I’m the same. I can only use the branded CFC inhaler. Can’t do CFC free, can’t do generic. I just told my docs that I don’t get on with it (less effective, more side effects) so they order me branded. I also have the DPI version.

Hope this helps. At least you know it’s not just you (it’s actually relatively common... 😅)

[Eibhlinn in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you for your reply. I thought it was just me... but this generic one doesn’t seem to help my asthma and it tastes horrible and gives me a sore throat. Spoke to pharmacist and she “told” me that was the only one they ever gave out and it was ventolin by a different name. I knew the first one I had was the genuine ventolin one, but that had been from a different pharmacy. The generic one is much smaller....

I am going to speak to my doctor on Tuesday to see if she will just prescribe “ventolin only “

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Eibhlinn]

Most pharmacies give out unbranded unless it’s otherwise stated because it’s cheaper. Speak to your GP, get it stated on your script and the pharmacy will get it for you. Good luck

[Wintersbite in reply to Eibhlinn]

Hi yes thay can just prescribe ventolin or ventolin evohalours only as that is exactly what I am issued as I am allergic to the other blue one it actually causes me to have asthma attacks within minutes of taking it the ventolin is the only inhaler I take as I'm also allergic to the proventers same thing happens just tell your doctor there's something in it and you are reacting to it and could it be put on your notes that the only one you don't react to is ventolin ( evohalours) and yes you need that brand you can't explain it and yes you know it's the most costly one

[SofaJockey]

I find the pump in the Ventolin so much more effective than the generic. I get real Ventolins supplied to me because of that.

[ReedB]

I always found salbutamol was more effective for me, rather than ventolin, despite people telling me it was the same thing! Good to know it's not just me who has a preference 😊

[Babbela]

I'm the same only the the branded ventolin works better for me. I have tried genetic it hasn't the same effect, could be wrong I think its not strong enough for me .

[westie22]

Hi, I am the same. Several years ago I was changed to the generic brand and my asthma control dived. My practice asthma nurse specialist measured my peak flow, then gave me Ventolin proper, asked me to wait for 20 minutes, measured again and threw the generic inhaler into the bucket. Please, get in touch with your practice - doctor or asthma specialist and say what your finding. It isn't unusual. Good luck!

[Bathtimebliss]

I had the exact same problem. The generic one tasted of flowers which considering that's one of my allergies wasn't good lol and also gave me a sore throat! Ive also had other generic meds for my asthma which were ok it was just the ventolin. I have a very understanding gp practice and they changed it back to branded Ventolin which is on my prescription. Good luck x

[Biggie_McDick]

My mother had severe asthma which only responded to Ventolin. It took a couple of emergency visits for nebuliser treatment before her doctors eventually agreed and prescribed Ventolin. This was around 30 years or more ago, before it was realised that there was a difference.

My own asthma is mild but responds better to Ventolin than Salbutamol so I only get Ventolin nowadays.

[Hidden]

Here’s a link to the Summary of Product Characteristics for both a generic inhaler and a Ventolin

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

If you scroll down to section 6 you’ll see the excipients are different. (Excipients are things added to a drug eg to keep it stable etc. For inhalers, it’s the propellant.) So, yes the drug is the same but the additive which activates it is different. I’m the same, if I have a generic inhaler I just end up using twice as much

[R1100S1]

No never noticed differences in effect!

[Gilly100]

Hi I found the generic ones useless. Doctor told me years ago that the particles in ventolin are much smaller and can get further into the lungs. Don't know whether that is still the case. I get mine from Boots as was told a long time ago that they have a relationship with the makers. Even though it says salbutamol on my prescription I always am given ventolin. Worth checking.

[Elspe]

Yes! I was told I had to ask my Dr to change the actual name on the prescription repeat forms to Ventolin, otherwise the pharmacy automatically substituted a "generic". The generic has a different propellant, AFAICS. It certainly doesn't suit me, I felt much better when ONLY using Ventolin.

[Graham62a]

Hello

I totally agree with you, they try to save money, but the effect of the generic one (in my opinion) was 50% less effective, only used them for a day when I called directors and asked for ventolin only!

Always check my repeat prescription before ticking the box.

Regards

Graham