Can I asked for a branded instead of a generic drug?

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

I've picked up my prescription this week and have been given generic salabutamol rather than Ventolin.

I know it helps reduced costs, but the problem I have is the inhaler mouthpiece is a different shape, and won't fit the spacer. It's fine for out and about, but at home I'd rather use the spacer because I find it makes it much easier, and I'm much less likely to cough.

I wondered if I could fit the cartridge from the new inhaler into my old Ventolin case, but I don't think I'll be able to, the Ventolin case is much taller, so I think the cartridge would just disappear inside it.

So, if I explained to the chemists, do you think they'd let me have one Ventolin inhaler and any others non-branded?

Worth asking - but they are fairly likely to refuse. When can you see your GP to explain why Ventolin is better for you?

Its certainly worth asking. In this case there's a really clear reason why you need the branded - I doubt they'll refuse if they've actually got any in stock. Ask the pharmacist in the first instance, but in future ask your GP if he can specify the brand.

My DH had a problem with a generic drug a while back (the supposed enteric coating didn't work properly!) and he's insisted on the branded since then.

Is there an alternative spacer ?

I find boots always dispense branded ventolin no matter what the script says so I always take dds prescriptions to a boots. Dr complains about the taste of the genetic stuff? not particularly helpful I know this time but worth keeping in mind next time

My epilepsy drugs are branded and exempt from generic switching as any minute differences can trigger seizures. I'm not sure if anything like that applies to salbutamol?

Ask doctor to write all prescriptions as ventolin from now on as the pharmacy loses money if they give ventolin against a salbutamol prescription (unless they're a big company like boots where they negotiate special deals with manufacturers to get them cheaper)

There is a different spacer called autochamber which you could alternatively use instead of the volumatic which fits all inhalers. Smaller so more portable also.

Thank you, I'll go in and ask. The funny thing is, I used to use easi-breathe ones, but said I'd swap to the evohalers plus spacer because it's cheaper!

It's a repeat prescription that's kept at the pharmacy, so when I want it I just have to go in and ask for it to be done. I've always been given ventolin before though, so I hadn't realised I wouldn't be this time IYSWIM.

If they don't want to give me ventolin I'll ask about the other spacer too, that's a good idea. It would be quite handy to have one I could put in my bag as well. I have a check-up next month, so could always ask for it to be put on my prescription then, depending on what happens when I go in.

That sounds horrible Puddlejumper. Hopefully they'll go away again as quickly when you're back on the normal ones!