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Intal (sodium cromoglicate inhaler)

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linda62772
linda62772

My GP said recently, when I asked about Intal, that it is no longer available on the NHS list of prescription drugs - is this correct?  If so, why?  I currently take Flixotide 250 inhaler morning & evening, plus Ventolin when needed, but I'm wondering if there might be an allergic element to my breathing problems, as there are members of my family who suffer badly from hayfever at this time of year.  My chest has been much tighter lately, and I'm affected by cold air/winds, & also exercise - especially if it is a bit more strenuous than my normal housework etc.  Having read up on Intal, it sounds the type of inhaler which might benefit me (+ my usual Ventolin when needed) - only to be told by the GP that it is no longer available on the NHS list!  I don't understand this at all, especially as the nasal spray and eye drops are still prescribed.  Does anyone know why it has been 'struck off'?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Annaflare
    Annaflare linda62772

    Posted

    I'm not in the UK so I don't understand the the decisions behind the NHS, I'm in Australia though and we use a very similar system. I've never heard of Intal, but there is a fairly effective puffer from your part of the world called Alvesco, some people can use it in place of prednisolone (without all the systemic issues of prednisolone). The actual drug name is Ciclesonide.

    ​It sounds like you would benefit from something that contained a long term bronchodialator... a medication like Seretide or Symbicort. Flixotide is just a preventer, I actually used to take it a number of years ago, in conjunction with something called Oxis..

    Oxis has since been discontinued... becuase there was a health risk (greater chance of severe attack) if it was being taken without a preventer... from what I understand it looks like the Intal inhaler has been discontinued (possibly for similar reasons). Oxis lives on, as a combined medication, in the form of Symbicort.. Seretide... is actually the same drug as your Flixotide.... Fluticasone (preventer) with some Salmeterol (long term broncho dialator) ​

  • Ellie1943
    Ellie1943 linda62772

    Posted

    Hi, my asthma is always worse on high pollen days. I have hayfever too so I believe that is the connection. The pollen makes the symptoms worse and birch pollen has been very high for a week or two now. Don't know anything about Intal. I use Fostair, as a preventer plus ventolin for quick relief. Hope this helps.
    • Annaflare
      Annaflare Ellie1943

      Posted

      You're 100% right, there is a lot of research that links sinus issues to asthma. Which is why, during a multipronged attack (so to speak), they will also prescribe a steroidal nasal spray, to help reduce the inflamation in the nasal passages. As the nasal passage is considered now ro be part of the upper respiratory system. And the whole respiritory system, can have an impact on asthma symptoms (especially in the case of post nasal drip).

      I'm a big beliver in combination preventers.. so a steriodal preventer, which also packs a long term bronchodialator. In the case of the OP Flixotide is just a straight up preventer. You can also help allergy induced asthma with antihistamines, most popular is fexofenadine at 100 - 180mg (but it can cause asthma like symptoms in a small percentage of the population).

    • Ellie1943
      Ellie1943 Annaflare

      Posted

      Hi. Yes, I use Beclometazone nasal spray and Cetirizine, anti histamine plus the inhalers. Have done for several years now as an ENT doc said the combination would help. I have these allergies all the year round so take the meds all the time as he advised. Pain in the you know what but they do help. I find that I'm worse at this time of year with tree pollens than when its grass pollen. Also the rape seed is really bad at the moment locally, fields of gold, literally! rolleyes
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