A few medical issues since starting DuoResp Spiromax 160/4.5 Budesonide/formoterol three weeks ago

[Beach2021]

Hello there, I still have not had a diagnosis for my bronchiectasis like symptoms; my chest x-rays showed scarring in march, but are now all clear now. Since my last serious chest infection earlier this year I have been perfectly healthy, active, cough and asthma free, only taking Fostair 100/6 four times a day (2 x2).

However last month asthma syptoms returned; sometimes during the night or day but always on waking. I was having both loss of, and restless sleep and was concerned of another stubborn chest infection this winter, so contacted my asthma nurse last month. The surgery suggested I stop Fostair and try Spiromax four times daily, which I have done.

Well in the past three weeks I have:

A tight chest on waking through the night and morning as well as mild to medium asthma most days. Coughing up clear phlegm most days.

Trouble sleeping most nights (5 or 6 hours nightly instead of 8)

Felt tired and confused

Been angry/ short tempered/intolerant/fearful

My peak flow is around 450 which is normal. Ventolin has little effect, even after 10 puffs.

Recently I have felt very tired as if my oxygen is low (I do not have a O2 sensor) and thirsty despite drinking over two litres of water every day.

I was quite Lactose intolerant for thirty years until 3 years ago when it went completely ( I suspect due to a regular dose of quality probiotics). However I am now suddenly extremely intolerant of lactose in cheese and milk!

Do you think that I am allergic to Spiromax? Or are these typical side effects most people get? Or am I ill with something else that coincidentally started last month?

Thanks for your consideration.

[Patk1]

Some of yr symptoms could be unrrelated to lungs - have u been tested for thgs such as diabetes/ thyroid x

[Beach2021 in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patk1, I will see my doctor this week and have a good chat. X

[CDPO16]

I think that you need to go back to your doctor with these issues. It may be that some of them are related to the change in inhaler but others are unlikely to be.

[Shrimpy-13-22-25]

Hi, have you tried taking Fostair again instead of Spiromax? This may show that Spiromax doesn’t agree with you. Perhaps your pharmacist could also advise about any adverse effects you’re experiencing with Spiromax. It’s certainly a juggling act when you have lung problems. Hope you’re sorted soon.

[Beach2021 in reply to Shrimpy-13-22-25]

Thanks Shrimpy, I stopped Spiromax yesterday and sleep and lactose intolerance have greatly improved. Asthma is feeling a bit worse along with tiredness so will start Fostair again.

[Shrimpy-13-22-25 in reply to Beach2021]

Hi Beach, as others have suggested, perhaps you need a face to face appointment with a doctor to rule out other problems. Wishing you well

[Beach2021 in reply to Shrimpy-13-22-25]

Yes, appointment is booked for face to face this week. Cheers

[Shrimpy-13-22-25]

Brilliant news Beach. 😀

[welllaners]

Hi, it took me ages to find an inhaler that I didn't have a reaction to, keep asking your doctor/respiratory nurse to try a different one. Sounds very similar to side effects I used to get from different inhalers. ( Strangely Spiromax is the only one so far that I can manage)But keep trying a new inhaler.

I take thyroxine for my underactive thyroid gland, that took a lot of research before I finally managed to get it under control. You need a doctor who is willing to listen to you.

O2 finger monitors are on Amazon for under £10.

I hope you get your problems sorted soon and get some peace of mind.

Steve.