Xopenex vs. Ventolin, Increase FloVent vs. add Singulair?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dreamingofasong
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dreamingofasong

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Hey everybody,

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and I'm going to ask her about this stuff, but decided I'd get it out on here, too.

I have mild persistent asthma and I started FloVent on October 31st, '08. I also take salbutamol [albuterol/Ventolin] pre-exercise and when I have symptoms.
When I was first prescribed Salbutamol I was using it 2-4 times a day--typically 3--and basically because I was using it so much I think my body just got used to it so I didn't have any side-effects after awhile.

Now I'm using it most times less than 4 times a week and because of the FloVent my asthma is beginning to get under control [yay!!]. I've noticed, though, that I get more side-effects like shakiness and heart palpitations when I do use it.

I'm not sure if it's even available in Canada, but if it is, has anyone had less side-effects using Xopenex as opposed to salbutamol/albuterol?


That being said, a lot of the time, I have really mild symptoms that I don't use the rescue meRAB for, which is why my doctor said last time we may have to increase my inhaled corticosteroid. I have concerns over increasing it too much, though, because apparently it can increase risk of glaucoma, which I am already fairly high-risk for [I have retinopathy of prematurity and my dad has glaucoma.]

Because of this and my doctor contemplating upping my ICS, should i ask her about keeping my ICS the same and adding Singulair to my medication? I'm aware that there are differences between how ICSs and leukotriene modifiers [Singulair] works, and that Singulair doesn't work for everyone.

Thanks!
 
You make some very good points. What is your dosage of Flovent? If oyu are on one puff and go to two, I don't think you'll be risking much. Singulair didn't do much for me. In fact, I noticed no difference after two months and stopped it. I have been oe one puff of Flovent a day for a nuraber of years.

As for the Albuterol/Xoponex, some people like the Xoponex better....and some people experience fewer side effects on Albuterol after usingvit for a while. I use Albuterol and no longer notice any side effects. I don't know about Canada but are you on the HFA one now or does Canada still allow the one with CFCs? I find the HFA one to have fewe side effects. Just my personal experience.
 
hey titchou [and everybody :)]

basically we left my treatment the same for the next two months. she prescribed me a peak flow meter, so i'm going to be monitoring that once i get it on monday.
at my next appointment we'll take a look at the readings and develop an asthma action plan from there. she's also going to see how i'm doing at the next appointment and said she might add another medication [which i assume means she's not upping the floVent].

--i'm on the 250 mcg strength, two puRAB twice a day [1000 mcg in total.] i think in the states the highest strength of floVent is 220?--

all of the inhalers in Canada are HFA, and CFCs were banned on Deceraber 31st, 2008. i was diagnosed after the movement to switch from CFC to HFA occurred, so i haven't had to do any juggling with my meRAB. i actually forgot to ask my doctor about xopenex [i had a post it note of what i needed to ask her, but completely forgot that it was in my pocket once she walked in!].

do you think the fact that i've only been on Ventolin for eight months has anything to do with side effects? or my size [i'm 5'2" and 120 lbs]? my friend and i are basically the same size, but she's had salbutamol [and asthma] for about ten years.

thanks :)
 
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