COPD Medication?

[micox]

Hi. I see Asthma UK has issued a warning saying long term reliever medication should not be prescribed on its own without preventer medication. Does the same apply to COPD?

[freefaller]

This definitely needs clarification. I have a feeling that everyone will be rushing to their Docs about this. Funny but I picked up a packet of my repeat prescription last Thursday and the pharmacist wanted to do a revue then - my revue is due in December. Unfortunately didn't have time to do the review then as I had just popped in before leaving to go away for a wedding.

[SeasideSusie]

I'd like to know too. I only take Spiriva for my COPD.

[aberdeenman]

I have copd and use Spiriva,seritide 500 and salbutamol

[Jan_m]

I use Spiriva symbicort and salbutamol for my COPD

[katieoxo60]

Hi Micox, think the advice is for Asthma patients, but your question raises an interesting point especially for those who have both illness. Asthma Uk also states that if you need ventolin prescribed more than twelve times a year your Asthma is not under control. But many of us with COPD have ventolin on more than twelve times as an inhaler only last twenty five days at the average dose for control of symptoms.Might be worth asking an asthma nurse at BLF or Asthma UK.

[Dedalus]

What is the preventer medication?

[knitter in reply to Dedalus]

Hi Dedalus...if you look at the BLF website, click on Lung Condition, then COPD, there is an explanation.

If you are in the UK you can email the BLF helpline or ring them to ask.

Hope this helps

[Dedalus in reply to knitter]

Thanks knitter - I will check it out. I am just about to trial Spiriva that's why I was asking. Regards x

[Offcut]

I have RLD, PH and Asthma and use Seretide and Ventolin. Try not to use ventolin unless I really have to.

[WheezyAnne]

Hi Micox, I cant say for definate, you would need to ask the professionals, but I would say yes. The idea being that you take the preventer meficstion to control your illness and reduce the number if times you need to use your relievet meds.

Cheers Fran

[Suze4212]

Seretide and Spiriva are both preventer meds and will not help during an asthma attack, thats where ventolin comes in. Preventers as already stated should help to reduce the number of times ventolin is needed.

[micox]

There are short term relievers like Ventolin, long term relievers like Eklira, combination inhalers like Symbicort (preventer and reliever) and dedicated preventers. I'm undertaking a Pulmonary Rehabilitation course at present which is excellent. However, the Specialist Pulmonary Prescribing Nurse pretty well immediately prescribed Eklira in place of Symbicort. The preventers largely rely on steroids for treatment

Having seen, when I was working, the very nasty effects that long term, large dose steroids can bring, I was happy for this change to be made. But I'm now on just a long term reliever - hence my question.