Montelukast

[Oldandgray]

Six months ago, following another exacerbation of my cough variant asthma my GP wanted me to start on Montelukast. However I had read so many negative comments and reports defused to try.

I’m on Seretide 250 and Fexofenadine 180.

Following yet another course of steroids Christmas week I agreed to at least try it for one month.

I am now seven days into the month and yesterday I only had one coughing episode and today so far none, with limited side effects. Although it’s early days I am delighted and could kick myself for not starting on Montelukast when first suggested.

[elanaoali]

Hi Oldandgray

I take monkelaust for the allergic part of my asthma for about 3 years. I also take Fexofenadine too. My then asthma nurse said it would either work or not and I would find out pretty soon if it hadn't. I never had any I'll effects from this medication. I generally want to trust my doctors or asthma nurse if they want to try and new medication on me. It does help if you have a good relationship with your GPs. I have been blessed with a very good GP practice who have taken very good care of me over the years. If I have had any questions on my medications then I have always felt able to discuss my concerns.

I never use Dr Google but stick to Nhs webpages.

I really pleased to hear that your trial is working out for you.

[Amy2091]

I've been taking montelukast for a number of years now but can't say I've noticed a big difference - that said, no one has advised me to stop taking it either and my allergies have definitely improved, although I too take a high dose of fexofenadine so I can't comment as to which one is actually working best! All medicines effect people in different ways, what doesn't work for others may work for you, same with side effects. I get very (I exaggerate very as much as possible!) vivid dreams while taking them but other than that nothing. I'm glad you've seen an improvement, what things had you read from others?

[Graham07allen in reply to Amy2091]

Hi there. Just wondering what dose of fexofenadine are you on and is it ok to take both montelukast at the same time. My doctor said it's ok but I'm not sure. He's giving me 180mg is that high. How are you getting on

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Graham07allen]

Taking both fexofenadine and montelukast together is absolutely fine as they work with different mechanisms and in different ways. They are often used in combination especially in asthma

Fexofenadine comes in 2 strengths; 120 and 180 so 180 is the stronger dose of the 2. Hope that helps

[Graham07allen in reply to EmmaF91]

That's great thank you. I find the montelukast works well. Many thanks

[Amy2091 in reply to Graham07allen]

Hi graham, I take 180 fexofenadine daily and find them brilliant, I can't function without them. I occasionally still get flare ups (allergies rather than the asthma kind but that triggers my asthma anyway) which has meant I've overdosed on them by taking 4 a day. I do not recommend this to anyone, however my immunologist did say this was ok when they reviewed me- I'm still not sure it is ok and have only done it when I'm having a mega bad flare up (sadly I still get the odd day when even these won't work!) I was given these purely for allergies and The montelukast separately for asthma symptoms, it was only when reading up on it later I realised they are used for the allergy side of asthma. I take both daily as per prescription, montelukast is usually prescribed to be taken at night as it works best when asleep.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Amy2091]

My resp con and an allergy doctor have all told me I’m allowed up to 4 Fex 180 a day I need to. I typically take 1 daily but increase if/when I come into contact with an allergen or if I get an angiodema or urticaria flare. I hope that gives you more confidence in what you’ve been told by your immunologist. However it’s definitely something that needs to be approved if by a doc before you go that route!

[Oldandgray in reply to Graham07allen]

I’m on fexofenadine 180mg and Montelukast 10mg but I do up the fexofenadine to 240mg if needed.

[Yellow75]

I started montelukast at the end of January last year, I'm also on fexofenadine 180 too. I had a fantastic year last year, asthma wise. No episodes, no chest infections, and colds so minor that I was thinking is this how no asthmatics experience colds. Greatest surprise though was my peak flow at asthma review couple of weeks ago, got 450, never achieved this high in my life. My lungs feel so light and easy it's fabulous. I was told by doctor that montelukast seems to work with only 10% of asthmatics and there does seem to have to be an allergic component. Im glad it's working for you, and hope you have an asthma free year.

[Oldandgray]

Thanks for your positive story. I hope I’m half as lucky as you. I will check my peak flow soon and see if there is an improvement. At the moment I managed 370 on a good day before I started Montelukast.

[Yellow75 in reply to Oldandgray]

I only use to manage 350, so really impressed only use to manage 425 in my twenties, I'm now in forties. Think montelukast and fexofenadine together may have cleared stubborn inflammation from smaller airways, that Inhalers and short steriod courses never could manage. Hope you do have same experience, fingers crossed 🤞 for you.

[Artforever]

I was given Montelukast in June last year. It seem to work for the trial month period so I continued with it for another month. Then I noticed the coughing was back but also I had dreadful nightmares and had a constant very dry mouth. So I stopped taking it. Too many side effects and cough came back. That's my experience of Montelukast. I hope it helps.

[Guinnless in reply to Artforever]

I was experiencing nightmares while taking Montelukast at night, so I told my consultant who told me to take them in a morning as it will still be effective.

[Blue-Breeze]

I take fexofenadine 180. Montelukast gave me headaches, severe muscle cramps, pains in my legs, nose bleeds and palpitations, I had to stop taking them. I am however sensitive to a lot of medication due another condition. Such a shame because I have been told again these would be a great help to me.

[Jeecamgunn]

It is immensely helpful. So glad you decided to give it a try 👍

[Nutzs47]

I take monteluckast with no side affects and have found it keeps my asthma under control esp as i work with one of my triggers so fingerscrossed it helps you too