Asthma and Spiriva

[Cavmad]

Recently when visiting asthma specialist I was given Spiriva to try. So far it has caused pain in chest, coughing and tightness in lungs, feeling of vagueness, respiratory rate goes up for hours, and blood pressure goes up, muscle pain, generally not feeling great. I am allergic to one of the preservatives used in this meds so not really impressed that I was given this. Also prescribed Azithromycin which does seem to help when I'm on it. Not sure how long the Dr will prescribe this for me through. I am now hitting the Symbicort more and dropping spiriva due to this issues. Suspect it affects my potassium levels (previous problem with other drugs). Ideas?? What are other peoples experiences please?

[teddyd]

If you are allergic to an ingredient in spiriva I would get back and see the GP there are other alternatives. I would also make sure your GP notes your allergy on your notes. Would also be wise to read the ingredients on the enclosed information sheet before using the inhalers etc. The pharmacist is also an option to ask them when putting your prescription in to check for the ingredient. I have been on azithromycin for years with no issues and the consultant has never suggest stopping them. A chat with the respiratory nurse or GP I would have thought sort the problem out.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I agree with Teddyd, go back to your GP or the hospital (do you have a way to contact them?) and ask if they could prescribe you something else without the preservative - there are definitely other options in that drug class, though I don't know if they all have the same additional ingredients. If none of them are an option, then ask about alternatives outside that class of drugs.

Unfortunately a lot of asthma treatments, including salbutamol (Ventolin) do lower potassium. If you're concerned about that as you've had low potassium before, then I would ask for your levels to be tested, as you might need supplements. You probably know already as you've had this issue, but just in case (and for others reading), don't take any potassium supplements at home without discussing/being tested - high potassium is also bad!

[Bashsu01]

Sounds like allergic to some ingredient in Spiriva to me..I have used Spiriva for 6 years now and wouldnt be without it..

Helps in keeping my chest clear.

I have a refractic asthma..

(eosynophilia ). Your specialist must believe that it will benifit you but is unaware of your side effects..

Need to go back and sort it, no messing about with adult asthma..

keep safe..!!

[Eosinophili]

Hi Cavmad, I have been using Spiriva for a couple of years now, initially 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening. I've managed to reduce it to 2 puffs in the morning now and it seems to work for me alongside Fostair and Salbutamol (only if needed). I suggest communicating with your GP asap as there are so many options around, why not get the right one for you. Good Luck!

[Keokecandy in reply to Eosinophili]

i agree, especially if you have great doctor who listens & stays updated on treatments & technology. Spiriva leaves nasty taste & adds to my dry mouth.

[Cavmad in reply to Keokecandy]

Unfortunately I live in a rural area in Australia and only about 3 specialists within 400kms. The doctors around here are behind the times as far as treatment goes and I have to wait six to twelve months to get to into a specialist at great expense. Last time I waited 20months to see a specialist. They are also too lazy to read my notes from the past. Oh well. I shouldn't grumble others have it worse.

[Poobah in reply to Cavmad]

Are you being treated for high blood pressure, which you mention you now have? Spiriva did the same to me and I had to start BP meds; Amlodipine then Ramipril and finally Losartan Potassium. The first 2 BP meds affected my asthma but Losartan definitely helped. It's so important to make sure BP is controlled as untreated high BP can cause damage to our vascular system and lead to heart attack and stroke.

I can't describe how ill I felt on Spiriva, it was debilitating. Then I had Eklira Genuair, which worked a treat, however I eventually developed glaucoma (a recognised side effect). So I came off that and haven't used any LAMA inhaler since.

My asthma nurse changed me from Symbicort to FostairNEXT 200/6 & it definitely suits me, in that it's more effective.

My consultant has prescribed Azithromycin for me in the past and it was very effective; much better than Prednisolone. I can have it when needed, especially over winter.

I have to use dry powder inhalers as I react badly to aerosol inhalers, the propellant is my achilles heal.

Your isolated situation doesn't help, but even though you feel your local doctors aren't helpful, if you want to try and change your meds and know what you want, they may take the path of least resistance and prescribe what meds you want. Good luck.

[Cavmad in reply to Poobah]

Thank you for your detailed message. Certainly food for thought. For now I'm back on symbacort until I see another Dr.

[Poobah in reply to Cavmad]

There are times when I want to clone my asthma nurse and share her. It can be very hit & miss where our health care professionals are concerned. Wishing you well with your medication endeavours.