Asthma Medications
Asthma Medications questions and answers
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Q: Asthma medications?
Hey, I was wondering if anyone could recommend good non-steroid asthma medications. I was on flovent for a while but it caused me to have pretty terrible anxiety and I was forced to quit using it, though my breathing was a million times better. For several years I was using just albuterol and I was using less than 4 puffs a day. I went to a new doctor however, and she prescribed the flovent. After having trouble with that she tried azmacort and I was still having trouble (though, it's entirely possible that it was lingering side effects from the flovent that I had trouble getting over). Now I am trying singulair and it helps a little but not even close to as well as the flovent and I would really love to breath as well as I was when I was on the flovent again. I have been researching asthma medications and was just wondering if anyone is using a medication that they highly recommend so that I may talk about it with my doctor when I go on friday. Thanks!
Really, any medication, even a steroid, that is extremely unlikely to cause anxiety would be great since that is the only side effect I seem to have a problem getting over.
A: Xopenex is similar to Albuterol but significantly stronger. It has low incidence of side effects.
Atrovent can cause some shaking and increased heart rate sometimes, but it can boost Albuterol or Xopenex by using another site in your lungs to help open your airways. A similar drug called Spiriva is once a day and I haven't had any side effects from it.
I was on Asthmanex, a newer inhaled steroid than Flovent and stronger, for 4 months. I didn't have any side effects from it. I get an upset stomach from Advair (Serevent and Flovent) though.
With my asthma, I took Advair 250/50 for 6 days recently because I was having trouble breathing in the heat and humidity. Now that it's not as hot or humid, I'm back on Salbutamol (Albuterol) as needed, like I have been for months. Because of my profession, my doctor gives me a lot of lee-way, so I give myself up to 4 treatments a day (8 Inhalations) before being worried. That is the normal maximum. I don't like inhaled steroids for me because of the fungus (thrush) that develops on my tongue. Before I tried my Advair 250/50, I took Spiriva (like Atrovent but once a day) for about 2 weeks and it was mostly good. It wasn't quite enough though.
Inhaled steroids are great tools for asthma control. But if you can't tolerate them, long acting inhaled bronchodilators might help too. I think the best part of Advair for me was the Serevent. My cough seemed to come back after about 12 hours, when the drug wore off. Because it's long acting, Serevent might work better than Albuterol. In addition, you can still take Albuterol to top it off, if the Serevent isn't enough. Spiriva can also be used with Serevent for long acting asthma control. Using Xopenex as a rescue inhaler might also be a benefit.
Q: Are there any asthma medications available for people with high blood pressure?
I have asthma and HBP. I'm currently on ADVAIR, which is not doing much for my symptoms--and I think it's actually harming my bp. Any ideas on what I can take? I'm planning on going to the allergist soon, and want to go armed with info. Thanks.
A: Hmmm, not a fun combination- that's for sure!
Well, first I would like to suggest a few things based upon what your question disclosed. I understand that you are on Advair, and that you are also diagnosed with high blood pressure and that you are going to see an allergist.
My first point of interest, is to point out that there are some cases where people are actually diagnosed with having asthmatic allergies. That is, that they do not seem to suffer the symptoms of asthma until they are exposed to the natural element or food product that they are allergic to. This is something that can be discussed with your allergist at the time of testing. It is important that you ask the allergist to forward his/her results to your current primary care physician as well. This way your primary doctor is able to see if you are actually suffering from asthmatic allergies, or an actual definitive diagnosis of asthma, independant of the allergies. It is equally as important that your allergist has full access to your current records and lists of all of your prescriptions from your primary doctor. This insures that everyone is on the same page, and that you are getting the best treatment possible for your specific ailments. It also allows the doctor's to make any prescription changes that may be necessary along the way.
The second point I would like to address is the fact that you said the Advair does not seem to be eleviating your current asthmatic symptoms, and that it seems to be hindering your HPB as well. I'd like to point out that an asthma attack will, naturally affect your cardio vascular and respitory systems. This, of course would naturally cause an increase in your blood pressure even if you did not have a HBP condition. However, because you are more at risk than ordinary asthma sufferers...it is very important that you monitor your blood pressure periodically throughout the day, taking readings before and after and asthma attack as well. These results should be noted for any abnormally or dangerously high episodes, and reported to your primary care physician immediately.
You may also want to consult your primary doctor for an additional "booster" to your Advair (also an inhaler) called Albuterol Sulfate.
Of course, whether or not you are prescribed the additional inhaler would be at your doctor's discresion and in accordance with your medical history.
My final point to address would be to find out whether or not you are taking any prescription for your high blood pressure. If you are not currently being treated for that with meds, you can bring your concerns to your primary doctor- who would best be able to advise you on the treatment. If you are currently being prescribed something for your HBP along with the Advair- it is very likely that your doctor is aware of the uses of both medications in unicen. However, you can always double check for any possible interactions, side affects etc through your local pharmacist just to be sure.
For additional information on the precautions and side affects of Advair, I would visit the site
online at www.advair.com. You may also look into allergy symptoms (for example, asthma attacks and increased blood pressure) on your internet search engines as well.
Although it is advised to have each treating doctor 'copy' the other on your current diagnosis, treatment and prescription plans...please, remember to ask for and sign the release form (so that the information can be shared) and...keep in mind that we all have to be very outspoken about our conditions. We are all our own medical advocates!!!!!
***VERY IMPORTANT: Be wary of any medical professional that gives you a NEW diagnosis online without having any knowledge of your complete medical history, or seeing you in person to provide the appropriate tests. Desktop diagnosis' is not only a bad idea- it is unethical and against the oath they took at the start of their practice. Always review suggestions provided with your doctor!!!!****
P.S. It is very true...people did not suffer from these conditions 100's of years ago! They died from them. Stick with your Doctor!
I hope this information helps. Be well!
:)
Q: Can you die from an overdose of Asthma medications?
I have a friend who is very asthmatic, but from what I can see, she is taking too much of her inhalers, and I think this is causing her to have problems with anxiety attacks which usually put her in the hospital.
A: Yes, you can overdose on asthma meds. If your friend is having to use them that often then her method of treatment is not working and she needs to let her doctor know.
Anxiety attacks can trigger asthma attacks so it may not be the meds but the meds do tend to make the heart race.
Q: Do asthma medications eg. Ventolin & Seretide make you gain weight?
I have recently changed asthma medications andputon a lot of weight for no apparent reason, could my medication be a cause? if so what can i do about it? thanks.
A: Yes. Many inhalers are low-dose steroids/broncho dilators. Steroids actually slow your metabolism so while taking them you may notice some weight gain. Many people only experience the weight gain until your body has had a chance to get use to the medication. If you do not see a resolve after a month or so, ask your MD if he can prescribe something else.
Q: How much do you pay for your asthma medications and what country do you live in?
A: Canada is the cheapest that I know of.
Q: Does anyone have any alternative medications for asthma/allergies?
I have had asthma for 10 years and I am 14 years old. Does anyone have any other medications or any NATURAL medication that i can take. I would like to stay off of my inhaler as much as possible.
A: I found this really nice herbal formula about a year ago called Lucidia. It seems to work really well. It's total helped out when I've felt miserable.
Q: where can I find assistance for my asthma medications, I have no healthcare coverage?
I am on the medications advair, singular. Advair is $169.00 per month and singular is $208.00 per month, I really could use some help
A: In tn we have a lot of people with that problem. The drug company that makes combivent gave my hospital an inservice about helping the patients out.
There are websites to assist you. The easiest to use is www.needymeds.com
I used it to help my husbands family and they got their meds for free at their doctors office through the company.
I hope you can qualify, this site has some great programs.
Q: I have a question regarding my asthma medications.?
I am currently taking singulair and I use atrovent. These are 2 medications which are not too good for you. I am allergic to Albuterol so I am limited to what I can take. Can anyone suggest what other rescue inhalers are available? My doctor hasn't been very helpful.
A: Atrovent is a really good inhaler... it does not have a lot of the same side effects that others have. Atrovent is your rescue inhaler. Singulair is a preventative inhaler. It is used to control your asthma. As long as your asthma is well controlled, you shouldn't have to use your rescue inhaler much. Once in a blue moon, you may have to use the rescue inhaler.... but like I said as long as your asthma is well controlled, you should be fine.
Q: Are there any asthma medications a diabetic person shouldn't take?
Out of this list: Singulair, Symbicort, Ventilin.
Thanks!
I'm not diabetic, but i wondered.
A: Hey mango, I checked all the drugs for asthma and found none you shouldn't take. One drug that I seen that was under the microscope was Singulair. Not for diabetes but for causing suicide.Most have a lot of warnings: tell you doctor if you take this and that. But none that were counter indicated.
Q: Asthma Medications and weight loss?
I was on athsma medications for about 10 years and have been of of them for about four years now to try more natural methods of athsma control. They HAve been working great but i find i can lose more than five punds at any given time, and its not like this is new , i've always been an active person. My doctor has suggested that it is because of the steroids in the asthma medications. I there anything i can do to counter-act that?
A: You can increase your activity level and watch what you eat-you breathing better is more important than you gaining a few pounds and not being able to fit into your favorite jeans!
If you find that it's too difficult to manage or you're uncomfortable with your results, your doctor may have to change your medications again.
Q: I just failed a methachole challange test. but i did not respond to the asthma medications.?
which kinds of diseases could cause someone to fail this test, but not respond to asthma medications.
A: Allergic rhinitis (AR), Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Bronchitis can all give a FALSELY POSITIVE methacholine challenge test.
So, you could have one of these above that made you "fail" the methacholine test if you don't have asthma.
However, you may have asthma and just aren't taking the right asthma medications...
Or you might have a combination of problems going on, in addition to asthma. Thus treating the mild asthma does not get at the other problems (so you have symptoms despite treating the asthma).
Or, the test may have just given a wrong result (they are not 100% precise and accurate; i.e. sensitivity for the test is only 85%).
A pulmonologist could do further testing and help more...
Q: Is Dayquil/Nyquil ok to take with asthma medications?
I have severe cold or something. Is there anything else OTC?
A: don't confuse an asthma exacerbation with a virus. use your nebulizer and inhaler(s). consult your pulmonologist to determine if you need steroids or if there is an infection.
Q: How does an asthma attack (not the medications) but the attack itself, affect blood pressure/ heart rate?
Does the person's blood pressure and heart rate rise or fall during the beginning of an asthma attack?
A: during an attack the blood pressure and heart rate become elevated due to the extra effort needed to supply the body with O2
Q: What medications for bronchial asthma?
My mother has a bronchial asthma. What spray or inhaler can you recommend? If possible, with no side effects?
A: advair all the way
Q: Those taking asthma medications ?
What is the best asthma medication in your opinion and why?
Have you had weight gain or hair loss on it?
Have you tried any home treatments and if yes, what were they and did they help?Thanks in advance.
A: I personally use an Albuterol nebulizer in the morning and an inhaler when I'm away from home. My sister is on Advair 250/50 and is very well controlled with her symptoms. Neither of us have had any weight gain or hair loss from the medication. Traditional home treatments include drinking hot caffienated beverages such as tea or coffee. The caffiene acts as a bronchodilator easing breathing. Prednisone is the most common medication to cause weight gain and then only in long term use. I think that the combination of albuterol and ipatroprium (duoneb) is probably one of the best in nebulizer form, (combivent in inhaler form) as when you mix the two medications they sinergize or boost the efficacy of each other and will actually increase the amount of bronchodilitation by as much as 45% over using one of the drugs by it self. If you must use a steriod, try to use a corticosteroid as they work at the site of attachment in the lungs without systemic side effects.