Since being diagnosed with COPD in May 2017 , my main concern is that I have received no other treatment, just stayed on the same meds as before the diagnosis, i.e. the same inhalers as for the Asthma , Bricanyl and Symbicort.
Can I expect to go onto different medication in the near future? Any views ??
Please excuse the grandma as I am using voice recognition as keyboard has stopped working on phone in answer to your question query when I was diagnosed I was kept on the exact meds for a number of years until there was a change in my illness i.e. breathlessness
Most of the medications used in COPD are for asthmatics. If there is no progression then there is in reality no reason to change them. Obviously if you are having problems then there are a number of options.
My husband had a Spiriva inhaler prescribed by his consultant after being diagnosed recently with COPD as well as asthma. Seems to have improved his breathing so far. Maybe suggest to your GP to see if suits you too.
I had asthma before I was diagnosed also with copd. My lung function was 62% but when my meds were changed it went up to the mid 70's and has been ever since. The nurse said it was probably poorly controlled asthma though. If you feel ok though then keep up the current regime. If not then speak to your nurse/doctor and see if a change can help. x
Thanks for the advice hypercat54, im quite fit and feel ok, just days when I get breathless I panic a little.
You should have a yearly review which includes a spirometry, discussion about your medications, inhaler technique etc. Link below to NICE guidelines on page 2
nice.org.uk/Media/Default/S...
Your link is very pertinent James48.
That said, when I visited my gp armed with printed copies of that some time ago he told me that
“ they are only guidelines and he didn’t have to follow them to the letter”
I will say he very quickly became my ex doctor.
I find the practice nurses are invaluable for info on COPD especially as they seem to have more time to listen to patients.
hello, I started symbicort back in 2015 . It worked well for 2 years and then I think my body started to become immune to it. I was then switched to dulera. Recently my doctor said he would like me to get of the corticosteroids so he gave me Anoro Ellipta. I started that 3 days ago, and it’s worked really well. I take it once a day as directed . I haven’t even needed my rescue inhaler.i must add that what works for one, doesn’t always work for another. I would discuss switching to something else with my doctor if I started to feel the the current medication is not working well.
Wishing you good luck and good health
Barbara
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