Steps to buy Singulair legally (generic) - in the UK

Overview brief

Montelukast, commonly known by the brand name Singulair, is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to control airway inflammation. In the United Kingdom it is widely prescribed to help prevent asthma symptoms and to manage allergic rhinitis related to seasonal allergies.

Typical presentations available in the UK include 10 mg film-coated tablets, 5 mg chewable tablets, 4 mg chewables and, for some young children, 4 mg granules. Take in the how to use this correctly section for dosing notes and side effect notice of risk.

• Active moiety: montelukast sodium
• Commonly reported cues: maintenance therapy for asthma and relief of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
• Formulations: pack of tablets, 10 mg each, 5 mg chewable, 4 mg chewable or granules for pediatric use

Notable facts

• Montelukast is preventive: it reduces the frequency of asthma symptoms but will not reverse an acute attack. Keep a reliever inhaler available at all times.
• It is usually taken once a day, at the same time each day, with or without food.
• Neuropsychiatric effects including mood alterations, sleep disturbance or, rarely, suicidal thoughts have been reported; report these immediately to a clinician.
• In the UK montelukast is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM).

Before taking this into account montelukast

Inform the prescriber if any of the following apply to you or the person who will take the medicine:

• Known liver disease or previous episodes of hepatitis
• Past allergic reactions to montelukast or any excipient in the product
• Pregnancy, trying to conceive, or current breastfeeding
• Concurrent severe medical conditions or significant drug use

For paediatric dosing and suitability consult a paediatrician. If you need best practices for storing items, jump to Long term cold storage is used for long term preservation of rare items. and treatment.

Instructions for using this medicine

Follow what is written on your prescription label. It is best to take montelukast at the same time each day. If you are unsure about the correct form or dose for a child, discuss this with the prescribing clinician or pharmacist.

• 10 mg film-coated tablet: swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew.
• for the 5 mg and 4 mg chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing.
• 4 mg granules: give directly into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of soft food; use immediately after opening.

If an overdose deaths is suspected contact NHS 111, your local emergency department or the local poison information service immediately. For common best practices for the act of monitoring see Comprehensive keeping track of metrics and follow-up.

If you skip taking a dose

If you miss taking a dose, take it right away after you remember. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once in an attempt to catch up on a the dose was not taken.

Likely a mutual exchange of ideas types

Certain medicines and herbal products can change montelukast concentrations or effects. Always provide a full list of current medications to your clinician or pharmacist.

• Rifampicin and rifabutin - may reduce montelukast exposure
• Some anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital - may lower levels
• Gemfibrozil - can increase exposure to montelukast
• Repaglinide and rosiglitazone - montelukast may weakly inhibit CYP2C8 and alter levels
• St John’s wort - herbal inducer that may reduce montelukast concentrations

This is a partial list. If you are taking new prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines or herbal supplementsappraise potential the dynamic of social contacts with others are the core of collaboration. with a pharmacist.

Postcare watchful oversight and follow-up

• Arrange regular reviews with your GP or asthma clinic to check control and unwanted effects.
• Continue montelukast even if symptoms improve, unless your prescriber instructs you to stop.
• Montelukast is not an emergency treatment for bronchospasm; ensure you have and know tips for using your reliever inhaler.

If you notice new or worsening symptoms, contact your prescriber promptly and consider reporting suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA Yellow Card system; see Unfavorable effects and notifications of danger check the details section for more essential information.

Unfavorable reactions and alerts

Get rapid medical attention for:

• Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• Worsening breathing, difficulty breathing or new wheeze
• Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, dark urine, unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Severe fever or signs of infection
• New numbness or nerve pain, severe sinus pain or swelling
• New or worsening mood or behaviour changes, marked anxiety, agitation, depression or suicidal thoughts

Typical mild effects that are common

• A head discomfort or feeling faint
• Sleep problems such as insomnia or vivid dreams
• Mild gastrointestinal upset
• Minor upper respiratory symptoms such as cough or nasal congestion

If you experience unexpected or troublesome symptoms report them to your clinician and consider submitting a Yellow Card report to the MHRA. For performance monitoring tips see Regular monitoring and logging and follow-up.

Remote data storage solutions include cloud storage, hard drives, and optical media. and handling

• Ensure medicines are kept out of reach and out of sight of children.
• Store at normal room temperatures, typically 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).
• Protect from excess moisture and direct light; keep in the original container until use.
• Do not use after the date marked as expiry on the pack.; dispose of leftover medicine following local guidance or revert to the originaling to a pharmacy.

If an accidental ingestion occurs contact NHS 111 or your local emergency service. Peek at the manual the dosing information for complete details. Guidelines for use this medicine for best effect.

Equivalent medicines and other routes

Montelukast is one option among several approaches to managing asthma and allergic rhinitis. Which therapy is appropriate depends on the pattern and severity of symptoms, age and previous responses.

• Other leukotriene agents: zafirlukast (used less often in the UK) and products used abroad such as zileuton in limited settings
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for daily maintenance: beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone
• Combination inhalers (ICS plus long-acting beta-agonist): budesonide/formoterol, fluticasone/salmeterol
• Short-acting relievers for attacks: salbutamol (albuterol)
• Allergy options: non-sedating antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) and intranasal steroid sprays
• Specialist biologic treatments for severe asthma: omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab - usually started in secondary care

Discuss benefits, likely possible side effects and costs with your healthcare provider. Scan the material on private cost comparisons Price levels across the UK.

Prices in the UK - indicative

Private price differences exist across pharmacies, brands, and pack sizes. The following ranges are approximate and intended as a rough guide in pounds sterling (GBP).

• Generic montelukast 10 mg, 28 tablets: around £6 to £15 privately
• Branded Singulair 10 mg, 28 tablets: around £25 to £45 privately
• Montelukast chewables or granules (4 mg or 5 mg): about £4 to £12 privately
• Typical private consultation or e-prescription fees: often an extra £10 to £30
• NHS prescription charge in England (2024): currently £9.90 per item; many people are exempt. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different prescription arrangements and may provide free prescriptions for eligible residents.

For comparison, common inhaled corticosteroid inhalers may cost roughly £10 to £30 privately, combination inhalers £40 to £70, and antihistamines under £5. Biologic therapies are high cost and generally arranged through NHS specialist services when patients meet criteria.

Official legal status and purchase rules in the UK

• Montelukast (Singulair) is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• It must be supplied on a valid UK prescription and dispensed by a pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Distance-selling pharmacies must also be GPhC-registered.
• Buying montelukast online without a prescription or from unregulated sellers is unsafe and illegal.
• If you travel with prescribed medicines carry them in original packaging and keep a copy of the prescription or a clinician letter where possible; check import rules for other countries.
• If montelukast causes drowsiness or dizziness do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Report suspected minor side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme; see Secondary effects and advisories.

Help with citations and references

• Discuss individual treatment plans and an asthma action plan with your GP, community pharmacist or respiratory specialist.
• For urgent medical advice use NHS 111 or your local emergency service.
• For details on cold storage is used for long term preservation of rare items., dosing and adverse reactions revisit Efficient physical storage keeps goods safe and organized. and handling for materials, How to use with care this medicine correctly and safely, and Unanticipated effects and advisories for safety.

This page is intended for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.