Relvar Inhaler

[Jolu29]

Hi does Relvar inhaler work, just been given it to try as Fostair not been working using my ventolin alot, on 3rd lots of steroids, thanks

[Statch]

Was moved onto relvar 184 about 2 years ago it took a couple of weeks to settle down but I take it as soon as I get up in the morning. But I have the spiriva respimat as well to back it up in combination

[Jolu29 in reply to Statch]

Hi thanks for reply, that's interesting, who prescribed the spiriva was it the consultant? , I've seen alot of people use this on here, I'm feed up just back to work don't want to start feeling ill again when I finish steroids and antibiotics.

[Statch in reply to Jolu29]

Prior to the combination of these 2 had worked through qvar fostair 100 and 200 no use for me so was the consultant who wanted to try these 2 in combination and so far been good with them

[Hidden]

Hi Jolu29, I am being tried on Relvar 184/22, been on it for 6 weeks now, but don't like it very much. With me, it seems to make my chest tighter, doesn't last long( am needing Ventolin about 5 hrs after I take it) and I just don't feel particularly well on it. Its supposed to last 24hrs, but personally I find it doesn't do that. I was given Incruse to use alongside the Relvar and that DOES help me a lot, but is another once a day inhaler. My GP won't put me back on my old inhalers( Serevent and Qvar100) until I have had my review with the consultant. Plus am still waiting for lung function tests. So a bit in limbo. Do give the Relvar a fair trial though, just because it hasn't worked too well for me doesn't mean it won't suit you. We are all individuals with our treatment options!!

[Jolu29 in reply to Hidden]

Hi thanks for reply, I did wonder as its only once day, hopefully got consultant tomorrow phoning after long wait for him to call, see what he says, Ive tried symbicort and fostair now.

[twinkly29 in reply to Jolu29]

It's only once a day because it's longer lasting. Different people find different steroid bases and long-acting bronchodilators better for them than others so it might work brilliantly for you while in others not so much (for example). Unfortunately it can be a case of trial and error to find what works best and one needs to persevere with whatever they're trying to give it the time to become effective, which in some inhalers can be 6-8 weeks. (Tracking peak flow regularly twice a day across this time can help too as gradually improved peak flow, or not not, can help to show how well something is working). Often side effects reduce during this time too, or even disappear, and actually initial effects that people think "omg I'm intolerant to it" to can just be a reflex cough response not actually an intolerance or the asthma being worse.

Not saying that's you though, but a lot of people switch from one to another really quickly without giving them the time they need. If you have tried the Relvar yet, I hope it's great for you, and if you have and it's definitely not then I hope the next one is!

[Poobah]

Finding the right combination inhaler can take a while as full efficacy doesn't happen immediately. If you don't have an improvement after 6 weeks on Relvar then there are others to try. It's just finding the best steroid and long acting bronchodilator that suits you (LABA inhaler). Spiriva and Incruse are LAMA inhalers (there are others) and are usually prescribed with your consultant's approval. They work differently to LABA inhalers but some people do develop side effects such as high blood pressure, hence the need for careful consideration before they're prescribed. I had my BP checked before I started on Spiriva and again about 6 months later. Didn't suit so changed to Eklira Genuair and all is fine now. Took time though!

Good luck with your telephone consultation.