Can I get ventolin over the counter in the UK?

[SquirrelsAreGo]

I'm coming back to the UK for a few weeks, and weighing up what to take with me. I very rarely need ventolin, usually only in the winter. I don't have any at the moment, but was wondering, if for some reason I need it when I'm there, can I just buy it? Cheers.

No

No, it's prescription only.

No, in fact, they are phasing out just Salbutamol/Ventolin on prescription, in line with new asthma guidelines, in favour of a combined steroid and long acting version of Ventolin.

Wow, that was fast, thank you.

I've got a new script for one of the combined ones, I've just been avoiding it because I really only need it in very specific circumstances. I guess I'll get it filled, and start taking it every day 🙄

I've purchased it before at a chemist in Scotland on a private script when I forgot to take it on holiday with me

Yes, do.

The thinking behind the change is twofold.

1. For established ongoing asthma, you get your "reliever" therapy, ( ie short-acting broncho-dilator, Ventolin, for instance) with the protective, anti-inflammatory element of the inhaled steroid. Except that in combined therapy, you get a long-acting version.

2. Ventolin/Salbutamol by itself can be overused, masking the underlying inflammation which is causing the bronchial hyper-responsiveness and therefore, your symptoms

It is considered that even intermittent symptoms, for instance, those caused by a virus or Hay Fever, need robust, protective treatment, and have a much better effect on symptoms.

All the best.

You can legally purchase them from an on line chemist, not sure if I can post the name of the one I use.
I am still under my GP for my asthma but during the summer months when my hay-fever is at its worst I purchase extra as the GP will not give me more than 1 prescription within a certain time.

Oh ffs, I completely forgot about hayfever! I only come over in winter, but when I lived there I had pretty bad hayfever.

Given all the auto immune crap I've accrued in the last 20 years.. I guess I really do need to start taking that stuff from today!

@Oneearringlost - as you seem to have the clinical knowledge, when they say it takes a while for the long acting stuff to kick in, how long is a while? I'll be there in a week?!

@BuckaDuck " I am still under my GP for my asthma but during the summer months when my hay-fever is at its worst I purchase extra as the GP will not give me more than 1 prescription within a certain time."

Your GP is not giving you more for a good reason, see my post above 06.52.

Overuse of Ventolin/Salbutamol indicates out-of-control bronchial hyper-reactivity or "twitchy" airways. Over-reliance on Ventolin suggests the underlying cause is not being treated, so your airways are vulnerable. The risk is a sudden, severe asthma attack, where your airways have relied on the bronchial "relaxation" effect of the Ventolin, without addressing the inflammation causing it.

Do ask your GP for the combined therapy...they are not practising up-to-date, evidence- based medicine if not.

Hope things improve for you. You shouldn't have to be buying ventolin online with diligent GP care. X

For the "reliever" effect of the ventolin, in the combined therapy, you will get symptom relief as fast as for ventolin/salbutamol, so a few minutes...the steroid, anti inflammatory effect, which will dampen down your twitchy airways, the effect will take about a week of responsible, diligent twice-daily dosing.
The steroid takes longer as its only inhaled, so a local application, if you like, with none of the potential side-effects of taking oral steroids.

Fostair, for instance, you can take as reliever and preventer, so you take it twice daily but can take extra puffs ( up to 8) during that time. You are getting added benefit from the steroid, too. Xx

Oneearringlost my GP isn't giving me more because that's the guidelines he works under, it was him who gave me the name of the online Chemist.

@BuckaDuck He may be working to the guidelines that say its a red flag for repeated requests for Ventolin...audits on pt prescriptions should flag up over-usage and it SHOULD ( not always, unfortunately) enact a call from the surgery, asking you to go in for an asthma review.

That is responsible prescribing and diligent care.

However! He should most definitely NOT be suggesting you buy Ventolin online.

1. He doesn't know how heavily you depend on it, risking a catastrophic asthma attack.
   And

2. You shouldn't have to be buying your treatment, that is for the NHS to do!

Honestly, my heart sinks sometimes, at the state of our NHS care. What @BuckaDuck is describing is INSANITY!

No it’s prescription only and they are phasing ventolin out as per new asthma guidelines. People are now told to use combi inhalers if they need an as and when inhaler.

oneearring

He has been my GP for over 15 years I attend an asthma clinic every 3 months and the increased need for the inhaler during hay-fever season is well documented and understood.
I think I have just come to accept this is how it is so that's probably the reason I am not pushing more. It took me 2 years to get HRT and I think I used up all my fight on that.

Oh, I use ventolin but don’t have asthma, does this mean I will be left untreated?

Phasing out ventolin as per the new NHS guidelines?? I hadn't heard about that and don't agree it's a good idea for everyone.

I'm on a steroid inhaler daily and Montelukast. Ventolin PRN. This combo is perfect for me. I am under consultant care for asthma.

I was on Seretide for years and had loads of problems.

We are all different I do hope the phasing out of ventolin isn't going to be applied to everyone regardless.

I don't think you need to do this.
If you bring the Script you have, or other written evidence of your medical need (e.g.a letter from your regular doctor) then in the event that you become ill and need it you will still be able to get help at a pharmacy. You won't be able to just buy it in the same way that you could buy a can of hairspray, but you will be able to access an emergency assessment and obtain a private prescription relatively easily.

@SquirrelsAreGo

I'd book a consult with an online private GP for ventolin when you're over. AFAIK it's not an abused medication so unlikely to raise suspicions like eg Liothyronine or something.

Hope you won't need it though.

I was diagnosed with asthma last week confirmed by a combination of blood test, symptoms and the exhaled air test check being abnormal

I’ve been given a steroid inhaler and was told the same that the guidelines have changed and no more prescriptions for ventolin ( for new diagnoses) the nurse said she was getting a lot of push back from long term asthma sufferers about giving up their ventolin

She also mentioned it was partly because of the environmental impact of the traditional inhaler as the gas/inhaler leaves a carbon footprint print equal to driving your car 300 miles. The new inhaler isn’t gas/spray you just inhale the dry powder

OK I have looked it up and it seems to me that we can continue using a short acting beta agonist, just not Ventolin itself but another version (and still a blue inhaler) with the same medication called Salamol. Cheaper no doubt. I actually think I've been given Salamol for a while anyway and was wondering why it was less effective than before. Better than nothing!

I can't use powder inhalers I tried but got a horrible throat irritation from them.

@cosietea sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with asthma. If you don't feel it's under control with that nurse, do push to see a consultant. Getting consultant care for my asthma was life changing.

Thanks, only been using the inhaler for one week and has improved my shortness of breath but practically lost my voice this morning as my throat is so dry.

It seems it’s an NHS initiative too so hopefully available on a private prescription for those of us who may want

It’s not been applied to me. My asthma is mild and only flares up with chest infections. I’m still being prescribed regular ventolin and my soprobec has been increased. This will probably be decreased soon. I have never been admitted to hospital with mine so maybe I’m not classed as risky enough to need the new combination one.