Hello, tomorow I am going on ship for 6 months as engine cadet and I have mild asthma and anxiety problems. My question is how do I store my inhalers?
I have 7 fostair inhalers and 2 ventolin. Is it okay to store them in fridge (on the box it says that I shouldnt use inhaler after it passed 3 months from getting it from pharmacy) but I dont see a problem if they are stored in fridge?
Ooh I don't know - can you phone your GP or speak to a pharmacist this morning to explain your situation? If they say no, ask what you should do for the second 3 months?
Is the Fostair an aerosol or powder (DPI) inhaler? I have the DPI and it's important to keep it dry, so don't open the foil pouch for each one until you start using it, and maybe put in an airtight tin or Tupperware box if keeping things dry will be difficult on a ship.
Have never heard of 'only using x months from getting it from pharmacy'.
In Germany the inhaler and steroids have an expired date and after you shouldn't use it and some inhalers shall not be used longer than 6 months after opening the foil.
I think the fridge might not the best place, I have to keep my meds dry and in a dark place.
Another thing when you are away for a longer period, have you an asthma plan that you know what to do and/or how to increase your meds, when your asthma becomes worse or uncontrolled?
I would also give a copy to your leader or a staff member and also inform them where your meds are stored, that they can support you when it gets bad. and write down on it the telephone numbers from your asthma nurse and GP.
Hello Hasel17 , thanks for the suggestion. I have mild asthma that is triggered by alergens mostly. My peak flow in 1 month of tracking it never folded under 600-650 (which is my personal best and even when I thought that I am having an asthma attack).
My plan is to take my meds as usual and keep tracking my peak flow. If it start to drop under 600 I will increase my meds.
Also I will try to have ventolin with me in case of emergency if working conditions let me.
In case that something really is making me a problem I will ask captain to send me home.
I still think that my main problem is panic attack and anxiety when I feel any kind of symptoms.
Would have thought pharmacist is best person to speak to about storage of medications.
Hi im on Fostair MDI, my pharmacist always gives me mine from the fridge. He told me to keep it there till I need to use it, when it was first prescribed. Once needed then its shelf life is 3 months. However do check with your own pharmacist
Hi you can store them in a very cool place. I keep fostair in a cool place.
Hi, you are probably already on ship! However I would assume you would have a medical officer or or even a ship’s doctor as duty of care for a 6 month deployment.
Good luck in your career.
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