Relvar Ellipta

[KenFine]

At 70 (male), I developed asthma in November, and was given a Salamol inhaler and put on a course of steroids. Didn't have to use the inhaler for weeks, but by January, the asthma had gotten pretty bad and was getting worse. I was taking about 16 puffs a day. Exercise and cold air are major triggers, and I thought I would pass out on a 1 mile walk to the supermarket and back.

On Friday, the doc put me on Relvar Ellipta inhaler, which is a combination of steroid (92 mcg) and a long acting bronchodilator, which I take once a day. Has had a fantastic effect, and haven't had to use my inhaler since getting it. Can I be on this indefinitely, or is there a time limit due to possible side effects from long term steroid use? Also, does the effectiveness diminish over time?

[Patk1]

Thats great.its bite it+ see. Ru using an aerosure spacer with inhalers? It ensures u get more of the drug.also,its worth wearing a scarf wrapped loosely around mouth so u breath in warm air.as waking sets it off,I'd take salamol b4 setting off & walk at a slower pace,to accommodate Yr asthma.do rinse Yr mouth after steroid inhaler - helps to avoid thrush xxx

[Chip_y2kuk]

It's a preventer, a combination preventer which as you say has two elements a steroid and a long acting bronchodilator

I've been on one ( not the same one as you) for 8-10 years ... so yes providing it works and it keeps working; with none to minimal side effects you should be able to stay on it.

Sometimes you do unfortunately become resiatant/ they become less effective ...but not always.

[KenFine in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Thanks for the reply.

[Troilus]

Hi Ken. I was in the same situation. Like you I was given a blue inhaler and a course of steroids but no preventer. Needless to say my asthma went downhill after the effects of the prednisone wore off. I well remember my first puffs of Fostair - magic 😁

I’ve had some changes in my medication since then, but all is good, If you are not already doing so I would advise you keep a check on your peak flow - watch the numbers go up - nice feeling - and check they are not dipping so that you can bump them back up.

Onwards and upwards!

[ewusia28]

Hi. I have been taking Relvar ellipta 184 for 2 years and I am also very satisfied with this inhaler. The doctor didn't tell me there was any time limit. Regards.

[crille]

Hi,

I have been on Relvar Ellipta for a few years now, without having any side effects.

It works great for me with one puff a day. I am glad that you also have a controlled asthma with this medication.

Take care!

[Mandevilla]

I've been on it for just over a year now, and it's working really well for me.

[Poobah]

I've been on a combination inhaler for over 20 years, so until a new treatment is devised, I expect to be on my inhaler indefinitely.

I would say that no matter how long we're on our inhalers, it doesn't hurt to refresh our inhaler technique. It's so easy to pick up bad habits. The better the technique, the more medication we inhale.

Dental care is very important when taking inhalers containing steroids. Always rinse thoroughly after your inhalations. Brush using a strong fluoride toothpaste (I use Densify but your dentist will recommend a suitable toothpaste for you & even prescribed if necessary). Never rinse after brushing as you're diluting the protection from the toothpaste. Wait 20 to 30 minutes after brushing before using mouthwash. I will gargle using mouthwash or salt water, just to keep thrush at bay; a potential side effect of steroids.

Regular eye examinations are recommended too.

All the best KenFine.