Asthma Support Group

Actually I have had all the different inhalers over the years and they have a new formula that really works and is not pro air- it is called Ventalin-they just wanted to take the flourcarbons out and leave the medicine in. I also use Qvar 80 daily so the ventalin is whenever I have an attack. Do the steriod daily and the other will work better. I was being told to do them backwards until a few weeks ago. then i got the truth from a new doctor. Hum image that. Ventalin bottles even have a counter on them. This was way cool. I like the results better than Pro Air they both have Albuterol in them just different mgs per inhaler. I also use spacers with both. It helps to deliver the medicine right into your lungs and not just your mouth. Ask for them.

Blech! Been trying to use ProAir...awful. Less effective and yucky tasting. I'll be looking for something else!

I'm not a happy camper with the ProAir either - I felt that it made my asthma attack worse rather than better. Thank goodness I had a Warrick CFC inhaler close by, because my third series of puffs came from that one and helped settle the attack today.

I'm frustrated and going to ask my MD about getting a nebulizer so that I can get my albuterol without CFC's and without Ethanol! A nebulizer sounds like the best bet at this point. They make them so small now that you can stuff it in your purse easily.

Luckily, I saw this coming a while back when I was given a ProAir inhaler. I used it and had as bad a reaction that time as I did this time. So I started stockpiling my CFC inhalers because I hated the HFA's.

Good luck, fellow asthmatics!!

TGG

No one has mentioned the fact that ProAir is almost 3 times more expensive if you are a self-pay. I do not like it either...it almost feels like it is sending me into an attack that is worse than being short of breath.

I was wondering if anyone has see or tried ASMANEX? I just got the free coupon in the mail by Shering-Plough, it is supposed to reduce the need for inhalor use, but giving you 24 hour support with the inhalers. Is anyone taking QVAR 80 on a daily basis? it is a steriod that seems to make using the Albuterol less needed. at least for me. I have had Asthma all my life since childhood.

3 times more expensive huh? I was wondering when the US ProfitCare industry would push out the inexpensive and effective Albuterol CFC inhaler.

I have been useing Asmanex, So far, There is nothing as good as the nebulizer. Iv used every kind of haler there is! I do not get much relief from Asmanex that I can tell. Right now Im useing neb with Albuterol straight! I love the relief!

Asmanex is not a fast-acting bronchodiolator. Rather, it's a DPI (Dry Powder Inhaler) corticosteroid for maintenance and prevention of attacks. But once an attack begins, Asmanex is NOT the inhaler you want to reach for!

In terms of fast-acting relief, Albuterol inhalers (either Warrick and the old CFC inhalers or the new HFA inhalers including ProAir) are your best bet, as well as a nebulizer and the same.

TGG

Asmanex for me is a waste of good money! If it was doing its job, you wouldnt need the nebulizer! Iv personally never seen any good out of Asmanex, other than dry mouth and throat. which also causes more sore throats!

I thank you all for your thoughts on Asmanex. I will stick with Qvar 80 as maintence and Ventalin as needed. I have gotten all mine free so far from the pharms that make it since I have no insurance. I can help you get them free if you have no coverage to pay for meds or medicaid. I can get enough ventalin at one time for 90 days-I have six boxes now and another 6 to come by the end of the month.