Is Trimbow causing me health problems

So, I have had 3 full blood counts over the last 4 months, seems for some reason my platelet count is very low, had the usual lifestyle questions asked by my doctor and after the latest blood count was told by my doctor that it's all a red herring, my platelet count must be my normal level, sounds plausible but has had me wondering since as to what if anything is the cause.

Today out of boredom I was looking at Trimbow online, doesn't really work that well for me, I'm struggling with my breathing 4 hours after taking it, I came across a PDF file that had a side effects list and in there is thrombocytopenia (low platelets) listed as an adverse reaction, it is considered a rare reaction, I don't know, should my doctor have known this, I have spoken to my doctor about Trimbow before and how it just doesn't quite seem to work so well for me, they just say it's the best there is, now I'm really wondering...

[jillygirl]

have just emailed my surgery with identical symptoms. Awaiting reply. I

[CDPO16]

It does sound as if the Trimbow may be the culprit but it's always difficult approaching a doctor who insists an inhaler is the best there is. Whether that be true or not, it doesn't mean that it is the best thing for every patient. Sometimes we have to take a breath and insist that we are having adverse effects from a treatment. I have been in this position in the past and braved the conversation of telling my GP I needed to change a particular inhaler that was giving me side effects. It's always been worth it in the end but not easy at the time. From the research you have done and the result of your blood tests I think it worth facing your GP with your concerns. Best wishes and good luck.

[Hidden in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks CDPO16, I should have a new doctor in the next couple of weeks, just moved out of the area for my current doctors, hopefully I can get a decent doctor...

[CDPO16 in reply to Hidden]

Will keep my fingers crossed for you that you get a 'listening' one. My practice took on a new GP just over a year ago and he's great. Hope you get a similar one.

[Fee55 in reply to CDPO16]

Hi CDPO16, I firmly believe some of the day's and practitioners think if we are over 65, we are in our "dotage" and not to be taken seriously!Yes, it .right work for some, but I have noticed, I have became more breathless since being prescribed with this , I still take ventolin evohaler too, before Trimble, I was on INCRUSE, feel this was better, but hey, medical practice are not listening.

Dont get me wrong, but since all this Covid, I have a fear and trust issue with health centres.

[Hidden in reply to Fee55]

I seriously wonder about Trimbow, my health seems to have deteriorated quite a lot while I have been taking it, I have had to move in with family, some days it's so hard to even make a cuppa or something to eat, I can't always get a shower or shave as I want to, I don't know about it being an age thing with some GP's I think it's more a "well you smoked so what do you expect" thing with a lot of them. Thanks for the reply..

[Bevvy]

Whilst it is obviously worth discussing this with your gp, it still may be “normal” for you. My father has had numerous blood tests over past few years, including some very specialist tests, and ultimately decision is that low blood count is now normal for him.

[MoyB]

How do you get on with your pharmacist? It may be worth speaking to them too, and they may, in turn agree to have a word with your GP if they think you have a valid point.

My own GP is great if I flag anything like this up, but got a different GP just before Christmas when a new med seemed to make my asthma flare and she couldn't see the side effect I was talking about on her screen, although I read it out from the leaflet that came with the meds. She persevered and eventually found it. She told me the side effect is very rare!

We agreed in the end that I would let my asthma settle and then, after Christmas, (ie any time now) I will try the med again. If it upsets the asthma, I stop it straight away and don't have it ever again. If the asthma is ok, we count it as coincidence.

I haven't got the nerve to try it yet, but will do, under controlled conditions.

I think my point here is that just because something is 'rare' it doesn't mean you're not going to be the one in a million it happens to. Also, the information the GP is accessing may be less efficient than they would like it to be.

Don't leave it if you believe it is what is causing your issues. Seek second and third opinions if necessary.

Good luck with your new GP.

xx Moy

[Izb1]

Crazy that you have to argue this point with your gp and hope that your new gp will try a different inhaler and then try blood test again, good luck x

[Alberta56]

Fingers crossed that your new GP will listen to your concerns.🤞🤞🤞

[battison]

I’m a bit worried about my husband who’s on Trimbow. It does seem to help his breathing. But he’s getting weird blotchy purple ‘bruises like’ on his hands.

[Hidden]

bruising one of the side effect of Trimbow which is a steroid, i take Trimbow and get bruising.

hope this helps note. a nice side affects

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That's interesting, where does the bruising occur? since I posted this question I have found out that I have some bowel problem which is looking like it could may well be ulcerative colitis, our bodies can become so broken as we get older, thanks for your reply

[battison in reply to Hidden]

thanks. He’s also non salbutamol inhaler too. Is that a steroid too? Also on some steroid cream for blistery rash which I suspect may be Trimbow but GP thinks not as it started after he’d been on it for months.

[Hidden]

old age is problem . i wish you well take care

[Pat128]

Be very careful what you reed on the internet

[shazier2000]

Iv been on Trimbow for a few yrs now, my bloods are normal and it works well for me

Ask for a second opinion and ask your pharmacist to

Show them the leaflet with the side effects

Hope you get some answers

[Tykelady]

Trimbow seems to work for me but I suppose as we age and the illness progresses (as it does) we can only expect worsening of symptoms.