N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

[Piper21]

Been reading some good reviews about the above, just wondering if anyone has tried it for copd ? Would appreciate your input ...good or bad Thank you for reading look forward to your replies

[Hidden]

I think it’s a similar thing to carbocisteine, which you can get on prescription. Apparently that can be very effective for copd

[Hidden]

NAC is used as a mucolytic (secretion thinner) in some respiratory conditions to make sputum clearance easier. It’s similar to Carbosisteine in terms of effect, but a lot cheaper, which is one of the reasons it’s gaining popularity. Although you can buy supplement versions without a prescription, when being used for respiratory care and to offset possible side effects from aminoglycoside antibiotics (the other, current main use), the only confirmed safe and effective way to take it is via soluble tablets. The effervescent/soluble tablets are prescription only. From other posts, there are other people here who do take the capsules readily available online, but I would always suggest running anything anyone wants to take, medication or supplement, via a medical professional. There are known issues with NAC in relation to asthma, and it’s possible to have an adverse reaction or side effects. If there’s likely benefit to someone taking it, I would hope a medical professional would recognise that and arrange a trial after discussion.

[Piper21 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for that

[Izb1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that info Charlie, I didn't know it had to be soluble x

[Hidden in reply to Izb1]

It has to be soluble according to the BNF, based on the formal studies that have been done to date. It’s the only form of NAC currently licensed for medical use for respiratory purposes. As with many things, non-prescribed supplements could also potentially be safe and effective, but there’s currently no evidence that’s the case, and it’s a far less regulated industry than pharmaceuticals. The same with dose; sources in relation to the supplements often say up to 1200mg a day, but when used under medical advice, the max dose is 600mg.

[Piper21 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for that detail, makes sense now

[Izb1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the update. When I first started on Methotrexate I sat with the hospital pharmacist and went through everything I take and why, but at the time I was on Mucodyne not Nac, it is a 600mg tablet and I dont take it everyday. I will speak with the rheumy doc when I see her next . Hope all is well with you and the little one x

[Lynneypin]

I have asthma and have to perform drainage every day to get rid of the gunk. I tried NAC (over the counter) but it made no difference to me.

[Piper21 in reply to Lynneypin]

That’s a shame it didn’t help, thanks fo replying

[Patk1 in reply to Lynneypin]

Lynneypin have u tried prescription carbocysteine

[Lynneypin in reply to Patk1]

No I haven’t.

[B0xermad]

Yes I love it over carbocysteine been on it nearly a year and it has turned me from being sluggish in the daytime to feeling human again.I highly recommend it. Bronchietasis, asthma and copd sufferer

[Piper21 in reply to B0xermad]

So pleased it’s working for you, do you mind if I ask where you buy it ?I’m very tempted to try it

[B0xermad in reply to Piper21]

Hi piper21 ,I get my nacsys 600mg effervescent tablets on prescription but you can get them from holland and Barrett and Amazon also pharmacy may have them like Boots maybe.

[Piper21 in reply to B0xermad]

Thank you, very helpful

[Piper21]

So pleased it’s working for you, do you mind if I ask where you buy it ?I’m very tempted to try it

[garibaldon]

Ve been on Carbosisteine now for ages and it’s a game changer.

[Kristicats]

Yes I’ve been taking it for a few years twice a day as a mucus thinner. I buy it online as I didn’t want the prescribed carbocisteine prefer natural whenever I can substitute. Works well for me.

I buy mine from Troo Healthcare 600mg capsules . ( via Amazon £11.97 for 120)

[Piper21 in reply to Kristicats]

Thank you, interesting that it’s not soluble that your taking . Thanks also for the link I will get some, I’m gradually deciding to give it a try

[Hidden]

I have severe brittle asthma and have recently switched to NACYS from carbocistiene and find they are better at breaking down mucas - they’re soluble and you only have to take once a day, whereas I was taking carbocistiene 3 times a day.

[stamford1234]

I use NAC in capsule form 600 mg a day. I find it invaluable in shifting stubborn mucous. Swear by it.

[Piper21 in reply to stamford1234]

Thank you, that’s great to hear

[beech]

I use Solgar NAC 600mg capsules which I buy from Amazon, but you can buy it from other sources. It is quite expensive, but I find it very helpful, and notice my breathing is worse if I forget to take it.

I take it with a meal so that it gets ‘washed down’ with food and water as I find it can ‘stick’ and give me a feeling of indigestion if taken alone.

I have told my consultant who was happy about it. I wouldn’t be prescribed carbocysteine just yet, but it’s in the bag for future help if I need it.

[Piper21 in reply to beech]

Thank you so much , that’s really helpful and pleasing to hear

[Piper21 in reply to beech]

Hope you don’t mind me asking beech but do You take one capsule a day or do you only take when feeling that your breathing is restricted

[beech]

I take 1 capsule a day, whether it’s a good or bad one. I haven’t tried taking more, so couldn’t say whether it would be beneficial or not 🤷‍♀️

[Piper21]

Thank you

[mytabbycats]

Hi to everyone. This is my first post. I have taken NAC since 2015. I have emphysema stage 4 but didn't know it until Feb 2020 when I went to hospital because I was so breathless. The NAC kept me going I think, my cough cleared up and I had more energy, definitely felt better for taking it. I started with one 600mg capsule a day. I took it twice a day if I felt worse. I buy a supplement one that you can get from Ebay. They all seem to work the same. More recently you can buy supplements with no fillers so I get those, 750mg.

[Piper21 in reply to mytabbycats]

Thank you, very helpful.