Change of steroid inhaler

[Msccruises]

This week changed from foster next haler to spiriva.The first few days my cough has seemed much worse with phlegm.

Now 6 days cough seems less.

Anyone had this experience? Thanks

[Poobah]

Spiriva isn't a steroid inhaler, but a type of long acting bronchodilator from a group of medicines called long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA). This medicine is different to the medication in Fostair.

In the UK it's normally an add on treatment for asthma and patients continue taking their preventer inhaler, in your case, Fostair. Spiriva won't act as a preventer so if you're not being treated with a prevention treatment, your asthma symptoms may be exacerbated. It may be worth checking with your prescribing doctor if they want you to continue with the Fostair.

My experience with Spiriva was very good for 6 weeks, but I eventually had to come off it due to a reduction in efficacy and the side effects (hypertension). I also experienced occasional loss of voice, despite gargling after use. My voice returned to normal after I stopped taking it. But the listed side effects also include sore throat and chest infection type symptoms, with the advice to alert the doctor if these side effects occur. It may be prudent to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and check whether or not you should still be taking Fostair.

[Msccruises in reply to Poobah]

Thank you so much

[Msccruises in reply to Poobah]

Dr. said continue with Spirova but also gave me poloramine antihistamine for allergies. I have never had any test for allergies but we have a dog and it's about 29 degrees here and quite near the sea. What does anyone think?

[Poobah in reply to Msccruises]

If the antihistamine isn't helping with your symptoms (cough and phlegm) then your best option is to go back to the doctor and say you're no better or worse. I still think it's odd to take you off the Fostair without giving you another preventer inhaler to replace it, especially if asthma has been diagnosed.

[Msccruises in reply to Poobah]

Thanks for your help

[Birthday60]

I was taken off Fostair after a reaction and moved to Spiriva - drug changes take a few weeks to settle down but am really happy with it.

[Stoer]

A consultant recently added Spiriva and Montelukast on to Luforbec. I didn't have a cough before he added these but a few days after I started them I did develop a really bad cough with lots of phlegm which was difficult to get up. I've now been taking these two meds for 6 weeks and my coughing and amount of phlegm has reduced considerably, so I'm persevering with it until I have my 3 month review