Seratide 125

[Vbgr]

Hi everyone. I am having trouble getting an inhaler that doesn’t cause cramps and yeast infections. I was on seratide 125 but the government have discontinued it for NHS patients as too expensive. Have tried AirFluSal and Fostair. Any advise appreciated For an alternative. Thanks Val

[DJstag]

Hi Val, seritide 125 is still available on the NHS, good to see GP's blaming the governent/NHS, the choice to move you over is entirely your GP's (with presure from there CCG I should imagine). What strength AirFluSal did they put you on??? Perhaps ask to try Sirdupla 125, as it's very similar to seritide (cheaper than fostair so your GP shouldnt argue). Hope this helps, any questions please ask.

Regards

Mike

[Vbgr in reply to DJstag]

Hi Mike, thank you. AirFluSal 25microgram/125. I’m seeing a locum GP on Thursday. I now know what to ask. Thanks to you. Val

[Joan_Public]

Hi Val

Very sorry to here that you have been suffering cramps and yeast infections on these other inhalers.

I am on seretide accuhaler; have been for 20+ years and tried many alternatives during that time , but gave up on all of them becuse I couldn't get on with the side effects. Pretty sure that the government have not discontinued prescribing Seretide as I rang up for my repeats only this morning.

I guess there is an obligation for the practice to try cheaper alternatives (Sirdupla being one, as it contains the same combination of meds as seretide; although this one did not suit me: tastes awful and not available in dry powder formula). But also (as with all meds) there is a need to weigh up the benefits against any side effects and how easy you find the different methods of delivery.

My resp cons says that it is part of the asthma prescribing guidlines to prescribe you the choice of inhaler that best suits you, because it will then be easier for you to use and therefore easier for you to self-manage and stay in control.

I would go back to your gp or asthma nurse and say that you are having bad side effects with the alternatives they have prescribed you, and if Seretide was working, could you please be put back on that - get it written into your repeat prescription that you need the actual seretide and not the 'generic' form of the medication or the pharmacist might also try and give you a cheaper alternative.

Hope you can get it sorted soon.

[Vbgr in reply to Joan_Public]

Hello Joan, I have borrowed a seratide from a friend and am fine on it. Hope to convince the Locum that. . Don’t know if she will have the courage to change my prescription though as she is standing in. Many thanks for your advice. Val

[garywake]

Sirdupla is the same as Seretide. I take it as my GP wouldn't pay for the original one.

[GarryS]

I'm on Seretide 250. I still get it on repeat prescription!

[Valsha]

I was changed to airflusal from Seretide and immediately suffered side effects similar to a severe sinus infection which is what I thought it was until I proved otherwise. I am now back on Seretide. I think you just have to ask and explain.

[Lindahj203]

I am on Seretide 500 after being on 250 for 20 years. A year or so ago they switched me to Fostair and I had a severe exacerbation as Fostair did not agree with me then 2 or 3 other inhalers before asking to go back on to Seretide 250. Another few months later another severe exacerbation and I was upped to Seretide 500. No problem obtaining Seretide.

[Spikedog66]

Seretide still available they are trying to discontinue and say fostair better have told them will buy it on internet if I can't get it so seretide still on repeat at the moment.. Will not be a happy bunny if they take it off me. Why should you not have something that keeps you well and happy!!! Persist for now it's still available.😊

[Vbgr]

Thank you for all your support. I have asked for an appointment with one of the doctors who I believe has asthma. Perhaps she will understand the problem better. Wish me luck. Val