Carbocisteine suddenly not working?!!

[Kath65]

Hi everyone, I was prescribed carbocisteine (2 capsules , 3 times a day) at the beginning of September by my respiratory consultant. I have severe asthma, bronchiectasis and ABPA. I have a lot of trouble clearing my lungs . In the beginning I felt that the meds were helping a lot, after around 2weeks I was easily bringing up mucus every day and felt much better for it. However, I’ve noticed these past 10 days or so .......zero!! No coughing up phlegm and chest is starting to feel very congested again . I haven’t altered the way I take the meds and I’m drinking plenty of fluids🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ . Anyone else had this problem??

[floating_]

I'm on Carbocisteine, just a lower dose (375mg 3x/day), and it's working for me. I'd say speak to a nurse who is involved in your care if you have one.

[Kath65 in reply to floating_]

Thanks floating, I have my asthma review coming up at the GP surgery next week so I’ll mention it 😊

[derinajane]

Hi I have been on that dose for years and find it really helps. I found the longer I was on it the better I got so maybe give it some more time?

[Kath65 in reply to derinajane]

Hi derinajane, I’m continuing with it for now and will mention it at my asthma review next week. Thanks for your message 😊

[Popplemoggy]

Hi Kath65,

I too take Carbocestine 2 tablets 3x daily which i have now been on for over a year. Like you I have experienced similar issues where ive been unable to clear my lungs. I use my meds in conjunction with an Acapella device which really does help to loosen mucous deep in the lungs. Do you have an acapella or similar device? Yr Reapiratory Physio, Asthma Nurse or possibly yr GP woulwould be able to prescribe for you. In addition, and more recently, I have been given a nebuliser with saline and ventolin which help to lift secretions also. I have only used the nebuliser in the hospital under supervision so far as I am waiting for the saline and ventolin liquid to be prescribed, but when i did use the device in hospital it was incredibly effective and loosened deep seated mucous i didnt realise was there and my breathing was so much easier for it.

Hope this helps you in some way.

been

[Hidden]

I have exactly the same 3 conditions as you, but carbocisteine didn’t work for me at all. My consultant told me it’s more useful in copd & only one-third of people with our lung illnesses find any benefit. Now I rely on 7% saline, but have to use salbutamol first to minimise wheeze

As it worked for you initially, though, I’m wondering if you’re starting a chest infection?