Can't even afford a fucking inhaler

[GlitzAndGigglesx]

I'm in the UK. I have a monthly prescription for my inhaler. My inhaler has ran out as I've been poorly and needing it more than usual plus I'm asthmatic. I called my surgery today and got a telephone consultation to be told I can't have a new script for one for another week. I've looked on med express who could give me one but it costs about £12. I know it's not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things but it is for me at this point in time. I'm crying due to the fact I'm not yet eligible for one off the NHS and I have a chesty cough. Just gonna curl up in a ball and cough myself to sleep

You should not be using one inhaler a month, You should use three a year, tops. You need to be prescribed sereflo or seretide or some kind of preventer if you are using an inhaler a month.

I don't understand why you're using it more in winter.

As a pp said, you need the pre payment certificate.

Also, as another pp said, ring 111 and ask for advice.

What are you expecting from this thread @GlitzAndGigglesx ?

Yes it's a preventer one. Doesn't feel like it does much tbh so I probably am using it more than I should to relieve the coughing

This is crazy - I always have 2 inhalers on my prescription anyway - one that lives by the side of my bed with a spacer for use am & pm! And 1 in my handbag that I hardly use & rotate when the other ones runs out!
i can’t imagine living life with one inhaler that would be so stressful!
make another appointment!

Don't mean to drip feed but I suffer with hay fever too so it helps both in summer and winter. I've had my lungs checked and all is fine there but it's my chest that tightens and I have awful coughing fits hence why I was originally prescribed an inhaler

Disgusted by the victim blaming on this thread. This place is mental sometimes.

Having read all this I think it’s fair enough you have to pay for another one

I'm going to first thing! Thank you

There’s no victim here

I don't have an issue paying for one I just can't afford one privately 😂

It's easier to hide behind a screen dishing out unsolicited advice

Maybe use it more sparingly then, you’re obviously doing ok

also… not unsolicited advice, you’ve posted on a public forum

Doing ok using one inhaler a month? Lol ok off you pop

This is mental. Why on earth are you opining that she shouldn't be using more than three a year? How could you possibly know how her asthma affects her? How severe it is? What exacerbates it? Her overall treatment regime?

I'm also baffled that you don't understand why she needs it more in winter. Two very obvious reasons: firstly, cold air irritates the airways and causes wheezing and coughing; secondly, far more respiratory illnesses circulate in the winter months, leading to exacerbations.

Furthermore, preventers are very effective for many people. But not everyone. Some people still need more of the reliever inhalers than average.

I find it bizarre how asthma sufferers need to pay a prescription fee to be able to breathe yet diabetes meds are free. A lot (obviously not all) of diabetes is caused by lifestyle choices. Asthma is not. Bonkers.

I’m asthmatic OP and I’ve had a few malfunctioning but brand new inhalers. It was actually really frightening because a previous GP’s surgery was a bit difficult about me having spares too. I now insist on having at least one spare always. You need to get a review if you’re getting through them quickly. Call first thing for an urgent appointment to get an inhaler tomorrow. Of course go to A&E if your breathing becomes difficult tonight.

Thank you I appreciate your kind words 🙏

And on every thread I've seen you on, you have no understanding or compassion.

I agree. I've had breathing problems from being born due to being premature but only recently been given an inhaler. Thanks for not judging my use of something that helps me survive ❤️

Thank you so much ❤️ I'll inbox you if thats ok

I had that too and complained to the manufacturer definitely did NOT have the number of doses claimed

Thank you to those of you who've actually given proper advice especially others with asthma. I've taken everything on board and will be back on the phone first thing and if that fails I'll go to the walk in

What kind of inhaler is it, is it the brown preventer? If so don’t they prescribe you the blue relief as well?

Or is it the combined Fostair one? I have an unused one if so that I can post out if suitable.

Not true if it's a preventer. The standard dose for me is two puffs twice daily. It has 200 puffs so your estimate of three a year tops is way off the mark. My other inhaler only contains 125 puffs, so I do use one a month.

Some asthmatics are worse for breathing cold air and do need to use their inhalers more during winter. Others, like me, are worse during pollen season and use more in summer.

OP if you get your prescription in the same pharmacy each month you could give them a call and ask if they'd let you have the inhaler a week in advance.

They'll be able to check your file and see that you get the same prescription each month.

I know not every pharmacy is like this but some are so helpful and understanding that they will assist anyway they can.