Tiotropium and symbicort

[DeanSamson]

Hi I have recently been put on tiotropium and symbicort 200. I was originally on seritide 250. I kept getting what I thought and what my gp thought was recurring chest infections so every weeks it get antibiotics and it would clear up abit and cone back 4 to 6 weeks later. Finally I got sent to a specialist who put me on the two drugs and so far after 17 weeks I haven't needed the quacks. Soo... doesn't anyone have any experience with either or both of these drugs? Do they effect your heart rate and can they cause anxiety or high blood pressure?

Iv had asthma since I was really small my mother says since I was 6 month old so I'm well establishedwith the world of asthma.

Many thanks in advance

[Choristermum]

Hi - your story is pretty much identical to mine. I've been on Symbicort SMART and Spiriva Respimat for a few months now and they have transformed my life. No steroids or antibiotics since I started them, not even with hay fever! I have not had any problems with any side effects. Hope things continue well for you.

[DeanSamson in reply to Choristermum]

Choristermom,

Hope your keeping well. Yeah I was back and forward at the doctors every 6 week getting antibiotics this late for about 6 years. Eventually I got fed up and got a referral to a specialist who seems to have sorted the job out. Fingers crossed so far so good. What dose are you on, on both medications?

Thanks

Dean

[Choristermum in reply to DeanSamson]

The Symbicort SMART regime means that I use it as my preventer as well as reliever. I am on the 200/6 and take 2 puffs morning and evening, then I can use up to 8 extra doses within the 24 hour period if needed. I also have a Ventolin inhaler which I take before exercise and if my breathing gets so bad that I can't breathe in the Symbicort.

The Spiriva Respimat is always 2 puffs once a day.

Hope that helps.