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Mucinex does it help you?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Jun 24 3:53pm | Replies (38)

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@equanimous

I was told Mucinex is for temporary use. Is this not true?

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Replies to "I was told Mucinex is for temporary use. Is this not true?"

Yes, No, Maybe.
"Mucinex" comes in many forms. Several have added decongestants or cough suppressants. These are definitely for temporary use only. 7 days unless a longer term is recommended by your provider.

The "original" Mucinex, only guaifenesin in a long acting formulation, has been used for MANY years. I first encountered the generic long-acting formulation as a prescription 40 years ago to treat persistent ear fluid. When it became non-prescription, Mucinex patented the long-acting version and cornered the market. Now apparently the patent is expired, and there are a few generic extended release formulas of pure guaifenesin around. But the "specialty' versions are still under patent.

Guaifenesin is largely considered safe for extended use, with minimal side effects. I have been looking for any studies demonstrating this, and there don't seem to be any, but here is one that surprised me. It is a case study (one patient) but demonstrates my experience and my husband's (he has GERD & mild bronchiectasis caused by RA) https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2018.197.1_MeetingAbstracts.A2169
In our home, we have fewer exacerbations, looser, more productive coughs & less congestion with guaifenesin. (We are on our second extended-release generic brand, and have found both equivalent to Mucinex.)

If Mucinex works for you, discuss long-term use with your providers. Don't be surprised if they roll their eyes - if they agree it's safe, use it!

Sue