Not sure if want....

I've recently become a Brit Expat in Japan.

I'm having a flare up due to a recent sinus/throat infection (The dry air & snow may also have something to do with it ^^ and the doctor has given me Mucodyne (Carbocisteine )500mg and Theodur (Theophylline) 200mg.

After reading some posts about Theophylline I'm a little worried about the side effects.

I paid the equivalent of £75 for everything (including Ventolin and Symbicort as well)....it would be waste to not give it a go...right???

If it doesn't work I'm gonna pay a similar amount to see a different doctor...my poor wallet T_T

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I think some people are fine with theophylline and don't get that many side effects. Depending on the dose you have been given might be possible to initially start with a lower dose and build up so you don't get immediately bombarded with side effects. For example I started off with one tablet at night, then one tablet twice a day and now I take two tablets twice a day to keep my levels in the right range. Because I increased slowly I got used to any side effects. Might be worth asking your doctor if you can try doing this? Any side effects I did get wore off after about a week or so, and I find now if. Switch back to oral from having it iv the same is still true.

I think it's probably worth a try. I always figured being able to breathe probably outweighed the side effects.

Em x

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I have a rather intense phobia of vomiting, but I took my first dose with dinner a couple of hours ago and haven't noticed anything unusual....so maybe I'm safe?

Yeh, not being able to breathe while living an hour away from a hospital is pretty scary...especially since the paramedics in Japan aren't allowed to do much besides drive.

[yaf_user681_30355]

Hi shadowcat,

I started straight away on 200mg twice a day and felt the benefits immediately. I think it is also normal to feel more side effects in the first few days but then they can calm down. I hope they work well for you and your wallet!!

Jac

[angievere]

I've been on Theophyllin most of my life and my teenage son (14) is on it. I get some side effects (mild nauseau and increased heart beat) but son doesnt get any. It's so beneficial I really would recommend you give it a go. We wouldnt be without it. Good luck and I hope things improve for you.

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I'm not currently taking theophylline but have used it previously for long periods. I did experience headaches and the dose was altered following blood tests (which I always had done every few weeks until the right dose was found and then ever so often just to check the dose was theraputic and not too high)

I always put up with the headaches as the difference to my asthma was worth it.