Xopenex For Asthma

Xopenex For Asthma Posts

Popular Questions

My 18 month old was just prescribed Xopenex (asthma medication) for congestion and a cold....need help please! My daughter started school a month ago. Ever since, all of us have been very sick because she's bringing home lots of germs. My 18 month old is catching everything she is catching. He has had a cough for a while now, so I took him into the doctor. She listened to him and she said he didn't have pneumonia. She said his airways sound tight or something like that and made it sound like it was something completely unrelated to his cold. This kid has NEVER had any health or breathing issues before. This was very upsetting to me. You can hear tons of stuff that he is coughing up from the cold. She was uninterested in hearing about his fevers that have accomponied his cold. She rxd him asthma medication which really scared me. It was a horrible appointment to say the least. I'm very leary about holding my little 1 year old down to force him to inhale this medication which is for asthma. I know it's to help open his airways but his airways seem to be open...just congested.... This prescription totally blindsided me and when I got upset and confused about the fact that she would ever bring up asthma, she reassured me that asthma wasn't all that bad and maybe I should contact parents of children who have asthma. Then she said that it was probably just a cold. I KNOW he has a cold! That was why I was there. I really thought maybe I would leave with something to help him cough this crap up other than asthma medication which I keep reading that is unsafe for kids under 4-6. She said I could leave him in this mask ''ALL DAY LONG'' if I wanted to...that doesn't sound safe. He is acting completely fine and happy other than a bad cough, especially at night when he lays down. Here is my question: What would you do? Give him the medication? Second opinion? Give it a few more days (my daughter just got sick 5 days ago with ANOTHER germ, so I'm wondering if my son got that too and that's why it's so bad all of the sudden?)....what would you do? Also, when you child had a bad cough and a fever (off and on fever) for 3-4 weeks, what did your doctor say??? Did she give you medication? What kind? She she give you antibiotics? I'm just curious if I need another opinion here, I'm obviously VERY upset about this. I don't want to harm him any more by giving him medicine he might not even need. Help!

carly sue replied: "just becasue she prescribed xopenex doesn't neccesarily mean he has asthma it just means that she think he will benefit from the meds right now. my son does have asthma and he takes several meds in nebulizer (usually in the cold weather mostly luckily it isn't that bad) i just sit him on my lap hold the mask up to his face and we watch tv sometimes he doesn't want the mask and i just hold tubing up towards his face he doesn' get as much that way but something is better than nothing. if your ped prescribed it then use it. (my son just turned 2 but he has been getting meds for about a 1 1/2 years."

Leslie M replied: "I can totally feel for you!! When my daughter was about 10 months old we took her to the daughter figuring she just had a cold, well we walked out of there with three different presciptions for asthma and a Nebuliser. It was very scary. I would give him the medicine and wait it out. My daughter went back a couple weeks later and they said we could take her off the meds for now, and play it by ear. It could just be a seasonal thing. Or she could just want you to have him on the meds until he starts feeling better and can breathe easier. It's hard to get them to do the Nebuliser but just sit him in a chair and put on Baby Einstein, that's what we did. The medicine took about 15-20 minutes to blow all out, and we had to do it a couple time a day. It was hard yes, but it'll help him. If you don't trust what this doctor is telling you, then maybe you should get a second opinion also."

TD R replied: "I understand your concern. I have had asthma pretty much my whole life and was sick my entire childhood (I'm 34 now) and my worst nightmare is my kids being diagnosed with it. First thing I would do is get a 2nd opion. If you feel your child is not having problems breathing and you don't feel comfortable giving him the medicine then don't ( moms do know the children best). When my daughter had the flu with alot of the same symptoms. My doctor had me alternate with Tylenol and Motrin for the fever every 6 hours, during the day give him something like Mucinex this will make him cough more and get this stuff up. At night give him something with a decongestant in it so he can rest. I hope this helps. One more thing if your son does really have asthma, don't stress about it. Most people lead very active healthy lives. My asthma was a very rare extreme case that is under control now."

crzy4wlvs replied: "Hi I understand your concern, I am a father of two (a 5 year old and a 1 year old) I have been in this situation a couple of times. My son is in Kindergarten and my daughter catches the germs brought home from school. They both have had Colds (one on top of another) and I have brought them to see the doctors. The Cough: They "rX'd" my children I expectorant/suppressant to calm the cough , and to make the cough more productive when he does cough. The fever: The doctor just plain told us to give them tylenol when the fever got a little high (obviously bring them to the E.R. if it reached a temp of 103* or higher) It is very possible that the reason that the have the fever for so long is because of the different colds. From what I hear, no two colds contain the same virus. And if they get 2 colds ("one on top of another") They could spike high fevers for each. Keep a close eye on it. (Im sure you have been all ready) I would take the advice from the doctor. That is what they are in the practice for. If you don't trust the doctor, take your children to the nearest Children's Hospital, and get the problem fixed. Then find another pediatrition. Again, Im not a doctor and I am just telling my past exepiance, but I hope this helps. Good Luck and I hope they feel better soon."

Liz replied: "That sounds more like croup to me. Both of my kids have had it and it still flares up occationally. If you have trouble getting him to take the medication, then let him breathe it in when he's asleep. Trust me, the medication is not going to hurt him. It will help him big time."

neecue replied: "the very first thing i would do is get a second opinion ... if this doctor has ordered a medication that is not right for a 1 year old there is no way i would give it ... and as for giving asthma meds for congestion , that is fine in the right dose , it does help with breathing and helps with swelling of the airways .. i am a asthma sufferer and a mother of 3 grown up boys ,, ther another thing you could do is go to your chemist (drug store) and talk to them about it ... there are thing like chest rubs , nasal sprays,,there is NO WAY you can have a "mask" on all day he would end up in hospital so dont even think of that ,,,,, so good luck its no fun having a little one with a bad cold ,, once again i would not go back to that doctor."

mystic_eye_cda replied: "Sometimes asthma medication is used for colds that just won't go away, even when the doctor knows it isn't asthma. I know my grandma was on an inhaler for a winter, I think my mom was too. However I am not saying that makes it right or advisable -particularly for a child. That being said there are three issues here: 1) You don't trust what the doctor has said, you don't feel listened to. And I don't imagine this doctor is going to be helpful if you have problems with this medication 2) What is wrong, what is the appropriate treatment. 3) Is Xepenex even approved for use in children. Let's start with #3 because it has a large bearing on the first two. The FDA says it has not been studies adequately in children under 6. Generally children under 2 are classified separately as well. Given that this medication is NOT approved for use in children under 6, and that there are probably many other asthma medications that are you have to question the knowledge of the doctor -and how influenced that doctor has been by drug companies. Honestly to me this really calls the doctor's advice even more into question. #1 This doctor did not listen to you or your concerns. The benefits and risks of the recommended treatment were not explained at all -which is a violation of medical practice. You can't give informed consent for treatment if you are not INFORMED. #2 Since the doctor doesn't seem to know or care what is wrong who knows what is the right treatment. Like I said chronic lung inflammation from colds is sometimes treated with asthma medication, and I can see how they would work particularly for night-time to help the child sleep. I doubt he needs antibiotics he would have a more consistent fever or the mucous he is coughing up would be green. Even then not all infections are bacterial, and not all bacterial infections need antibiotics. Antibiotics are only needed for bacterial infections that the body is not fighting effectively. ------------ The bottom line is you need a second opinion from someone that is actually going to LISTEN as well as COMMUNICATE. Whether now or a week from now that is your call depending on how sick he is and how long it takes to get another appointment. I would use a medication on a child until a) I was sure it was needed b) I was sure it was safe. If you have a separate doctor from your children that is generally the quickest way to get a second opinion or at least a referral. Good luck. --------- What is Xopenex used for? Xopenex is used to treat or prevent narrowing of the airways, (bronchospasm), in adults and children 12 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease, e.g., asthma. The safety and effectiveness of Xopenex in children less than 12 years of age has not been established. Pediatrics 370 The safety and efficacy of Xopenex (levalbuterol HCl) Inhalation Solution have been 371 established in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older in one adequate and well-controlled 372 clinical trial (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY; Pharmacodynamics and Clinical 373 Trials). Use of Xopenex in children is also supported by evidence from adequate and well374 controlled studies of Xopenex in adults, considering that the pathophysiology and the drug’s 375 exposure level and effects in pediatric and adult patients are substantially similar. Safety and 376 effectiveness of Xopenex in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years have not been 377 established."

Rosey55 D replied: "I think that you should get another opinion."

My 18 month old was just prescribed Xopenex (asthma medication) for congestion with a cold...need help!!!? My daughter started school a month ago. Ever since, all of us have been very sick because she's bringing home lots of germs. My 18 month old is catching everything she is catching. He has had a cough for a while now, so I took him into the doctor. She listened to him and she said he didn't have pneumonia. She said his airways sound tight or something like that and made it sound like it was something completely unrelated to his cold. This kid has NEVER had any health or breathing issues before. This was very upsetting to me. You can hear tons of stuff that he is coughing up from the cold. She was uninterested in hearing about his fevers that have accomponied his cold. She rxd him asthma medication which really scared me. It was a horrible appointment to say the least. I'm very leary about holding my little 1 year old down to force him to inhale this medication which is for asthma. I know it's to help open his airways but his airways seem to be open...just congested.... This prescription totally blindsided me and when I got upset and confused about the fact that she would ever bring up asthma, she reassured me that asthma wasn't all that bad and maybe I should contact parents of children who have asthma. Then she said that it was probably just a cold. I KNOW he has a cold! That was why I was there. I really thought maybe I would leave with something to help him cough this crap up other than asthma medication which I keep reading that is unsafe for kids under 4-6. She said I could leave him in this mask ''ALL DAY LONG'' if I wanted to...that doesn't sound safe. He is acting completely fine and happy other than a bad cough, especially at night when he lays down. Here is my question: What would you do? Give him the medication? Second opinion? Give it a few more days (my daughter just got sick 5 days ago with ANOTHER germ, so I'm wondering if my son got that too and that's why it's so bad all of the sudden?)....what would you do? Also, when you child had a bad cough and a fever (off and on fever) for 3-4 weeks, what did your doctor say??? Did she give you medication? What kind? She she give you antibiotics? I'm just curious if I need another opinion here, I'm obviously VERY upset about this. I don't want to harm him any more by giving him medicine he might not even need. Help!

wild&free replied: "call your dr if you dont want to use the xeopenex and see if there is an alternative med. if you choose to use it dont fight your child to get all the meds in. simply hold the mask close to his face and allow him to breathe the med as best you can. if he cries or resists take it slow. stop for a while and calm him down then restart the machine. if he gets worse or will not take the med at all definately call the dr for a different med."

cait replied: "Have you tried using the xopenex? If you've given him a few treatments and he doesn't seem to be improving, then I would head back to the ER or Doc's. Please don't try and diagnose your child yourself. Your doctor went to years of school. Also, asking what other people have been prescribed in their situation isn't helpful. If he starts having trouble breathing, then take him into the ER. Again, as long as he's having no obvious difficulties breathing, try a few treatments of the xopenex and take him back again if it doesn't help."

Matt D replied: "I wouldn't worry about giving Xopenex. Just do it now. It has worked for us without any visible side effects in the past. "Tight" means your child is having trouble getting air through their lungs easily. Xopenex helps open up the lungs so air can easily move through (and help them cough up the crud). It doesn't last forever, so the treatment has to be repeated. Because my daughter has asthema, her lungs get "tight" easier than regular kids. Alternative - Albuterol. We normally use this to treat the asthema and help open her lungs. Seems to be the everyday drug of choice. When she's really sick - we've been given Xopenex in the past. My daughter also hated the mask. We use a mouthpiece to either blow the mist in her face, or she just chews on the end of it and breathes the stuff in. Do a search on amazon.com for "nebulizer mouthpiece" and you'll see what I mean. The mouthpiece attachment should have come with the nebulizer machine. Obviously the mask is better, but let be realistic - kids hate it. The most effective way I found to keep her mind off of the treatment was to sing to her. "Wheels on the bus", or Old Mac Donald had a farm (there's plenty of animals to go through). We're at the point now where she knows it helps her, and does them without much fuss. In the end - you want to watch your child's chest with no shirt on. If you see the chest really working hard (heaving up and down) to get some breath when they are just lying down - it's time to get to the hospital. That's were I was last week just before she got admitted. She's currently doing great and hopefully she will come home today !"

Anybody on Xopenex inhalers for asthma? My doctor recently switched me to Xopenex from Albuterol and I'm finding its not working as well. (I'm also on Advair) Anybody experiencing the same problem? Anybody out there? LOL

bella361 replied: "no but i have heard this from other patients (i'm a nurse) ask your doctor to switch you back to what is working for you. if he is a half decent doctor he'll respect your wishes. drug companies have big push for xopenex right now it seems and this is probably why he wants to switch you."

Lori R replied: "My daughter used to have to use breathing treatments/inhalers and they put her on the xopenex because the albuterol made her heart rate race way to high. Why did your doctor switch you, I think you should ask to be put back on teh albuterol if it works better Many of our friends with issues didnt do as well on the xopenex either."

im 15 years old and i have asthma. I might be overdosing on the xopenex. Doctors, please awnser? I think i might be overdosing on the inhaler. ill keep using the inhaler, but is there some medicine i can take. Ive tried singular. But i stoped taking it, and im worried that if i go back on it again, it can have some affects. And the pills i have are a year old, so i dont know. help

Margarita T replied: "Think you need to be physically examined. Asthma can vary from very mild to very severe; and different meds. used."

Jill D replied: "Is it possible that your inhaler is empty? Sometimes we don't get relief from our inhalers.. even if they still feel full because the medication its self is empty. How often are you using your inhaler? And how much at a time? Are you using a spacer with to help medication reach lungs instead of into your stomach? Singular has a low number of side effects but it is important to return to the Dr, and get in control of your asthma with your drs help. Asthma mild to severe is something that requires Dr involvement. Jill"

Matt A replied: "It is possible your inhaler is empty. The rule of thumb is that if you have to use your inhaler more the 2 TIMES per WEEK, then your asthma is not in control. You need to see your asthma doctor about getting it under control. "

Nikki W replied: "i have been an asthmatic since i was a little little girl. when i was your age i used my inhaler all the time. at one point i was going through 2 inhalers a month. thats really bad. the more and more you use your inhaler when you shouldnt the more likely you are to have heart problems, more respiritory problems and everything else. Advair has helped me a lot i would talk to your doctor and tell him you are using your inhaler way too much, they will be able to set you up with a maintence med that can help you. dont take pills that are expired. also maybe look into get a nebulizer for home whne you feel like you cant get your breathing under control. its like a really powerful inhaler."

Fred F replied: "I'm not a doctor, I'm a Respiratory Therapist. I hope my answer will help, though. Asthma causes a combination of problems that obstruct the airways. Xopenex treats only one. The most obvious is bronchospasm, the tightening of the muscles that ring the airways, pinching them off which narrows the opening in the middle (lumen) that air moves through. Xopenex tells those muscles to relax, re-opening the airway. The airway is also narrowed by swelling of the layer lining the airway. As it gets puffier, the lumen is narrower. Xopenex does not treat that at all. It is treated with anti-inflammatories like prednisone and other corticosteroids. If you do not get relief with a normal dose of Xopenex you will not get it with more, since the swelling is obviously causing part of the problem. Go see your doctor. Singulair, Advair, Flovent, Azmacort, Serevent, Foradil, and similar medications are maintenance therapy to help prevent attacks, and lessen the severity of those that do occur. They will not relieve an attack and should NOT be increased once an attack starts unless you are specifically told to do so by your physician. Fred"

If my asthma responds more to steroids rather than albuterol/xopenex, what does that point to? Does that mean that most of my problem could be related to just my lungs being weak when they get colds and flus, and other infections, and swelling up, and producing mucus, etc,.....much more so than actual broncho-constriction? Because, I rarely seem to really have actual broncho-spasms, and when I take xopenex or albuterol during an asthma episode, it really doesn't do all that much. I feel a bit more open, and easier to breathe, i don't have to fight as much, but the same amount of soreness, heaviness, inflammation and mucus is still there. Then as soon as I take some prednisone, I feel about 80% better in an hour or two, like it just completely obliterated my asthma. But after I stop taking prednisone, a week later or so, it's back again, and the controller meds aren't really THAT effective. even little things like nasonex, or my controller symbicort, help my asthma alot more than the xopenex/albuterol, but they alone can't seem to do much. I also take zyrtec and singulair daily which seem to do absolutely nothing, or minimal. does this mean that my asthma is BAD, or just more inflammation related?

versantly replied: "the inhaled steroids are a maintanence medication -to be taken daily in order to decrease inflammation and help your rescue medication (albuterol or xopenex) work better. you need to have your rescue med in the form of an HFA (inhaler) and nebulizer for the acute episodes. you need to know your triggers. get an assessment & teaching from a pulmonologist. if you don't feel you respond to the antihistamines, your asthma may not be allergic in origin. taking prednisone (an oral steroid) is for acute episodes and is NOT a treatment for chronic asthma unless it is very severe. while taking prednisone, increase your calcium intake."

? replied: "Steroids are a very effective and efficient treatment for Asthma. But doctors do not recommend a person to take oral steroids as a habit because wrong usage of steroids can cause lot of permanent harm to the body. Doctors prescribe steroid tables like prednisolone when the asthma does not respond to the usual drugs. When they thus prescribe it is usually a short course , the maximum may be 2 weeks. For some patients the steroids have to be taken for a long time along with the other drugs as their Asthma cannot be controlled with only the other drugs. Then the doctors do not give oral steroids but they give Inhalation steroids which can be taken for a long time without complications, If your asthma does not get controlled with the usual drugs what you should do is not to take oral steroids indiscriminately but to take a prescription for inhalation steroids from a doctor. There can be asthma with occasional wheezing .Also there can be other conditions in the lungs that mimic asthma and in all of them the drugs you are taking now play a major role. When you meet your doctor next you can tell him about what you feel about your disease and get some clarifications done I am a medical doctor."

*YorNjin replied: "Could mean your asthma is just part of your respiratory problems as it is often accompanied by bronchitis, emphysema or pneumonia bouts you get more often than the average person. Oral (20 mg. pills) Prednisone is something I take everyday just to breathe and control the inflammation as I have severe copd due to years of having all four mentioned medical problems. You might want to consult a pulmonologist and get what is known as an FEV1 (simple blow into a tube test) to see whether or not you need to be treated for more than asthma. All asthma is bad or at least undesirable to the sufferer. Try this website for very informed, calm sources to solutions and answers to your questions. . If you get a lot of colds and flus, those inflammations are really taxing your respiratory system and you should rule out or get a diagnosis on possible copd as mine wasn't discovered until it was quite advanced and have encountered similar reports from copd-support1 people. You seem to be taking quite a few of the standard copd prescriptions and you might ask your doctor why if it's just asthma. The mucous production is causing the constriction as well as the inflammation episodes and it's time for you to start managing your ailment in cooperation with your medical team."

Asthma, oxygen saturation reading off? Also question about Xopenex (and nebulizer treatments in general).? Hi, I've been having some pretty bad asthma symptoms lately (bad enough where I went into the hospital last night). I was put on Prednisone 40 mg 2X daily. Anyway, my oxygen saturation was fine, and I'm wondering if my over-compensating breathing (i.e. I was trying to make up for my shallow breaths by taking more and taking them as deeply as possible, even though my chest was sore) would have highered it, when, if I had just let myself breathe without physically straining during the attack, it would have let my oxygen levels drop lower? There have also been times when I have a bad attack and my oxygen is close to normal, whereas a mild one is much lower. Could this be caused by my rapid breathing (in a desperate attempt to get more air in)? Lastly, can Xopenex nebulizer treatments cause high blood pressure temporarily (like 120/85)? I'm usually 90/60, but last night my BP was high. Thanks so much!

vwmradbff replied: "inhalers and nebualizers can raise you blood pressure. they can also make you woozy, and shaky"

calla replied: "Your best answers will come from a Respitory Tech. My son is a severe asthmatic. He actually had no vitals for 3 - 3 1/2 mins, I performed CPR until the ambulance came and took over. He was hospitalized for a week. This was 4 years ago, he is still on high dosages of nebulizers, and inhalers. We finally found a combination of different medicines that help. But he has to take them daily. We have our own machine at home which he uses 4 to 6 times a day, plus 2 other inhalers that he uses daily. Please see a professional to help you, you must get this under control. Asthma is very serious. I find that alot of people do not take this as serious as it really is. Asthma Kills. Inhalers and nebulizers can cause an increase in BP and heart rate. Also try to pin point what triggers your attacks. It could be allergies, stress, excitement, exercise. We had to change alot in our home for it to be safe for our son. All rugs and mats are gone. We do not use any cleaners, found recipes for cleaners that do not trigger his asthma. Air purifiers, AC, decluttered the whole house. Many, many other things. But please try to speak to a professional. They will help guide you and teach you more on many issues that are associated with asthma. Peak flow, preventive inhalers. Remember that with prednisone one usually has to be weaned off."

Are steroids & some inhalers used for asthma treatments dangerous for your health? Specifically prendisone, symbicort/advair, and even albuterol/xopenex. Are these dangerous for us? I use asthma meds almost daily to control my asthma, and I take prendisone for emergencies. I almost always feel weird, nauseous and just tired/worn out after taking all of these, but it definitely helps my asthma go away.

busybee2 replied: "for most people if used correctly; no. the dangers of un or undertreated asthma is a much greater risk to your health. prednisone is an oral steroid and it can cause problems with organs etc if used long term at high dosages..which is why it isn't. advair is a combo of inhaled steroid and long lasting bronchodialator. inhaled steroids are one of the most researched and safest meds there is available (natural or allopathic). Inhaled steroids go directly into the lungs where they are used. What is not needed is quickly excreted by the body. Inhaled steroids are considered non-systemic. albuterol is a bronchodialator...meaning it dialates the bronchi...caffeine is a mild natural bronchodialator. Remember medication is medication..whether natural or allopathic and all have the potential for side effects and interactions..and chronic illnesses also cause side effects..in the case of asthma scarring and thickening of the bronchi and lungs known as airway remodeling."

cheyenne replied: "Steroids are bad no matter what. Read the list of side effects? I find anything that isn't natural medicine to be very dangerous. I always read the side effects, and most times won't take it because of what I read. I always try to find a natural equivalent. Just me."

Renee replied: "Steroids are not good long term but neither is not being able to breath. Advair is a steroid but albuterol is not a steroid. Talk to your doctor about a low dose daily steroid."

Karissa L replied: "For the most part no but depending on the person they can have harsh side affects. All four of my children have asthma and have been put on prednisilone (a steriod) when it gets bad, three of them can tollerate it and one of them just can not! So all you can do is try and see how your body will react. Hope this helps!"

what do you do if heart rate increases after taking xopenex? I took some xopenex earlier because breathing was becoming a bit labored and took about 6 puffs. And then about 5 mins later and 30 mins since then my heart rate has increased. I saw on the site it was temporary but how long is temporary? Is this normal? Btw I am 16 year. Old, I used to have asthma, but most of it is gone. I'd really appreciate and answer because this seems serious.

jessi <3 replied: "i take that too. im 15. i only take about 2 puffs though. if your heart rate doesent go down in about 5 min. as for a diff med. because it might be to strong for you. or dont take as much or it =p"

Sandra replied: "You are suppose to take as directed. Medication that are prescribed to you don't hurt you if you take as directed. You might want to call the doctors office or poison control if it really is bothering you to see if you have taken to much"

Need to get prescription filled for Xopenex? I was recently prescribed a nebulizer for COPD and asthma I was given a script for Xopenex but my medicare prescription drug plan won't pay for it. Do you know of a plan that will help me with this prescription because I don't have the money to pay for it. I really need this medicine. Thank you for any answers that you may come up with.

thejoker8301 replied: "which drug plan do you have? most insurance companies cover Xopenex but the copays are high..depending on which ins you have. Illinois has a program where most prescriptions are $0-$3 depending on your age and income. Also some doctors give discount coupons or cards to their patients to help them a bit when checkout time comes. I hope this helped a bit. Good luck!!"

thick_red_bone_03 replied: "have ur doctor do a "drug" appeal. when he dose this the insurance company will cover the drug at generic co-pay. Good Luck!!!!"

mnvikes replied: "just see if your doctor will switch to albuterol, its basically the same thing except xopenex claims that it gives you less racing heart beat and other stimulating side effects (and personally i have doubts about that claim anyway, if you look at the package insert differences in heart rate are only like 1-3 beats per minute between albuterol and xopenex). thats why some insurances wont pay for it readily. it would be much cheaper and a lot less trouble than switching your insurance."

omfg16 replied: "um.......dont ask for albeuterol i was on that but it made my heart beat faster and there may be a reason ur on xopenex instead of albeuterol i would suggest finding a different insurance company? like bc bs"

Bad Man Kalia replied: "Alright, first find out what the rejection message states. If it says you need a PA (Prior Authorization), then have your doctor call up the insurance company and get that PA. It's basically an override number that the insurance company issues for a particular script and then it should be covered. Usually, a PA can take around a day to go through. If the rejection says that it is a plan exclusion, then you would need to talk to the doctor to get a new prescription for something that would be covered. There are still a lot of inhalers out there and perhaps another one would be comparable to Xopenex. You might also be missing a card which does cover the script. I know you have medicare but perhaps Medicaid might cover the inhaler. It's usually a blue card that says 'Benefit' on it. Try handing in that information to the pharmacy and see if that goes through."

suz replied: "Levalbuterol is the generic name for Xopenex have you tried to get it?"

Lea replied: "Xopenex is an expensive drug. Cheap Albuterol is just as efficacious as it. The side effects are the same. Everyone knows this fact. Have the doctor change the prescription to Albuterol Nebulizing solution and Medicare will cover it."

What are some other asthma meds I can try? I already take Advair 500/50, Singulair 10mg, albuterol inhaler as needed, and xopenex nebulizer as needed, and I still can't get past the yellow for peak flow! What are some other things that can help control asthma? I'm affected by the asthma everyday. I can't sleep, and I can't exercise. I use my albuterol inhaler everyday. I've been on oral steriods for three weeks, and the Advair is an inhaled steriod.

Diana replied: "Here is some info on this website"

Adrian replied: "Asthma control is not measured by peak flow. Some people also have underlying lung disease which means their peak flow may never go pass a certain point. Asthma control is measured by how your life is affected by it. By that I mean how often you need to use your salbutamol inhaler. If you are using it once a day or more then your control is not good enough and will benefit from increasing dose or frequency of your med or even put on long term steriod. But that's something your doctor will have to look into, and pros & cons weighed up. Adrian (A&E doctor)"

Mad Roy replied: "For alternative solutions you may want to read Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Murray & Pizzorno) and Prescription For Natural Cures (Balch & Stengler). Some allergy and asthma sufferers have gotten significant relief from taking monavie juice. Let's Get Well by Adelle Davis has a good section on allergie and asthma. Good luck and God bless!"

grumpydaysleeper replied: "Ask your Dr about "Spiriva" it is a dry powder inhaler that was approved by FDA about two years ago. It works great. You can take the Advair 500/50 and the Spiriva together. I did. Take your Xopenex via neb before you go to bed and when you get up. I take Xopenex too and I find that it really helps. Good Luck! I have COPD but the asthma component of the disease is what is the worst."

sugars_that_heal replied: "I know of something to look at. Here are some testimonials. glycoresource.com"

Insideher replied: "I can completely sympathize with ya. Maybe a dose of prednisone? try talking to your doc and see what they think."

Newlungs2004 replied: "You might talk to your doctor about nebulizer bronchodialators rather than just the inhalers. Many people don't correctly use an inhaler so the medication doesn't get to the passageways that need it the most. If you stay with inhalers at least use a spacer, which you can get from your doctor. It's easy to use and allows better inhalation of your meds. I had Cystic Fibrosis and asthma, both of which were cured in my lungs due to bi-lateral lung transplant two years ago. For me the nebulizers were much more effective because the medication was administered over a longer period of time so it allowed further and further opening of the blocked and restricted passageways. You should know try to learn more about what triggers your asthma and try to avoid them as much as possible. Good luck and I hope you breathe freely soon!"

Kimberly H replied: "Wow there are a lot of asthma meds that you could try! Flovent, is another inhaled steriod. How about pulmicort or asthmanex, these are also inhaled steriods, but in a powder inhaler. I also know that spiriva was mentioned, that is a good inhaler it is a combination of atrovent and albuterol. Foradil is a rather new inhaler, and works quite well. Have you tried the new Xopenex inhaler, my asthma was out of control until I tried that. I personally take a combination of asthmanex, spiriva, foradil, xopenex inhaler and singulair and my asthma is great!! I don't know a lot about alternative meds as I am a respiratory therapist and we don't give them, but check out some of the alternative meds they might even work better. Best of Luck to you"