Coming off Qvar?

[AirIsUnderrated]

I realise this isn't the best place to ask about coming off a steroid inhaler, but I don't know where else to go other than my GPs' and it's quite hard to get through to them.

I'm post-viral since March; maybe Covid, maybe not as it was too early for testing. The breathlessness and wheeze has just persisted. I'm not a diagnosed asthmatic but I was given a Ventolin inhaler after 1 month and Qvar after 2. We're currently trialling Omeprazole for possible silent reflux, and I do believe it is making a difference. I've only needed my blue inhaler once this past week for the first time.

One GP said I could come off Qvar any time, no need to wean, as I'm on a low dose; Qvar 50, 2 puffs twice a day.

It took 3 or 4 weeks for it to kick in properly in the first place. If I stop it, does anyone know what kind of timescale I should expect to know if I still need it? Does it stay in the system for a while, or could I be in trouble as soon as only missing one dose? Should I time it so that I stop it over a weekend?

Thank you.

[Poobah]

Sorry you've been so poorly. You say that you had to use your Ventolin last week which makes me think that now is not the time to be stopping your Qvar.

We know that viral respiratory illness can take months to recover from. Until you feel all the viral symptoms have gone and the need for Ventolin has passed I wouldn't be reducing the Qvar dose.

When you do, you can start by taking one dose a day for a couple of weeks to see how you manage. Any return of symptoms then go back to the twice a day dose. Otherwise, continue to reduce by taking one dose every other day for a couple of weeks then drop another day. A slow reduction will help you monitor your health and to establish the maintenance dose required, if any. And always advise your doctor what you're doing so your records are correct.

All the best.

[AirIsUnderrated in reply to Poobah]

That makes perfect sense. Thank you so much!

[twinkly29]

I agree with Poobah - while you've been told you don't need to wean the Qvar, doing so would help you to see how you are on less - and give your body chance to adjust.

[AirIsUnderrated in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you ☺️