I recently replied to a post about this subject but have been asked to convert it to a main post for you all:
Ventolin/Salbutamol (Short-Acting Beta Agonists -SABA) use is really important for GP's to monitor in order to pick up those asthmatics that could be at risk of an asthma attack, this forms part of the National Research into Asthma Deaths (NRAD) recommendations. asthma.org.uk/support-us/ca...
I would encourage you all to read the NRAD report
However, SABA shouldn't just be stopped without reviewing and investigating with the person why they are needing extra SABA and this may result in a referral to a specialist asthma clinic.
If anyone is using their reliever inhaler (SABA) 3 or more times per week I would encourage you to contact your GP for a review - this shouldn't result in medication being withdrawn but a different approach and investigation into your asthma management.
Take care all and remember you can always ring us for advice 0300 2225800 M_F 930-445
It is very interesting to hear everyone’s comments about SABA use/prescribing and Asthma UKs take on primary care responsibilities in light of the NRAD report.
Despite this it seems frightening to see how much variability there still is in primary care attitudes towards SABA use. I have read about people on this forum being stopped from using more than one or two SABA inhalers over many many months with GPS requesting reviews etc before re-issue. Then in other cases ( like my own!) GPS who will prescribe what seems like limitless amounts of asthma medication ( inc. SABA) on repeat without question, review or comment.
I just wonder where we go from here with such important life changing recommendations if some primary care providers can choose to ignore it at will?
Sorry but the variability in asthma treatment across the UK still shocks and frustrates me at times. Sadly my GP is not worried one jot about my SABA use....
I completely agree re variability in asthma care - good, consistent, up-to-date advice and monitoring in primary care would mean most people's asthma was controlled. Of course there will always be anomalies who need tweaks to the system - I suspect you are one of them and maybe that's why your GP prescribes the SABAs "happily"? In other words you're on all sorts, have tried all sorts and are under higher level care than just the GP? So although being controlled on less would, I'm sure, be your preferred option, for some people things are different - it's not like you're on just a preventer inhaler and are demanding endless ventolin!
This is a disappointing post from AsthmaUK and is just following the status quo on this subject. Well I suppose being the authors of some of the research I guess it is to be expected.
The link between reliever medication and asthma attacks as AsthmaUK very well know, was for those who were not being monitored by any health professionals, but were on unmonitored repeat prescriptions, by poor medical practice. And yes these people and prescribing practices should be monitored.
The problem arises when patients are being monitored by their GP, having regular reviews, are under specialist care or have been or have agreed to go. Treatment has been agreed by both parties for the best treatment for then by doctors, but overzealous asthma nurses, pharmacists and even receptionist can suddenly block prescriptions of a life saving drug! My experience is once contacting my doctor he reversed it to the next time.
This is the issue that is being raised, it is a misinterpretation of the research. Can AsthmaUK point me to evidence of serious attacks of patients taking regular salbutamol/ Ventolin while under Dr/consultant monitoring and taking prevention medications? What would this data show of potential of serious asthma attack while taking this life saving medication? I have been told by an asthma nurse not to take salbutamol for every time I have shortness of breath. So as long as she ticks her box, I should suffer and struggle for breath or she’ll take it away and I will have to rely on emergency services.
It is not simply enough for AsthmaUK to say it shouldn’t be stopped, it is and is happening as shown on here as a postcode policy. All we ask is this front line army listen to the asthma sufferers and not treat them like imbeciles or naughty addicted unmonitored users of salbutamol/Ventolin inhalers. It may be simple to the non asthmatic, ‘follow the guidelines’ but this is our quality of life and possibly life at sake because of misguided and misinterpreted tick boxes exercises. AsthmaUK I would have hoped you would use your influence to make the guidelines clear! The very people you base you service on are being treated cruelly and disgracefully.
The point is that if you are needing a reliever inhaler more than 2-3 times a week, your asthma isn't well controlled. Very often, health professionals can get your asthma under control - thus reducing your risk of an attack.
If your asthma nurse or GP can't help you achieve control then you need to be referred to secondary care for further advice and testing.
It sounds as though you are having a really tough time being heard by your nurse. I hear your frustration. Please call into the helpline - we'd love to help you with this in any way that we can.
Thank you. When I was diagnosed with asthma my gp didn't prescribe preventer. I would always use salbutamol. I had a serious attack. I was in hospital. After that my gp prescribed me preventer inhaler. I use preventer inhaler all the time.
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