| Re: Medications
Posted by Chris M. on 3/1/2008, 8:27 pm, in reply to "Medications"
72.251.72.149
Welcome, if you are new to the forum.
I started with Albuterol (good for 4-6hrs bronchodilator) and Ipratropium, Aka Atrovent, again about 6 hrs duration (but starts more slowly) The Flovent is a corticosteroid which helps with irritations, inflammations, especially with bronchitis or asthma.
Spiriva is a more complicated Ipratropium (Atrovent cousin)which is a 24 hr medication. You haven't mentioned your level of disease, but Spiriva seems to work very well for those who are helped by Ipratropium (Atrovent). It may take immediately, but folks may continue with some Albuterol for a few months until they are sure.
For me, Spiriva inhaler has substituted very well for Albuterol and Ipratropium. I was able to stop them immediately.It was also a great relief to not need dosing but once a day.
It pays to keep an Albuterol inhaler available as a rescue med until you are comfortable.
Your Doc would be the best reference on continuing with Flovent, but there is some question whether there is any added benefit after about 6 months. It is therefore a decision you and your Doc can make.
If this is a budget issue, you should speak up to the Doc and apply for manufacturer assistance. It's just a matter of filling out the income forms specifying which meds, and getting a response through the Doc.
No patient should have to choose between diet and medications, and often too, the Docs are also provided with samples.
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