Just wondered what the criteria for reducing meds as I'd like to be off the seretide that I'm currently taking.
I use my ventolin about 2 times a week and whenever I exercise.
I'm not due to see the gp for another 3 months but my action plan is due for review. Would the doctors contact me to update that or do I need to do it?
Hi Butterfly,
Sorry, but if you are needing to use ventolin twice a week, you shouldn't be considering coming off the seretide. If anything I suggest you go back to your GP and tell him/her that you are still needing to take ventolin on a regular basis (in addition to taking it before exercise) despite being on the seretide.
I have just reduced my daily dose of my steroid inhaler (flixotide - same steroid component as seretide but without the Salmeterol) from 2 doses morning and evening to 2 doses in the evening and one in the morning - but I currently don't need to use any ventolin, and haven't needed to for several weeks. I certainly would not have reduced the dose if I had needed it.
Thank you for your reply.
Ah i see, i though my asthma was in control because its lots better compared to where I used to be. I shall remain taking the current dose of seretide for now then.
If it's in good control, would I still need ventolin before exercise?
That's more difficult to answer. I think it depends on the individual. My asthma, for example, fulfils every criteria there is for being described as well controlled - save one: I always have problems if I do too much aerobic exercise. Running anything much more than a hundred metres will cause problems and always has done. Even taking a ventolin inhaler beforehand doesn't seem to help. I can cope with walking, even walks of three miles plus, without taking anything, although I always ensure that I have a ventolin with me, even if it is only for a short (a mile or less) walk or a trip into town to do some shopping. That way if my chest starts to feel tight, or breathing starts to become more difficult, I can use it. My asthmatic younger son, on the other hand - diagnosed as asthmatic when he was three, and now an adult - has always been able to do aerobic exercise so long as his asthma is well controlled without taking anything (although like me he always has an inhaler on him, just in case ...). So I'm afraid there's no clear answer to your question: it depends on how your asthma affects you.
Ah I see. Well maybe I'll try and get an appointment with the gp to discuss how he sees 'well controlled' and then I can consider reducing the preventer when I fulfil this.
Seretide is a preventer and should not be reduced or stopped without consulting your Doctor. Preventers are meant to be taken even when you feel well because it means it is working. It keeps the inflammation down and helps hold the airways open! However, you state that you are still needing Ventolin twice a week etc. In a very well controlled asthmatic, you should rarely need to use your reliever inhaler.
Perhaps see GP earlier or see if you have an Asthma Nurse at your doctors' surgery.
I re-read what I had written and realise I hadn't made myself clear. I wouldn't stop the preventer without first talking to my gp, I just wondered if I should even approach my gp to discuss a reduction. From your reply, this wouldn't be a good idea 
I thought that I had better control because its so much better than it used to be, I didn't realise that I shouldn't need ventolin at all. I always use it before and after exercise.
Apparantly the danger with not using a preventor is that people rely on the reliever spray, whilst all the time the lungs are slowly getting worse. This is thought to be why some people have Asthma attacks and cannot get relief, ..... So they die..
The preventer spray should be taken. 
Xx
Oh would definately not just stop the preventer, I'd just like to reduce what I'm on and would do so under the supervision and guidance of my gp
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