There are a range of medications currently available to help you control your asthma. It’s important to understand what medication you are taking, how it helps your asthma, and how to take it properly. Taking your medication properly refers to:
- how much
- how often and
- how to use any special devices
If you know all of this, you’ll get the most out of your medication.
Is it OK to use a different medication?
If you aren’t happy with the medication you are taking for any reason, talk to your doctor and they may be able to prescribe an appropriate alternative. It’s important to never stop taking your medication, change the dose or type without medical advice first.
You should only use the medication that you have been prescribed, not someone else’s medication. This is because medication is prescribed on an individual basis; that means you get the medication that’s right for you and your asthma, not your friend’s, mother’s or neighbour’s. Sharing inhalers can also lead to sharing of viruses and other bugs. However, in an emergency you can use someone else’s reliever if you don’t have yours with you.
Confused by all the different asthma medication names?
Sometimes asthma medications can be confusing. There are lots of different names, and words used to describe them. Here’s why:
Asthma medications are grouped together based on what they are aiming to achieve, e.g. Relievers. Health professionals also sometimes use the term that describes how the drug works, or its action in the body, e.g. Short-acting beta-2 agonist.
Each drug then has a chemical name, e.g. Salbutamol, and this drug may then be sold under different brand names, e.g. Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir. All of these brand names contain the same type of medication, but they are sold by different companies. This is the same with other medications such as paracetamol and aspirin.
There are many different devices
To make it even more complicated, inhaled medications can come in different devices, such as puffers or accuhalers. Sometimes the same medication even comes in different types and shapes of devices. No wonder people get confused!
Your medication will have its brand name and its chemical name listed on the outside. It will also have numbers that show what dose each puff or pill has in it. Your prescription will show how many puffs or pills you should take, and when. This is usually printed on a sticker on the outside of the box the medication comes in.
Note: If you have any questions about your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
For more information about the different types of asthma medication, check our medication reference chart.
If you have questions about other medications, phone the Medicines Line on 1300 888 763. This line provides consumers with independent information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines.
See also
Need more information?
Call our Information Line to talk to a trained health professional on 1800 645 130 or use our online form.