I've used Ventolin all my life but my Swiss GP told me they were rather old fashioned and put me on a mild cortisone (Symbicort). She told me Ventolin was rather an aggressive medication. Of course, it's hard to know there and then if they're being helpful or just promoting their Medical Reps latest 'wheeze'. Bring back the National Health Service, all is forgiven...

However, getting your medication from your Doctor is cheaper than a pharmacy in my experience: after giving you an inhaler at the practice, they arrange to have future prescriptions delivered to your mailbox.