Have had the GTN spray for a while and have used it twice and too scared to use it again. As soon as I spray under my tongue, it feels as though there I have sprayed acid. The pain is terrible and made me cry out in pain. This pain lasts for about a minute. It’s unbearable. I filled out an online form for my GP, and they replied saying the pharmacist would phone me in 2 weeks time.
Has anyone else had that type of server reaction to it?
it’s made by EGIS pharmaceuticals distributor is Aspire
Hi Jadebp,
I don’t experience the burning sensation under my tongue if I do use it for very long. I do however, experience a headache, low BP, dizziness and tachycardia on it. I really try to avoid using it due to the side effects but have found myself using it more lately. I guess it’s lesser of the two evils if it does help relieve your chest pain.
I have one GTN spray which has been manufactured by Accord and another, which has been manufactured by the same company as yours, EGIS Pharmaceuticals. I do prefer my one by Accord however, my GP isn’t able to select the brand when I request it so I end up with a mixture of different branded GTN sprays.
There are alternative quick acting nitrates which your GP might be able to offer you.
All the best.
Tos
I shouldn't say this but try a white lie and say that brand gives you side effects.
I use an inhaler and genuinely was allergic to the propellant so they changed my prescription to say GSK only, it may not be an option on the GTN but worth a try. I have an EGIS luckily with no issues but I do remember the fist one I had in a red/pink bottle seemed better.
Your GP can specify which type of GTN spray the Pharmacist should dispense on your prescription.
I have this written on my prescription on several items.
In my experience the pink bottle of GTN gives less of a burn than the white cannister.
Alternatively you can ask for sub lingual tablets, which you put under your tongue.
These are fast and short acting too, however the tablets need to be used up within 6 weeks of opening the bottle.
That's the one, the pink one is so much better. I've never bothered to push for a specific one as I doubt I have used mine for 2+ years (they only get replaced when out of date 😀 )
HiI find the pink bottle better too for less stingy sensation under the tongue but i always end up with the white spray🙄 x
I totally agree. However I can put up with the short effect if it stops the angina! Am hoping I receive the pink one next time. I understand you can purchase spray without prescription for about £10. Maybe worth considering.
I had the pink one a few years ago, but was stopped as the headache was so bad that I ended up in hospital. I have pernicious anaemia so some meds do affect me, so nit sure if that’s the reason.
I don't use the short acting GTN spray anymore either.I have vasospastic angina, the GTN works, stops my coronary vasospasms, however I then get even worse rebound vasospasms afterwards and more chest pain.
I use GTN patches which you can remove if you have lots of side effects.
Hello Jadebp,
☹️I get a thumping headache and dizziness, but there's no burning sensation. Perhaps the pharmacist can suggest a reason for your sensitivity.
I have just had to use gtn spray, and NO it did not have this effect on me. It’s called Accord 400mcg. Hope this helps, and good luck.
There are tablets or at least there used to be. You just dissolve them under your tongue. They’re good because you can spit them out as soon as they start working and that reduces side effects such as headaches etc. The only disadvantage is that they don’t work as quickly.
Hi .I had been using the red pump spray as shown in previous pic.I was then given the white metal tin spray which caused burning sensation .I explained to GP and he specifically prescribed the red pump thereafter but for some reason my last prescription I was given the white tin spray again which I won't be using !
Hi, I get the stinging/ burning under the tongue thought this was normal luckily I don’t have a headache after.
Yes I have...stings like mad! One made by Egis..I have another in a red bottle that is fine!
Hi, yes I too have stopped using it for the exact same reason...no idea why and still waiting on explanation
I know what you mean it is like a stinging sensation but soon goes away
I too prefer the pink bottle. It does give me a bit of a headache but only lasts a few minutes so doesn’t really bother me. Used the canister for the first time recently and became quite dizzy - had to sit down until it passed. I’m very reluctant to use it again and certainly wouldn’t be able to use it when outside if it has dizzying effect. Now that I see others are also having issues with it, I will try to speak to gp.
It could be just the brand. Your GP could try prescribing a different brand by name. Alternatively it's available in tablet form but that doesn't act as quickly. Do expect a rotten headache after using it though. Sit down for a while until it goes off.
It was late when I replied earlier but a little investigation shows that the EGIS canister is aerosol and the Nitrolingual a pump. So my original thoughts are correct, just like my inhaler you are probably getting a reaction from the propellant.
On a side note a quick google shows one online pharmacy with them for sale at £4.99.
There is definitely a difference across the GTN spraya and the immediate effects felt within the body.
I've never given much thought to it but now you mention it, I may consider asking my GP to request the one I prefer. Although as with all medication, I think the brand you receive is down to availability and perhaps cost.
My gripe is with the packaging on certain brands of meds. There is nothing more frustrating than splitting a capsule when trying to extract it from the blister pack.
As other have mentioned. Try nominating a brand though your GP.
But for the one minute of pain, tell your body 'there is no pain without gain' Mind over matter.....
Best wishes
I use a different brand of spray here in Finland but I does sting and burn under the Tongue as well.. So now I just spray it directly into my mouth and it works the same as under my Tongue. Maybe it's worth a shot to try it that way?
I only take my spray in a real emergency due to the side effects, no burning but really bad head nausea and dizziness which makes me feel close to passing out. Interesting reading the comments about different brands.
Hello ive sometimes experienced a tingling on end of tongue but to be honest I don’t take it.
I take isosorbide mononitrate tablets these open your arteries and do the same job the spray does but better and for longer.
If your having pain and discomfort I’d say it’s because your tablet medication needs altering or upping so I’d have a word with your doctor and see what he/she says.
Too much gtn spray can lower your blood pressure and make you pass out I don’t touch the stuff and when I have it’s never helped but that’s just me.
Hope this helps 👍
I was asked by the paramedics today to use the GTN spray .
It's one I've been holding off on ( I have the white one) .
I have to admit it wasn't as bad as I thought, definitely felt light headed, mild headache but so glad I've got it done and out the way.
GTN is your friend use it.
Hello, I use Aspire and it makes my tongue burn. I thought that was meant to happen....silly me. I think there are tablets. Go to the pharmacist and have a face to face chat if you know them. I hope you get it sorted out. Take care.
Don't have the stinging, but the stuff does give me palpitations and does absolutely nothing positive for me. Gave up on it.
GTN spray is a brilliant product.
I used to use it proactively before strenuous activity in order that I didn't get angina pains.
I do remember the tingling sensation under my tongue.
It's about three years since I've used it, following a heart attack and angioplasty I've suffered no angina episodes, I still always carry a spray though.
The spray is a P product, meaning that unlike a POM product anyone can buy one in a pharmacy.
I remember buying one on a day out when I'd lost mine, it was about £2.50
It might be worth purchasing a few different ones to see if you can find one that suits you.
Change the spray. Mine`s Accord. Got it in 2011 after the cardiac arrest. Initially I used it frequently; climbing stairs, going up hills doing anything new (to keep the heart steady). Tasted fine....medicines ain`t supposed to be like treacle, so maybe your`s is wrong.
Check it out; don`t be afraid `cos it`s there to help and kept me going for 13 years.
Ta-ra chuck.
I had a heart attack right after they gave me this in AnE.
thank you for the replies. I was prescribed isosorbide mononitrate and glyceryl trinitrate tablets as well. Took the IM yesterday morning, spent all day in agony with headaches, by the evening I has such terrible thunderclap head pain that I was violently sick. Managed to doze off, woke with the same terrible pain and was sick again. So won’t be taking that again. Feeling pretty fed up as I don’t know what else I can do. I’m been referred back to cardiology. I also have 70% blockage.
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