Blue inhalers

[Trug]

HI

I have been using the blue Ventolin inhaler for a while. Last time I collected my prescription the inhaler was smaller. It has "Ivax" on the plastic dispenser. I find that when I inhale it triggers a cough and I cannot get the dose from the cannister. It seems to be the same ingredients as the larger Ventolin inhaler. I have been persisting with it but it always makes me cough.

I wondered if anyone else had this issue or knew of any differences between the two. The photo is the smaller of the two inhalers

[CDPO16]

I had to change pharmacy to one that delivered at the start of lockdown last year. Having always been supplied Ventolin, the new pharmacy issued Salamol instead. It is salbutamol made by a different manufacturer but for me it didn't have the same relieving effect that Ventolin has.I spoke to my GP who, from her personal experience, agreed. While unable to specify Ventolin on my prescription, she added a footnote to the pharmacy requesting them to supply Ventolin rather than Salamol. At times I still get Salamol but the pharmacy exchanges it when I ask.

I have heard that Salamol works better for some people than Ventolin, showing how we can all respond differently to inhalers.

[Trug in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks for that. I have changed my Pharmacy and put a note to my GP in my medication request. I have found that the Salamol does not have the same relieving effect for me as well. In future I will ask for the ~Ventolin if given Salamol.Thanks again

[COPD123491 in reply to CDPO16]

Hi

As "knitter" says - use the spacer. It makes a huge difference as it enables you to get more of the medication to where it belongs. Can be bought at any pharmacy.

Good luck

[CDPO16 in reply to COPD123491]

Not sure if you intended this message for Trug. I have used a spacer with my inhalers for years.

[COPD123491 in reply to CDPO16]

Hi

Sorry. It was indeed intended for Trug.

Krvin

[CDPO16 in reply to COPD123491]

Easily done; done the same myself often enough! Hopefully Trug will see it.

[Trug in reply to CDPO16]

Hiya. Thanks I have seen it. I will order one online

[CDPO16 in reply to Trug]

They are available on prescription so you have no need to buy one. Many different types. I use a Compact Space Chamber Plus. Not recommending it, just saying in case you want to consider different types. Other forum members use an Aerochamber. There is also Volumatic which is effective but very big. Best wishes.

[Trug in reply to CDPO16]

I got an Aerochamber. I have tried it a few times with the Ivax. It still causes a reflex cough. Not half as bad as without but there is still a reaction. I guess it must be my reaction to the active ingredient in the Ivax then.....

[CDPO16 in reply to Trug]

I would definitely tell your doctor about this and ask for Ventolin to be specified to your pharmacy or ask your pharmacy to supply Ventolin. It does sound as if Ivax Salamol really doesn't suit you. Good luck xx

[Trug in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks. I will do that. It is strange but I have always been sensetive to brown sauce... if I put it on a meal the aroma causes the same reaction. I will have to make sure I always get the Ventolin.... Thanks everyone. Useful forum :)Reply

[knitter]

Previously I asked for Ventolin got the Ivax instead ...I use a spacer so no cough. But this time I got the real Ventolin .....so don’t know what happened before . Shortage maybe, I don’t know.

[Trug in reply to knitter]

Thanks. I didn't know about the spacer.. I might get one for indoors.

[leo60]

Hi! I was the same as CDOP16. It took me a few tries to get back to Ventoilin, which I find much more effective! And definitely a spacer helps. xx

[Trug in reply to leo60]

Thanks It is not just me then... Glad I posted. It has been helpful hearing that there is a difference...

[leo60 in reply to Trug]

Happy to help when I can! Persevere, as I was told there was no difference, but hopefully with our backup........ xx

[Trug in reply to leo60]

There is definately a huge difference....The first time I thought it was jut me. I don't know if the Salamol has more pressure when pumping out but it always makes me react. I don't know if the lack of relief is from not getting much of a dose or because a different 'mix' I will speak with my GP next time though. Cheers everyone for the insights

[Hidden]

As suggested using a spacer may resolve the issue and remembering to breathe out before you inhale.

[Suzie42]

Just ask for ventolin, like I did, say it doesn't suit you. They won't argue. It's to do with cost 😊

[Alberta56]

My latest inhaler is Ivex too. I haven't noticed that it makes me cough, but shall look out fir side effects from now on. i assumed it mus tbe identical to Ventolin. Silly me.

[Trug in reply to Alberta56]

I dont know if it was side effects exactly. More like a reflex response when releasing the spray. I will make sure to always specify ventolin in the future though

[Annie31]

Costs! Salamol, generic version, is cheaper than Ventolin brand name. Also useless for me, GP changed my prescription to Ventolin as Salamol had been prescribed for me by the hospital.

[starskyd]

I've had that one and the normal sized one, used both with spacer, does help.

[CaptainPugwash]

I Have Salamol Occasionally Have Ventolin I Use A Spacer As People Have Said It Gets To Wear U Need It To Go .. Try A Spacer If U Are On Some Benefits U Can Get Free If Not Have To Buy But Well Worth It .. U Take Care Keep Safe 🖤🖤

[Trug in reply to CaptainPugwash]

Thanks everybody.... I have just ordered a spacer. I am not on benefits anymore so had to pay... I have 4 Ivax inhalers from different prescriptions... If it works I will have plenty of back up ventolin

[Morningjoy]

I always have to specify Ventolin the other one doesn’t work for me.