should i increase my preventer?

[16mum]

feeling unwell mychest it tight think im getting a cold, with some of my previous inhalers i was told to increase the dosage but im not sure if i should with the ones im on now does any one know? currently taking to puffs of clenil modulite twice a day and spiriva respimat 2 puffs once a day

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

As you haven’t been advised to double dose on this inhaler, I’d suggest going to your GP tomorrow and asking for advice. I know you shouldn’t double up spiriva but with clenil it all depends on the dose I think. Hope that helps and you feel better soon x

[Superzob]

If you can't get an appointment as Emma suggests then a good way of ensuring that you don't overdose is to refer to the BNF guidance at bnf.nice.org.uk - it also has a list of interactions. I would imagine that gradually increasing a dose within the limits it suggests should not present a significant problem and, if you get side effects, then you can always reduce it again without having suffered any permanent damage.

Most medication has some side effects, and it's often a case of getting the balance right between benefits and side effects; this is a very personal thing, and no doctor can say what is the right balance for you - they just suggest the generally accepted dose (or the lowest practical one), and then should review it with you to get the balance right. So there is no "one size fits all" solution, and you may have to make adjustments depending on your symptoms at a given point in time - don't be afraid to discuss these things with your doctor/consultant when you get the chance.

[Sparkles70]

Are you using ventilin? Do you use your inhaler via a spacer? That will ensure your getting the right dosage into your lungs. I’m on spiriva and have never increased the dose, they do tell me to increase the seretide and I also have 40mg of prednisone when I’m bas maybe sowajnti your asthma nurse and ask for a standby of antibiotics and steroids you may not need them but personally I feel less stressed knowing I have them if I need them. Hope you start feeling better soon x