Before Pulmonary Function tests, how long should I be off Symbicort?

Hi Lisa, I was actually on the drug before the test and had started to improve significantly on that. If you will notice on the test results,the albuterol really didn’t do much and I had noticed that before, as that was the original drug she gave me. I’m still taking the Symbicort probably once every other day, and the doctor said it was fine to do that. I find it all very interesting and am mystified by why that drug is not supposed to make any difference in the testing, since it does have a steroid in it. That said I’m going to assume that they know what they’re doing. The girl that did the testing was quite knowledgeable and gave me several hints on how to improve. One thing she told me was that by using an extender, which you can only get by prescription, will allow you to utilize 67% more of the drug than without it. I don’t know if that was from any of the inhalers or just the albuterol that she gave me during the test, however, by the way she was talking I assumed it was all of the inhalers. She cave it to me to take it home and said to use it with the Symbicort, after cleaning.

@ckoehring - When I went to fill my inhaler at a different local pharmacy years ago, the pharmacist suggested I ask my allergist to prescribe a prescription inhaler. I did, and it's been terrific.

So glad you had someone knowledgeable to show you the tricks around the inhaler. There’s also some free videos on the American Lung Assoc website that are very helpful.

For the spacer, you don’t need a prescription. This is my favorite one. It is anti static so you get more meds in you and it has a whistle sound if you suck in too fast (my problem if I go too fast!) https://www.saveritemedical.com/products/monaghan-z-stat-flowsignal?currency=USD&variant=32498370508&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=0359ba7579fb&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16018916396&gbraid=0AAAAAD8ef4ef4xJfeb9QdWAZvKQtVCrBd&gclid=CjwKCAjw2brFBhBOEiwAVJX5GOOgucUgtujFMDkOJQlwD5WpwTKkuKUTO5nQZHkKhaDoTusoiPI1lRoCc0cQAvD_BwE

Interesting, @lluth412. You mean you can just order the "nicer" spacer online? I just mentioned the prescription because that's what that particular pharmacist told me to do to get one. But if it's easier than that, that's great.

I was shocked when my latest spacer came and started whistling. I had no idea it would do that. It seems like a good idea, except when I need to take it and not wake someone up in the early morning or at night. I know that ultimately, I just need to use the inhaler correctly with the spacer. Have you had to deal with that?

Correct just order it online! I usually get two at the same time so I have one for maintenance and one tucked in my bag for rescue inhaler.

Yes I was also confused about the whistle. Sometimes it did it and sometimes not. It wasn’t until I watched a video from the American Lung Assoc that said “if it’s whistling it means you are inhaling too quickly and you need to slow down your inhalation”. I still do it sometimes but now it’s a great reminder to slow down! I guess you distribute the medication better if you take a slower breath in. All that to say - it shouldn’t whistle!

Spacers are great. However, there are certain inhalers, such as QVAR (for one), that spacers should not be used. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure your inhaler is used properly whether you use a spacer or not. Yes, the whistling sound means you are inhaling too quickly. When washing the spacer (at least weekly), or after using with a steroid inhaler, let it air dry. Do not dry with a paper towel inside, as it changes the "anti-static" property of the medication being delivered through it, and will not give you the proper dose. Good luck.