Heart Medicine Increased inhaled steroid absorption.

[Karenjaninaz]

There is a drug interaction between inhaled steroids, and diltiazem I found out.

I recently developed an arrhythmia and was placed on Arnuity after stopping Breo. Breo can contribute to a A fib/ A flutter which I developed.

After being on Arnuity(Steroid inhaler) and diltiazem for several weeks I was gaining weight, getting weak with trouble walking and a rounder face. My muscles are already weaker from being on prednisone since 2015. And I am doing a slow taper. But I’ve had no trouble walking and my face was normal. I am tapering to 7 1/2 mg .

Lo and behold there is a drug interaction between diltiazem and inhaled steroids. The inhaled steroid dose is drastically increased with this interaction. Drugs.com had excellent info for laymen and professions. We stopped the Arnuity with absolutely no pulmonary effects; I seldom need Ventolin.. Hard to improve while muscles so weak but it has improved since stopping Arnuity.

I became suspicious when I felt as if I was on a higher dose and looked/felt it. I did my research and contacted my doctors.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well done - doctors don't seem too good about interactions between cardiac drugs and other stuff!!!

[Maltesemama]

Hi Karen, Your post was very interesting. I too take Dilitezam along with an inhalation of albuterol and Ipratorium. Probably not steroidal but I do use Ventolin as well. I’m glad to learn that inhaled steroids do not mesh well with Diltiezam. Thank you for your help in researching the two.

Hope you are feeling well. Linda