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Combivent Inhaler

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Guest
Guest

Hello everyone, I am a 71 year old woman and have had asthma since childhood. I was diagnosed with COPD about 15 years ago. I have been using Combivent Inhaler for about ten years and it is very worrying to know that this inhaler will be discontinued in June 2008.

My prescribed dosage of Combivent is 2 puffs, 4 times a day. However, I never automatically use this amount, but try to always manage on less. Normally I use 1 puff four times daily, plus 1 puff of beclometasone at night. I do breathing exercises, plus 30 mins of yoga each morning and try to do a walk, even a short one every day.

Does anyone know what will replace Combivent? It seems as though there is no combination inhaler on the market that combines salbutamol and ipatropium.

Apparently, some GP's have been prescribing two inhalers. One of salbutamol and one of ipatropium. I have emailed NICE about this but so far, no reply.

It seems I have 'medium' scale COPD and manage with my present inhalers. I am concerned that my GP or nurse will try to prescribe a stronger dosage inhaler, or indeed different drugs.

I think anyone with any disease tries (or hopes) to lessen their medication. No medics seem to address the psychological problems that occur with having to use inhalers every day in order to breathe.

I haven't smoked for over 40 years, yet am still classified as an 'ex smoker'. this does annoy me. Smoking was an accepted social practise when i was a young adult. Even then I smoked only about 5 a day.

Thoughts on Combivent please.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Tessa
    Tessa

    Posted

    Hi,

    I too have been on Combivent inhaler for the past 11 years and have been a bit worried what my GP will prescribe in place of this. I have found this particular inhaler to be of real help to me and am worried that he will prescribe a less effective one.

    I think I will have to ask my chest consultant what he suggest would be a good replacement. When I have heard from him I will let you know.

    Take care

    Tessa

  • Tessa
    Tessa

    Posted

    Spoke to my consultants secretary this morning and explained the situation to her. She rang me back and said that my consultant said to replace Combivent with Ventolin and Atrovent.

    Tessa

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    RE Combivent Inhaler

    Thank you Tessa for your comments. I have since been to have a spiromatory test for my COPD. and the nurse knew about Combivent being discontinued. She has prescribed Ventolin and Atrovent in separate inhalers. This ties up with your reply. One wonders just why Boehringer Ingelheim are discontinuing Combivent? So many people must be in confusion over their decision.

    Thank you.

  • Caliandris
    Caliandris

    Posted

    I have set up a petition to ask the government to apply for a dispensation for Combivent to continue to be produced after the deadline of June 2008. The reason it is being with drawn is because it contains cfc. The manufacturer say that they won't have a cfc-free version in time for the withdrawal. My mother is most alarmed because she has found this inhaler to be much better than any other.
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