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09-29-2010, 11:51 AM
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#1 | | Newbie (male)
Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Eliot, Maine, USA
Posts: 2
| Advair...to use or not?
Hi...First post here...I was diagnosed with some asthma about 10 years ago (now 57) although I'm sure I had periodic bouts with it for perhaps 10 years earlier. I first used an Albuterol inhaler just occasionally, but about 5 years ago, I was using the inhaler more than a couple of times per week, usually in the evening or before bed and was recommended to try Advair (100/50, 2x per day). Advair did seem to work as my symptoms mostly went away and very rarely needed to use inhaler (not Albuterol but another with different deliverer I can't recollect right now  . Now being busy with kids and work and...maybe a bit anti-medication in general, I was not always consistent in using Advair, often using just once a day and occasionally skipping days...Now over the past year, I have hardly used Advair at all, and short acting inhaler less than once/month. I don't seem to have any serious symptoms...so what to do. Upon being diagnosed, it was suggested, as I think is typical, to remain on Advair long term (i.e. forever). However, with few symptoms now, would it be more prudent to just have a back up inhaler if necessary? Anyone have experience of getting off of Advair after having seemed to need it at one point period in time...periodic asthma maybe?...also what of useing only once per day or for a few months at a time...all I'm sure against the rules...I may go back to a specialist to inquire, but would love to hear what this informed community may have to share..Thanks much, Rick.
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09-29-2010, 04:58 PM
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#2 | | Senior Veteran (female)
Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 9,369
| Re: Advair...to use or not?
No, it's not against the rules!
While some people need to use Advair (or something similar) all their lives, many people with asthma change their medication or dosage every few months. People with asthma primarily triggered by seasonal allergies may need more medicine in allergy season and less in the winter, those who have trouble with cold weather may do the reverse.
If you are not taking Advair and are using your rescue inhaler once a month or less, it sounds like, right now, you don't need it. (Check with your doctor, but that's probably what he'll say.) Asthma never goes away 100%, but the severity can change a lot throughout a person's lifetime.
You should of course always keep a rescue inhaler on hand, and pay attention to your symptoms. If you start getting worse, you may need the Advair again.
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09-29-2010, 05:02 PM
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#3 | | Senior Veteran (female)
Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Eagle River
Posts: 1,267
| Re: Advair...to use or not?
Personally? Based on your current needs for an inhaler I would say no. Advair has a black box warning and has in rare instances actually caused an asthma attack in people that was fatal. It's also known for causing yeast infections in the mouth if you don't rinse after using it.
My doc has tried to give me Advair on several occasions. IMO, Advair is for people who cannot control their asthma using other means. You don't seem to fit that category. Your asthma sounds well controlled.
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09-29-2010, 09:02 PM
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#4 | | Newbie (male)
Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Eliot, Maine, USA
Posts: 2
| Re: Advair...to use or not?
Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleRiverDee  Personally? Based on your current needs for an inhaler I would say no. Advair has a black box warning and has in rare instances actually caused an asthma attack in people that was fatal. It's also known for causing yeast infections in the mouth if you don't rinse after using it.
My doc has tried to give me Advair on several occasions. IMO, Advair is for people who cannot control their asthma using other means. You don't seem to fit that category. Your asthma sounds well controlled. | Thanks...what I am feeling too...I have an inhaler and may occasionally use but going to stay off the Advair despite some docs just saying do it forever if it doesn't seem to bother you. I say, don't do it unless absolutely necessary...and it clearly isn't. Seems like asthma is not an all or none, year round or forever kind of think as some would have you believe...I think stress, seasons, air quality all relate to mine and really not a big deal this past year at all..probably used my inhaler less than around 10 times all year.
Best to you, Rick
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09-30-2010, 04:42 PM
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#5 | | Senior Veteran (female)
Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 9,369
| Re: Advair...to use or not?
Some doctors may say use it forever, but to me that seems like a bad plan. Other than something like thyroid hormone for someone whose thyroid has been removed, I do not favor staying on ANY medicine forever without occasionally looking into whether it's still necessary.
Current asthma management guidelines actually say that if someone has been very well controlled for a few months, they should try reducing their maintenance medications.
I'm glad you are doing so well, and I hope you continue to feel well.
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