Equivalent of LevSalbutamol Sulphate
Hello,
I was prescribed the following inhalers to control my asthma by my doctor in India.
1. Quick Relief Inhaler- Levosalbutamol Sulphate powder for inhalation. Brand Name- SALBAIR, Manufacturer- Lupin
2. Long term inhaler - Formoterol Fumarate and Fluticasone Propionate Powder for inhalation. Brand Name- Formflo, Manufacturer- Lupin
All the above medications are transcaps for use with Lupihaler (similar to rotihaler).
Since I am now living in the United States I would like to know the equivalent of the above medications available here in the US.
Could anyone help please.
Thanks
A
Hi, Arb. Thanks for your question. We can't give medical advice here for your own safety, but there is an easy solution for you. You can speak with any pharmacist (bring the medicine bottles with you), and they will be able to help you. They may need to verify you are authorized to take this medication by contacting your doctor here in the US. Are you under the care of a local doctor now? Let us know if you have other questions. -Melissa, asthma.net team 
Hi.
I would like to second said in her above comment. That said, I also like to add my own two cents. I find it interesting how asthma inhalers have different names, and delivery devices, in different countries. By doing a quick Google search, it does look like the first two inhalers you mention are available in the United States. They are very common asthma medications. Just note that they will likely have different delivery devices from what you are used to (they will look different). I am not familiar with the third medicine you mention, the Lupihaler. I am not sure what medicine it is used to deliver. Are you considering a move to the U.S.? Or are you simply curious. John. asthma.net community moderator Thanks Melissa & John for the helpful tips.
My company is transferring me here to the US for 3 years so I thought it maybe better to purchase medication from the US.
I have visited a local health center and they have made a prescription for the equivalent of the above inhalers.
1. Levoalbuterol Sulphate
2. Budenoside Formetrol (Symbicort)
Both are generic versions.
Unfortunately symbicort is very expensive.
The expensive one is available online for a much cheaper price. Could you tell me how I can get a hard copy of the prescription? The health center sent the prescription directly to the pharmacy (RiteAid)
Thanks
AWell, welcome to the US. I hope you enjoy it here and get to do some exploring. 😀 It does seem more practical to have your medication managed here in the US. Ideally, when you arrive you would select one doctor to serve as your general physician (called a Primary Care Provider or PCP). You would go to this doctor for almost all of your medical needs -- annual wellness exams, typical illnesses, medication management, etc. Depending on the severity of your asthma, you may have this doctor recommend a pulmonologist who would focus on your asthma care. Either one of those doctors could prescribe and monitor your asthma medication.
I am not 100% sure on this, but I believe the laws surrounding prescriptions vary by state because of medication abuse. In some places, they cannot give you a hard copy. It would be best to discuss this with the doctor who is prescribing, or with the pharmacist. Tell them you are new here and ask them to explain what your options are.
Also, will you have health insurance coverage while you are here? I know some inhalers can be costly, even with coverage.can probably give you more insight on this. Best of luck, let us know what other questions you have. -Melissa, asthma.net team
And I agree with everything Melissa said. Here in Michigan, for asthma medicine, we are allowed to get a hard copy of our prescriptions. I have done this a few times. I have done this just to keep one on hand. And I have done this so I could decide where to use it. All I have had to do is ask. Also, I am sure your doctor, or even the pharmacist for that matter, should be able to send your prescription to whomever you choose to have it sent to. It is, after all, your prescription. In the past, I have had my prescriptions forwarded from one pharmacy to another with general ease. So, there are a couple of different options for you. I hope this helps. And please do keep us posted. John. asthma.net community moderator.
