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Five years ago I was diagnosed with c.o.p.d. (emphasema) ...

Sent to Health Experts March 11 09:37 AM

Five years ago I was diagnosed with c.o.p.d. (emphasema) and prescribed combivent and flovent. My condition has remained stable over the years using these drugs. I recently moved and my new family doctor immediately switched me to advair and spiriva. I've told him on two visits that I felt much better on the flovent and combivent but he is strongly insistant that spiriva is the "cadilliac" medication. Three pulmonary specialists over 5 years agreed on combivent & flovent. I need another opinion.

Thank You
D. Schulz

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 62

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
March 11 10:09 AM (32 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

The advair is very good for long term treatment. It will not take care of an acute episode of breathing difficulties and you should have something that works for you for these instances.

If you feel your new doctor isn't listening to you, I would either switch doctors, or ask for a referral to a pulmonary specialist.

Kerry



Kerry, RN
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Reply
March 11 10:38 AM (28 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
Reply to Kerry's Post: Thank you for your reply. I want to know if the spiriva and advair is really that superior to flovent and combivcent and is it more commonly prescribed now than the other medications. The Dr.'s argument is that spiriva protects cells better. I will trade off feeling worse IF the benefit is there but I don't want to continue feeling worse if there's no real benefit. Also, I never have acute attacks so this is not a factor.

Thanks very much.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 11 10:40 AM (2 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

These medicines are long term protection. They also take some time to build up in your body to have the full therapeutic effect. You don't say how long you've been trying them. I would give it a few weeks to build up.

Again, you will also need a faster acting inhaler in case you have an acute attack. A common one is albuterol. As the long term meds build up in your body you will have less acute attacks to be sure, but they can still happen if exposed unexpectadly to irritants.

Kerry



Kerry, RN
Please click the accept button if this has helped you. A bonus is always appreciated as well.
Kerry -- Nurse (RN) -- 98% Positive Feedback on 4068 Health Accepts
35 years in Nursing: OB/GYN, Peds, Oncology, hospice, Ortho, Neuro, Addiction, Recovery, Geriatrics
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