Still need answers about xopenex inhaler

We were told the Xopenex did not cause as much side-effects as albuterol even though both medications are in the same drug class.  My Husband cannot take Albuterol because of heart rhythm issues from the drug, but has had no trouble on the Xopenex.  Azmacort is a steroid inhaler, thus is a different medication class entirely from Albuterol or Xopenex.  So you should be able to stay on the Azmacort and switch from Albuterol to Xopenex fine...but if I were you, I'd only bother switching to Xopenex if you are having side-effects from Albuterol...otherwise, why fix something that isn't broken?  Make sure to discuss this with your doctor before making any changes in your medications or doses.

Take care,

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-Razzle

Chronic Lyme Disease, Gluten & Sulfite Sensitivity, Many Food/Inhalant/Medication Allergies & Intolerances, Asthma, Gut issues (dysmotility, non-specific inflammation), UCTD ("Secondary Lupus-Like Syndrome"), Osteoporosis, Anemia, Lymphopenia, intermittant Pancytopenia, chronic malabsorption/malnutrition, etc.; Currently TPN-dependent.

Meds:  Zofran, Vitamin B12 Shots, Heparin (to flush PICC line).

I just started Xoponex today, and I have not felt jittery so far. I realize it's probably too soon to tell.

Megan

Hi Allura,  I read your post with interest and would like to ask you a few questions.  I use an albuterol inhaler ( the new one with HFA) and an azmacort.  I use the albuterol 4X a day, 2 puffs each time and I use a spacer as it works better this way.  It's not as good as the old one but I do get relief.  I use the azmacort 2-3 times a day up to 8 puffs but usually 4-6 puffs and that one comes with its own spacer.  I am curious, when you say you use a high does of albuterol just how high is it?  How many puffs do you take a day?  With the xopenex do you get jittery?  My dr. and my pharmacist says as long as the two I am using work not to switch to xopenex.  My dr. says xopenex makes you really jittery.  Please reply when you get a chance.  Thanks so much for your help.

Aurora

Yes Xopenex can make you jittery just not as bad as the albuterol, I use the Xopenex rescue inhaler as needed.
For me the Xopenex is a lot better than the albuterol, so I would say give it a try.
What has you worried about Xopenex? It's been used in the nebulizers for years now...
Do a google search on Xopenex to find out more about it.
Maybe with Xopenex you might not have to use it as often.

Lots of soft hugz and keep us posted as to if you try it, okay!