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meds for COPD

Posted , 4 users are following.

jeff88774
jeff88774

Hi , haqving had COPD for 5yr and being prescribed symbicort 400 , my meds have now been changed to formoterol 12mcgm . is this a sign of an improvement or a worsening of the condition .I have just changed GP , any assistance here greatfuly received .

kind regards

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • gbhall
    gbhall jeff88774

    Posted

    Formoterol is part of Symbicort anyway. The other part is a steroid, and the '400' formulation is quite a high dose. This looks to me like your new GP is reluctant to dose you on a steroid, which is quite right - steroid treatment long-term is quite dangerous.

    So yes, ask your GP for details, but on the face of it, you may be having steroids (e.g. prednisolone) separately, but if not, you should regard this change as indicative of an improvement, BUT withdrawal of steroid treatments should be very slow and cautiously done, you cannot just stop. This would apply even to the dose in Symbicort, so you must learn what the position is regarding steroids.

  • Vee2
    Vee2 jeff88774

    Posted

    Hi jeff

    Could be your new doc thinks you are not in need of the inhaled steroid which could be a positive step forward.   Symbicort is a combination inhaler of both formoterol and budesonide, budesonide is a steroid and formoterol is a long acting brocho dilater to open your airways to help you breath easier.  

    Inhaled steroids are prescribed as a preventatative medicine for people who may be more prone to chest infections and lung inflammation.  Inhaled steroids are not the same as an oral steroid like prednisolone which is what gbhall refers to.

    But yes as suggested already, it is a question to put to your doctor.

    If you can get by without the inhaled steroid that's great and its good to know if need be you can always go back to it if the formoterol is not enough.  You could put that to your doctor also.  wink

    Best wishes V

     

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