Some of our top selling prescription drugs relate to the chronic condition of asthma. Asthma is incredibly common and prescription drugs like Ventolin are needed daily, sometimes multiple times every day, to control the ability to breathe well. Ventolin is used to relax the airways so the person experiences less wheezing and shortness of breath.
Often it is used in conjunction with a steroid medication like Pulmicort. The problem with Ventolin is while it has an immediate effect, these effects are short term and it wears off quickly, for chronic suffers this can mean after just a few hours they need to inhale some more medication. Saul, our managing pharmacist is a chronic asthma sufferer and has been for years. He inhales Ventolin numerous times a day… or he used to anyway.
Now he has discovered a new drug that helps him control his asthma for longer periods of time. (and yes, we have started selling it on IsraelPharm.com, which means that if you ask your Dr for a prescription to try we can supply you with it. It’s called Breo (Relvar) Ellipta and it’s been somewhat life-changing for our Saul.
We recently reached out by email to our regular Asthma customers to tell them about it but we had such a great response, we decided to write a blog post about it to tell everyone else. Here’s what Saul has to say about his experience with Asthma and Breo (Relvar) Ellipta.
I am a long time asthma sufferer and luckily my physician has always been open to me trying new therapies. So, after doing some research, I recently asked to try Relvar Ellipta also called Breo and I’m thrilled with the effects it has had on me.
Here is some history about me so you can see the full picture.
I have been on Ventolin (Albuterol) for as long as I can remember. Typically, I have shortness of breath 4-5 times a day and take a puff. I go through stages of adding a steroid to my regimen but unfortunately the side effects often cause me to stop, even though I know in the long run it will be worthwhile to stick with the therapy. The prescription I got for Relvar Ellipta has changed my life! I have not used Ventolin in over a week and my breathing is clear and easy. WOW, what a difference! Amazing how trying a different med can change the face of disease.
What is Relvar (BREO) and how is it different from Ventolin?
Relvar contains a steroid called Fluticasone, much like the one in Budicort, Advair and Flixotide, but it also contains a long acting bronchodilator called Vilanterol. Here explains the difference. Ventolin (Albuterol) contains the active ingredient Salbutamol. It’s also a bronchodilator, but the difference is that it is a short acting bronchodilator. The effects of it dissipate quicker.
The official indication for use of Relvar (BREO) is:
“Relvar Ellipta is indicated for the regular treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older where use of a combination medicinal product (long-acting beta2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid) is appropriate: Including when a patient’s asthma is not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and ‘as needed’ inhaled short acting beta2-agonists.”
So if you are like me and Ventolin is in your pocket, house, office and car – ask your doctor to try Breo (Relvar Ellipta).