combivent inhaler

[janela]

Is anyone out there an ex user of combivent inhalers, now defunct due to the manufacturers withdrawal of this. When using the two drugs separately, via a spacer, is there a particular order that they should be used in, i.e. ventolin first then atrovent, or one puff of each alternately. My father is struggling with these currently, and getting any sense from the GP is like juggling jelly

[bigmamma]

Hello , I would suggest use Ventolin first to open up the lungs more in readiness for the Atrovent . xxx

[masma]

Hiya - I'm a user of Combivent, in fact I just used mine prior to reading this. Can you tell me when and why it's been discontinued? I only got my prescription renewed yesterday. I'll be dissappointed if I can't get it agian as it's helped my asthma no end.
I agree - use the Ventolin first.

[janela]

the reason that it is being discontinued is this - all inhalers now have to be cfc free (ozone layer, global warming and all that), Up to now inhalers, being required medically have been exempt, but now they are not exempt. Ventolin and Atrovent are cfc free so are available. For some reason, the Combivent is being withdrawn. I don't see why if the other two could be made cfc free, Combivent couldn't also be made cfc free. I, being cynical, think that the drug companies have seen an opportunity to sell two inhalers to people instead of one, thus making double the money. I know that we don't buy them here (although obviously someone has to pay for them - in our case the taxpayer via the nhs), but in the usa where there are millions of people on inhalers, and having to pay full price for them, what a marketing opportunity. I don' t actually know when the Combivent is going to be withdrawn, but a lot of GP's are changing their patients over to the separated ones well in good time so that they get used to the idea over a period of time. My father who uses these for copd has been changed for about 3 or 4 months now. He is not happy about it, he says they don't work as well, plus it takes much longer. Perhaps next time you order your prescription might be a good time to speak to your GP about it. My logic says that using Ventolin first is the right thing to do, and on questioning him that is what he does. He doesn't know though whether he should wait a while between uses or use the Atrovent immediately after the Ventolin. Oh well, back to the GP

[masma]

Crikey! How confusing it all is. I also have copd, I'm on Combivent, Seratide and Ventolin - these cost me an absolute fortune on prescription. It's about time long term medicines were free for all. Why should someone with an under active thyroid get free medication while we folk with breathing problems have to pay? Ah well I guess that's another subject...
Thanks for your info - I will ask the doc next time I go.

[Greytop]

I've just read on the Net that the manufacturers Boehringer-Ingelheim in the USA have been granted an extension of use until 2013 to allow them to complete development of a viable CFC-free alternative. I've asked them via E.mail if this applies here as well. Whether they will reply or not, I'll let you know.

[Greytop]

Further to my earlier contribution. I received a very prompt and full answer from the manufacturers of Combivent, Boehringer-Ingelheim. Unfortunately it told us nothing we didn't already know. It just told me the reasons why it had been withdrawn in Europe. Sorry.