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Medications: had to try many inhalers till I found one that worked

Posted by jc76 @jc76, 1 day ago

Not sure others have had this journey but I was put on many inhalers to find one that worked for me. Will apologize for spelling.
I was on advair, alberterol, atrovent. The atrovent actually seem to make it worse. The others either did not last long or did not work.

The last one I was put on and take now is Wixela. It is Fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder. Finally something that worked.

At first I thought not going to work either but then noticed it takes about 30 minutes to subside my wheezing and coughing and then last a long time.

My PCP wanted me to take on daily basis but I found I could just do it as needed and he agreed. I don't need it until ouside pine and oak pollen really get bad.

Medications must come from your medical professionals but don't give up. If something does not work tell your provider and asked to try something else. Might take some time but like me thankful I spoke up and found something.

I know a lot of allergy medications and inhalers are not right for all as can affect other medications or medical conditions so my recommenations is to work with your provider with complete information about your physical and mental health and all medications and supplements you are on.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Asthma & Allergy Support Group.

chuckstran | @chuckstran | 8 hours ago

Me too.

This company's albuterol might be the same drug, supposedly, as another company's. But the formulation and delivery systems are different. Like you, tried 'em all (or so it would seem) and of the pack, found one that works - and it works especially well.: Ventolin.

In talking to other wheezers their experience is the same. Well-metered doses delivered in a fine-enough mist to get the job done when it arrives. Best solution for an emergency inhalater that I've found.

I've also found at the urging of two providers that a plastic chamber about the size of a hot-dog (several brands - mine is a Philips, available OTC) that diffuses the mist in air before being inhaled makes a ton of difference. It consists of a sealed port for the inhaler at one end, and a mouthpiece at the other with a whistle in between that warns if you're sucking the medicated air in too fast.

Result: the medication goes deep into the bronchia in a well-distributed fog rather than a concentrated blast, most of which gets stuck on the back of your throat and is of no effect.

The idea of combining fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in one formula is encouraging! Have used both but combining them for a controlled double-whammy makes a lot of sense. I'll tell my PCP.

Thank you, thank you, for passing this along!

The word that passes between us here on this forum has to be at least as valuable, and likely more valuable, than what the doctors hear from the pharmaceutical reps who visit their offices.

In the vast sea that doctors navigate, polluted by politics, the insurance industry, and big pharma, we do best when we can become well-informed advocates for our own health care, working pro-actively in partnership with good docs when we find them.

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | 6 hours ago
In reply to @chuckstran "Me too. This company's albuterol might be the same drug, supposedly, as another company's. But the..." + (show)
@chuckstran

Me too.

This company's albuterol might be the same drug, supposedly, as another company's. But the formulation and delivery systems are different. Like you, tried 'em all (or so it would seem) and of the pack, found one that works - and it works especially well.: Ventolin.

In talking to other wheezers their experience is the same. Well-metered doses delivered in a fine-enough mist to get the job done when it arrives. Best solution for an emergency inhalater that I've found.

I've also found at the urging of two providers that a plastic chamber about the size of a hot-dog (several brands - mine is a Philips, available OTC) that diffuses the mist in air before being inhaled makes a ton of difference. It consists of a sealed port for the inhaler at one end, and a mouthpiece at the other with a whistle in between that warns if you're sucking the medicated air in too fast.

Result: the medication goes deep into the bronchia in a well-distributed fog rather than a concentrated blast, most of which gets stuck on the back of your throat and is of no effect.

The idea of combining fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in one formula is encouraging! Have used both but combining them for a controlled double-whammy makes a lot of sense. I'll tell my PCP.

Thank you, thank you, for passing this along!

The word that passes between us here on this forum has to be at least as valuable, and likely more valuable, than what the doctors hear from the pharmaceutical reps who visit their offices.

In the vast sea that doctors navigate, polluted by politics, the insurance industry, and big pharma, we do best when we can become well-informed advocates for our own health care, working pro-actively in partnership with good docs when we find them.

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@chuckstran - I agree that using an aerochamber has been great for me. It was suggested by a pharmacist a while back. I did learn after keeping mine for several years, though, that you are supposed to replace them every 6 months.

REPLY
chuckstran | @chuckstran | 5 hours ago

Aerochamber! So that's what it is!

Less embarrassing for those going to the pharmacy to ask for one that they ask for it by name - my description of a hot-dog sized plastic thing to suck on probably wouldn't be as well received. 🙂

REPLY
jc76 | @jc76 | 5 hours ago

@lisalucier @chuckstran
I was going to ask the name of this device so thanks Lisa.

Lisa, Chuck do you know if it requires a prescription to get or is OTC?

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