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Has anyone been prescribed Duoneb?

Posted by Mary @mjb24, Aug 10 7:10am

I was in the hospital for 2 weeks in March where they diagnosed me with MAC lung disease and COPD. When I followed up with the pulmonologist he did not want to assume COPD based only on CT done in the hospital so he had me do a complete pulmonary function test and ordered a new CT. I saw him last week and he told me the test confirmed moderate COPD. Because I received the results on my portal ahead of time, I knew that this scan also showed bronchiectasis which he never mentioned. I asked him about that and if he would prescribe 7% saline because I have read that would help with clearing out the mucus. He said that he would instead prescribe Duoneb as needed and that I should continue with the Trelegy Ellipta inhaler. I had no idea what Duoneb was so I didn't question it at the time. When I got home and started researching it I didn't find anything that said it would help with thinning mucus. Everything I read says it is used for SOB in COPD but a dr may prescribe it for other uses. I did mention that the SOB and cough have been worse the past week and asked if the high heat and humidity might be the cause so that might be why he prescribed it. Is anyone else using Duoneb and for what purpose? I am already on the big 3 antibiotics, Arikayce, Mucinex 2x day and Trelegy Ellipta so I am not crazy about adding another medication.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 10 12:04pm

@mjb24 I'm not surprised that he prescribed the DuoNeb - it is often used for COPD and hard-to-manage asthma. It is the "rescue version" of Trelegy Ellipta, to be used when that is not enough.
As to whether it is useful in place of 7% saline - I think his unfamiliarity shows he may not be expert in treating either MAC or Bronchiectasis.

Has he recommended any form of airway clearance?

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Mary | @mjb24 | Aug 10 1:18pm

@sueinmn Sue, thanks for your response. No, he did not talk about airway clearance. I do have a good ID doctor who is familiar with MAC but it sounds like I might need to look for a new pulmonologist.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 10 1:31pm
In reply to @mjb24 "@sueinmn Sue, thanks for your response. No, he did not talk about airway clearance. I do..." + (show)
@mjb24

@sueinmn Sue, thanks for your response. No, he did not talk about airway clearance. I do have a good ID doctor who is familiar with MAC but it sounds like I might need to look for a new pulmonologist.

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Mary, if you have that option, it sounds like it would be a good idea. When I needed to switch pulmonologists, my ID doc recommended one to me with whom he had a working relationship. She has just retired, and set me up with our clinic's bronchiectasis specialist (I couldn't get in to her before because her practice was full, but she took me because the other doc retired suddenly.)
From what I read here, a good pulmonologist and a strong ability to advocate for yourself are your best allies in this journey.
Do you think your ID doc can suggest a new pulmonologist for you?

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Mary | @mjb24 | Aug 10 1:40pm

It is certainly worth asking. Thanks for your advice 🙂

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