LIVING WELL WITH COPD
COPD medications fall into two
categories:
•
Maintenance medications are taken
regularly, often daily, whether or
not you have symptoms. They
work to control symptoms over
time. These are used regularly to
keep airways open:
- -
- -
8
Long-acting beta-agonists
(LABAs – Arcapta, Brovana,
Formoterol, Perforomist,
Serevent, Striverdi)
Long-acting muscarinic
antagonists (Incruse, Lonhala
Magnair, Seebri, Spiriva,
Tudorza)
- - LABA/LAMA combination
inhalers (Anoro, Bevespi,
Stiolto)
- - LABA/inhaled corticosteroids
combination inhalers (Advair,
Breo Ellipta, Symbicort)
•
Quick-relief rescue
medications are used when you
have increased COPD symptoms or
flare-ups. These offer quick relief
when having shortness of breath
(maintenance medications can be
continued during flare-ups):
- -
Short-acting beta-agonists
(ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin,
Xopenex HFA)
- - Muscarinic antagonists
(Atrovent)
- - Combination (Combivent)
COPD may change over time. So
your medication requirements might
change, too. Work closely with your
health-care provider to evaluate
which medications work best. Tell
your doctor about all medications you
take. This includes over-the-counter
medicines and any complementary
or herbal supplements. Alert your
health-care provider to your allergies
– both medication and otherwise. And
don’t be shy; if you have even a minor
problem, tell your doctor about it.
Write down any concerns or questions
before your doctor appointment. That
way you won’t forget to ask them.
Other medication
management ideas:
• Carry a current list of your
medications at all times. Your list
should include all over-the-counter
vitamins and supplements. Also
identify any food or medication
allergies.
• Take your inhaler with you to your
appointment with your clinician.
They can help you make sure you
are using your device correctly.
• If possible, get all your
medications from one pharmacy.
That way your pharmacist will
know your full medication and
allergy history. He or she will
be able to advise both you and
your doctor about any possible
medication or food interactions.
• All medications have potential side
effects. However, the benefits of a
particular medicine may outweigh
them. Plus, people react differently
to medications. One person may
have no side effects. Another may
have many adverse effects. Ask
about possible side effects from
each medication. Report them to
your doctor.
• Always ask your doctor about new
medicines for your lung disease.