Asthma

[Kia68]

Thanks for your replies on ectopic/flutter it's put my mind at rest. One more question before I go to bed! I've read some old forum answers, one which concerns me. I'm on 12.5mg Bisoprolol and I'm taking an inhaler/preventer every day for my asthma. Some have said this is a no no. Anyone in a similar boat? What are your thoughts.

[Hidden]

We are not medically trained Kia68 and it’s over 4 years since I have taken Bisoprolol, but it’s my understanding that asthmatics should not be taking Bisoprolol. Check the leaflet which comes with the medication, but you are on a high dose so in my view, you should be discussing this with your Doctor and perhaps be taking an alternative betablocker or alternatively, a calcium channel blocker.....

[Buffafly]

It is a no-no. My cardiologist pressured me to take Bisoprolol but my GP wouldn't prescribe it because she said the buck would stop with her if I had a fatal asthma attack. And the A&E docs wanted me to stay in to try it under supervision when I had a bad AF episode. Diltiazem is the alternative or possibly Nebivolol.

[JaneFinn]

I agree with Flapjack and Buffafly...

However, I’m an asthma sufferer on bisoprolol- and my GP, my cardiologist, my EP, my cardiac nurse, my neurologist and a random A&E cardiologist have all totally dismissed my pleas about the potential effect of bisoprolol on my asthma (and my request for nebivolol). They said that as I’ve been ok this far with bisoprolol, there’s nothing to worry about.

I don’t think they’re right! (Though i have to date been fine.)

But it’s an example of how hard it can sometimes be to change the minds of the medics when they have a fixed view...

I’m on a lower dose- If I were on your dose I’d dig my heels in, I think. Please do let us know how you get on Xx

[Mittzy]

Hi, I am on 1.25 mg of Bisoprolol and am asthmatic. I was previously taking 2.5 mg and this dosage brought on my asthma symptoms, plus a horrible dry cough. After speaking to my GP, she halved the dose and so far so good. It might be an idea to see if your dose can be lowered if you are experiencing symptoms and if that doesn’t work, try again to open the discussion regarding an alternative. Good luck and I hope you get this sorted out.

[BobD Volunteer]

I agree with Flaapjack re presribing bisoprolol for asthmatics. There are better beta blockers which will not affect lung function so much.

[7164 in reply to BobD]

Bob

A question for you.

I take 2.5mg bisop daily split AM/PM. As I am relaively new to this I did not ask too many questions when prescribed. I know what bisop slows my heart beat down by blocking adreno receptors. Prior to the bisop I was never short of breath and could easily walk around a golf course. Now I find that when I walk 2 plus miles my chest gets tight and I feel my heart skip ? I slow down or stop. Does the bisop negatively effect the lungs ? I have a nasty cold at the moment and it feels the same way.

Is Nev ? a good alternative that I could ask for ? I am seeing my GP in 2 weeks

thanks

Rod

[BobD Volunteer in reply to 7164]

I would not like to comment on the reason other than to remind you that AF will cause just the symptoms you describe Rod. I understand that nebivolol is less likely to casue breathing problems.

[7164 in reply to BobD]

Bob

When I get these symptoms I am not in Afib. I check my wrist and the pulse is slow but regular.

Rod

[CDreamer in reply to 7164]

In my view Biso causes breathlessness for many, whether or not you are asthmatic. But then if it slows your HR when your heart wants to be higher - hardly surprising.

I couldn’t tolerate it at all and refused to take it, I now have a red alert on my medical file that I must not be given it - I got my EP to write me a letter as well, a copy of which I have on my phone in case of emergencies.

I was diagnosed with probable asthma today so read up and found that the advice is ‘that Bisoprolol is safe to try with asthmatics to see if they can tolerate it’. Not that I will ever be taking it.

[cassie46]

I agree with the others you should not be on bisoprolol if you have asthma. I have mild copd so also use an inhaler at times. I used to be on 5mg of biso which made me breathless. I read about nebivolol on here and asked cardiologist to prescribe it, gave him the reasons and that biso was not recommended for asthmatics or people with lung problems but nebivolol was. He refused to prescribe it, just said it was the AF causing the breathlessness.

I eventually got my GP to prescribe it after much nagging and I fee so much better, it really does make a difference. I am on Nebivolol 5mg and viazem (diltiazem) 180xl. You are on a very high dose on bisoprolol, this would wipe me out completely I would not be able to function. I think your meds need tweeking quite a lot - good luck.

Cassie

[ILowe]

A few years ago I asked a top Cardiologist this question. She replied that for most mild asthmatics a low dose of bisoprolol did not make the asthma any worse. Note the wriggle-room there: for most asthmatics. The question is not black and white.

[doodle68]

Hi Kia I have asthma in addition to P-AF and was prescribed Nebivolol which is usually better tolerated by asthmatics than other BBs.

I haven't experinced any problems with Nebivolol after almost 3 years of taking it,

I understand it is more expensive than other BBs so is not routinely prescribed .