Have COPD and have couple questions? (doctor, prescriptions, treat, very expensive)

[11jay11]

Doc has me on Advair and Spiriva inhalers.

1) why 2 ?

2) very expensive, is there alternatives ?

[Lyndarn]

Originally Posted by 11jay11

Doc has me on Advair and Spiriva inhalers.

1) why 2 ?

2) very expensive, is there alternatives ?

I'm so sorry you are going thru this ( my mother went thru this for over 45 years)~ She was exposed to TB as a child and her lungs were scared..so was vulnerable at a very young age!! But it can be handled.

Advair is mainly to protect your airways from agents that aggravate ( it's steroidal) and Spiriva is to to protect you from "Bronchial Spasms" ..Maybe look up each drug to get better informed . But are you still on Ventolin? which is used for immediate relief from sudden onset of attacked of SOB.

Yes, those 2 you mentioned are more expensive because pharmaceutical companies are always coming up with new combinations to treat COPD. BUT those 2 are NOT so knew..Is there a generic for those Brand names>> Did you ask your Respirologist this question? Sure there is a huge list available .. Over the years, most doctors ask you IF you have a "Plan" that covers medications..and IF not..often go to inhaler's in your case that are less expensive. Maybe talking to your pharmacist ( where ever you purchase you prescriptions) for some advice?

In the meantime~ a link to some information for you~~ Hope this helps just a bit

https://ehealthiq.com/copd-remedies-...-home/?cid=262

[11jay11]

Doc gave me a ProAir Respiclick for this but it doesn't do anything in the couple times I started gasping for breath.

I was hoping to walk more but that isn't possible I run out of breath doing very little now.

[myrc60]

I have seen test results from COPD patients that have improved their breathing through vaping and been able to give up those inhalers. Might be worth a try. You don't have to include nicotine if you don't want it. Go to any vape shop and they will help you as much as the FDA allows or more.

[cb at sea]

Unfortunately, drug prices will continue to be higher than they should be...even "generics" are going out of sight...thanks Obama!