immune suppressants

Hi i've just registered on here thought it would be a good place to get some advice, I've had 6 hospital admissions this year with my asthma, i got out of hospital on monday from my latest one.

I've been given new inhalers, Fostair and Spiriva, and i'm back reducing my steroids from 40mg to my normal maintenance dose of 10mg.

Ive been seeing my consultant in clinic and they are talking about starting on immune suppressnt drugs (Azathioprine or omalizumab if I qualify) to try and help me get off the perdnisolone, (cushings problems)

I'm seeing my consultant in clinic in 2 weeks, and then i've a referral to the North west Lung Centre for january which i'm guessing is taking on the treatment side.

I'm not too sure what to do, try it with new inhalers or go for these new drugs, desperate to get well and get my life back.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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If you are going for a trial of omalizumab then do it sooner rather than later as NICE guidelines may change in the new year and it looks like severe allergic asthma patients will no longer be eligible for this drug.

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Jane,why don`t you ask the asthma nurse on the free phone number shown on this forum, get an expert opinion

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Hi Jane,

I've been on spiriva for a few months now and have found that it has improved my overall lung function but sadly made no difference to the number of attacks I have etc.

I.recently started steroid sparing drugs (cyclosporin) due to similar issues as yourself with pred.

As others have said its worth giving the lovely AUK nurses a call on the freephone number.

I've spoken to them a couple of times when I've had questions or needed support about my treatment and found them really nice and very knowledgeable.

Good luck!!

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