Asthma Support Group
Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system where the airways narrow, often in response to a "trigger" such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which respond to bronchodilators.
I told my pulmonologist that I didn't think my Pulmacort was working correctly; it wasn't clicking twice to "prime" the dose into the chamber, and it also wasn't counting down like it should. He told me to take it to the pharmacist to see if they could see why it wasn't working properly. She kept twisting it like a toy with a confused look on her face, gave it back and told me that she didn't know what was wrong with it. I was a bit frustrated, because if it WAS working and just not counting down, how do I know if there were or weren't ALL of those doses in the chamber from her twisting the thing so many times? I don't want to overdose on the stupid thing! Anyone know ANYTHING about Pulmacort? I just threw it out, but would like to know if it should happen again in the future (they're expensive)!!
I had the VERY SAME problem with this poorly designed product. Beyond the product and the confusing directions, pharmacists DO NOT receive any training on these products, so it's not entirely their fault- they're just as much in the dark as patients. This a MANUFACTURER'S problem.
Complain on the company's website, explaining exactly what happened and that this is a repeated experience for many users, and demand a free replacement product, I did. If WE as a community don't complain about this, it won't be addressed. This has been going on since this product came out.
As it turns out, you DID NOT have to throw the product out. I didn't. In the fine print it states there is supposed to be a mechanism which blocks another dose from being released in the chamber if the previous dose IS NOT inhaled. In other words, only one dose can be loaded into the chamber at a time if not inhaled in between doses. On the other hand, who the hell knows if this is working since the counter doesn't work either? Again, this is a SERIOUSLY FLAWED product.
For everyone experiencing this problem with this product, I ask you to do likewise. COMPLAIN on the company's WEBSITE. Demand a replacement product. Could also complain to the American Lung Association and the Allergy and Asthma Association. Companies hate bad publicity.
Something needs to be done about this. Unfortunately we're the ones that have to do it.
Patients first have to have pay for and have these drugs filled at a pharmacy where often, as previously stated, the pharmacists also have not actually handled these products either.
Again, drug companies who develop, market and pitch these drugs to doctors and patients are responsible for educating everyone involved on the use of these drugs. This should include a hands-on demonstration, but currently doesn't.
Again, the only way to patients (consumers) can make themselves heard is to complain to drug companies putting out products.Could complain to the AMA, American Allergy and Asthma Association and lawmakers too for that matter but the quickest way to make the point is tell the drug company you will no longer buy this or other products made by them.
Sad but true that patients are also subject to the age old adage buyer beware.