Pharmacy Struggles
Over the past few months, I have encountered all sorts of issues getting my inhalers from the pharmacy; as soon as I switched to another inhaler of the same category, my pharmacy wasn't able to get that one either! Has anyone else run into this problem with medications right now?
Hi again, Corinne, and thanks for posting this topic, it's a good one! I am anxious to hear the comments from our community members regarding this 'supply' issue. From my own perspective and personal experience, I have not encountered any medication shortages at my local (Mom & Pop) pharmacy of late. There are times when they do not have certain medications in stock, but they always can get the meds from their other branches. Once in a blue moon, there can be a similar delay for Advair. As it turns out, that can also be a brief local supply issue. They might provide me with two boxes (of a 3-month supply), but the third box is delivered within a day or two at most.
May I ask, which medications have you encountered delays or lack of supply altogether?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
You are fortunate to have a mom and pop pharmacy near you! I love small businesses. It's too bad that so many are struggling. -Melissa, asthma.net team
Thanks, Melissa - they do offer several distinct advantages - that's for sure. At times, I find that I do have do use the 'chain' pharmacies for certain other needs, but that is few and far between! Sadly, the mom & pop pharmacy does not have insurance approval for vaccinations and flu shots - that would be a pay-as-you-go service. That is where the larger pharmacies came in very handy!
Regards, always,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
Hi,
I'm in Ireland, went to the pharmacy last Friday because my monthly supply of Atectura Breezehaler 125/260 was running low. They and none of the other pharmacies Have it. I called again today because I used my last capule. Was told the suplier couldn't get it. What's going on?! I'm quite dependent on that inhaler, have tried other combination inhalers but the indacterol and momentasone seems to work the best for me so far. Although I recently had to go to the higher dose and seem to be struggling with A mild cold this week and needed my rescue a couple times this week. How can it be that they suddenly run out and can't supply and I only find out last minute. Can't even ask my GP till Wednesday. What am I supposed to do, keep my fingers crossed that going back on a lower dose till they've sorted the supply issues won't send me to hospital again?Hi Irisha, and thanks for this post as well. It can certainly be challenging when the pharmaceutical industry has difficulty keeping medication supplied to local pharmacies. I have read about this issue, reported on our community websites in the past, so you are not alone! I have also experienced something similar with various medications my wife and I use. I hear you! It is difficult!
Have you spoken with your doctor about this concern? Have you had an opportunity to call the pharmaceutical company or, addressed the pharmacy about this issue. I have found the pharmacist usually has an explanation of some kind and often times even makes suggestions as to alternate solutions until the prescribed medication is available again.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
Wasn't able to talk to my GP till Wednesday, The only other one is enerzair which also has indacterol and momentasone but in much lesser quantity and another ingredient and I don't know how I react to it.
Wrote an email to the origination who is supposed to make sure that all the medications are in stock in this country. I understand that they can't control all but shouldn't they at least send a warning so people have time to find a good alternative then simply run out and don't have time to talk with the doctor?
Thank you for your update. That was a good move to write a letter to the people who are supposed to keep medications in stock in your country. This is an important issue that they should be made aware of, if they are not already. As you noted above, we asthmatics have medications that we rely on and must continue taking in order to control our asthma. And if it is not available, this can cause quite a bit of stress for us. . I really like your idea of sending out a "warning" if an certain medicine is not going to be available -- so that we can make alternate plans. When (if) you do hear back from them, please keep us posted what they say. I am very interested. On the other note, I am glad to hear that you were able to get a replacement inhaler. Hopefully your regular inhaler will be ready soon -- but in the meantime at least you have an alternative medicine to try. Wishing you all the best. John. asthma.net community moderator.
Hi John, regarding the orginasation that should make sure there is enough supply in the country, just got an email back.
They didn't get a previous notification from suppliers, pharmacist or patients.
And they're going to contact the supplier to see what's going on.
So maybe there is an organisation like that in your country as well. Because it's ridiculous dat it can't be supplied or maybe we're just very spoiled in the western world.
Didn't get an alternative, took a lower dose and extra puff of different steroid inhaler. But was halfway a root canal today and already got an asthma attack. Poor dentist, he passed the stress test perfectly. I couldn't take my rescue inhaler in between so he had to work really fast while I was gasping for air.
All went well in the end.Hi again, Irisha, and thanks for your reply and further explanation. Wow - what an ordeal for you to endure! Having root canal and an episode of asthma - that is a challenge! I guess your dental surgeon must have extensive experience to have 'passed the stress test perfectly!' He sounds like a 'keeper' of a dentist!
Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress (following the root canal session), and any updates to the shortage of medication.
We are all pulling for you!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
