A medication question...

[yaf_user681_30355]

Can anyone tell me if I would be able to ask for an 'add on' pulmicort inhaler to my current medication?

I am currently on Symbicort (200/6) SMART and Loratadine tablets (antihistamine).

With the symbicort I am on 2 puffs twice a day maintenance dose, and up to 12 puffs in 24 hours (including my maintenance dose).

This has controlled my asthma well for just over 2 years until this hot, humid spell with high pollen. (My worst time of year). I have needed 2 courses of steroids in June to 'mostly' calm it down.

I just want to know, can I ask for a pulmicort inhaler to use this time of year if I need it? Or am i on the highest inhaled steroid dose?

I asked the asthma nurse a couple of weeks ago and she didn't know what to suggest to do next and sent me away empty handed which really surprised me! I have another appointment in the middle of August (the earliest I could get) but have made sure it is with a different asthma nurse but, I am now worried she is going to say the same thing. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Jac

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symbicort is a weird drug in that you can use it as a maintenance as well as a reliever. trouble as you're using a lot during the day you're approaching the upper limits GP's can prescribe for steroid dose, but maybe you've got used to the LABA component, their is some evidence that the body does and switching to Seretide may be worth a go. The only positive with formoterol is that it does have a cumulative effect in that the more you take the greater the benefits unlike salmeterol which doesn't work like that. Other suggestion maybe montelukast if the pollen is a problem for you, it can be used to treat seasonal symptoms of asthma.

[yaf_user681_30355]

I didn't realise you can get used to the LABA, something to keep in mind. Have tried montelukast a few years ago but didn't feel any different on it. I guess I am clinging to the Symbicort SMART regime because it had such a beneficial affect on my asthma after almost 6 years of uncontrolled asthma. This is why I was thinking of an add on but, maybe I need to be open to a complete change!

Thanks for the info Woody-som.

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It's something u need to discuss this with your gp. As sign guidelines used recommend maximum daily dose of 2000mcg for inhaled steriods tho some dr's prescribe just over this amount. If they introduce another steriod u will be over the guidelines, but then u may need to use the symbicort less so bringing down the dosage of inhaled steriods .