Link between steroid inhaler and muscle pain?

[The_Sausage_Dragon]

Hello

About 4 months ago my husband was diagnosed with late onset asthma and has been using a brown preventative inhaler twice daily with a spacer - his asthma symptoms have improved markedly. However since regular use of this inhaler he has developed muscle aches and pains which are gradually getting worse and worse. He’s been to the doctors, had tests (all normal), been prescribed a short course of prednisone (ineffectual) and has now been referred to a rheumatologist. The doctors have not mentioned that there might be a link between his asthma medication and the severe muscle pain he has. However I’m not sure - it seems too much of a coincidence to me that this has all started since he’s been taking it.

I thought I’d ask you good people out there if anyone has experienced or heard of anything similar?

Thank you for reading ....

[Hidden]

Yes this is consistent with steroid inhaler use, quinine in tonic water helps some people.

[The_Sausage_Dragon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply rattleben, it’s good to know that there is a link and I will suggest the quinine/tonic water idea 👍🏻

[beech in reply to Hidden]

I now use a daily magnesium supplement in an effervescent tablet form from Voost which I find really helps with cramps, and doesn’t upset my stomach, and is one less tablet to swallow!

[joelonsdale in reply to beech]

Or you could try eating magnesium rich food such as kale and spinach.

[joelonsdale]

I think it's very unlikely, although not impossible, to be inhaled steroids causing your husband's pain. If it was oral steroids at a high dose then perhaps. You know how to see if there's a link? Stop talking the inhalers for a few weeks and see if the joint pain subsides. Obviously do this with the supervision of your doctor.

[Blue-Breeze]

I had mine changed a lot at the begining due to really bad cramp. It's worth calling Asthma UK nurses they are very helpful and knowledgeable