Is your 'sealed' inhaler actually protecting you?
Running out of your preventative inhaler means losing control of your asthma. Here's how to get authentic Seretide and Symbicort delivered monthly from verified pharmacies.
Rescue inhalers and preventative inhalers serve completely different purposes. Here's what you need to know about sourcing authentic Seretide and Symbicort in Nigeria.
What's the difference between a rescue and a preventative inhaler?
Expensive imports: Seretide (Salmeterol + Fluticasone) and Symbicort (Budesonide + Formoterol) cost ₦8,000–15,000 per inhaler. At these price points, pharmacies stock fewer units.
Slow turnover: Unlike Salbutamol, which every asthmatic uses, preventative inhalers are prescribed to patients with moderate-severe asthma. Lower demand means fewer pharmacies carry them.
Counterfeit risk: High price + high demand (among those who need them) = attractive target for counterfeiters. Fake inhalers may contain no active steroid, meaning no prevention.
Which inhalers can I get through Famasi?
| Inhaler | Type | Typical use | Price range (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol (Ventolin) | Rescue | As needed during attacks | ₦1,500–4,000 |
| Seretide (Salmeterol/Fluticasone) | Preventative | Twice daily | ₦8,000–15,000 |
| Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) | Preventative | Twice daily | ₦8,000–15,000 |
| Beclomethasone (Becotide) | Preventative | Twice daily | ₦3,000–6,000 |
| Montelukast (Singulair) | Add-on (tablet) | Once daily | ₦3,000–7,000 |
Important: Preventative inhalers are prescription medications. Famasi will not process delivery without a valid prescription. Salbutamol rescue inhalers are available OTC.
How do I know when my inhaler is running low?
Most metered-dose inhalers have a dose counter. When it hits 20 remaining puffs (about 10 days of twice-daily use), it's time to reorder. The problem: most people don't check the counter.
With a Famasi asthma care plan, your refill notice triggers automatically based on your dosing frequency. You don't need to check counters. The system calculates when you should be running low.
Running low on your preventative inhaler? Speak with a Care Specialist to get same-day delivery.