Question for asthmatics...

[Twiglett]

Hi wheezy ones

I found an old becotide inhaler in a draw .. not expired till 2007 .. but it 'tastes' strange (sort of tinny) .. all my other ones are beclomethasone but this one actually says becotide on it .. which I thought was just a brand name so would assume it was the same contents. So do they taste different or is there something wrong with this one? ... should I get pharmacist to exchange it or just throw it away?

thanks

.

should be fine

wash it all under warm water

Becotide is the brand name it is beclamethosone

Haven't had anything other than becotide so can't comment if they taste different. 2007 should be plenty though (I have a ventolin that went out of date 2 years ago, I only noticed the other day - I have replaced it now!)

I'd give the casing (taking out the metal cannister) a good wash out in soapy water though and leave to dry. Then when you replace the cannister give it 2 or 3 squirts to empty air then try again, just in case it's settled for too long. If you're still unhappy, it's always worth a quick chat with the pharmacist or asthma nurse (Asthma UK's asthma nurses can be contacted on 08457 01 02 03 if you don't feel like going through your own surgery)

I may be wrong but I think that they chaged the propellant - mine tastes different these days from what it used to be -- or maybe different makes taste different

Have jsut hyad to start using it again for teh winter

It should be fine but there may be slightly different taste. I can taste a difference between Ventolin and salbutomol, even though they are supposed to be the same.

just checked the packets of my collection -- Ventolin pack says it contains a new CFC free propellant HFA 134a

Ah yes - I'm not sure but both Ventolin & Becotide now have CFC free (or something equally environmentally friendly, I forget) propellants now - maybe the generic ones have the old ozone unfriendly propellant?