COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Most people who used to take Combivent have switched to Spiriva (Tiotropium). It is called an anti-cholinergic drug. For rescue, thye will use some form of Albuterol. I had heard that Combivent was being discontinued.

I take Spiriva and love it!
Hugs, Sue

Welcome to the group Gentlemike. We can be a bunch of crazy ladies and gentlemen from time to time, but we are purty smart too! lol

I love my Combivent. It is the only fast acting inhaler that works for me. Last thing I read about Combivent is that the inhaler has to become eco-friendly by Dec 1010 or be discontinued (like the Pro-Air inhaler--what a joke and waste of money). The manufacturer is waiting until the very last second to decide what to do with it because it is so popular. The Combivent Nebulizer will stay "as is" Yeah!

I'm involved with a clinical study group for an Improved Spiriva thru Feb 1010. I liked the original Spiriva, but really love the improved one. It doesn't come close to lasting 24 hours. I think it will be coming out in different strengths (like the Advair). See ya around, Hugs, Laurie

I'm like Laurie...I, too, love my Combivent and have read the same thing regarding its continued use.

And, I also do Spriva, after not much luck with Advair. It's made a world of difference with me - though I didn't know they were working on a "new and improved" Spiriva.

Have had heart stress tests, etc., with no negative results so far!

I also love my combivent. I was using it long beforen I even knew I had Emphysema.They were treating me for asthma for years since asthna ran in myCombivent" title="http://family.Combivent" target="_blank"> family.Combivent made it possible to do alot of things that I wouldn't have been able to do. I am on Spiriva now and Advair. But I see the biggest results from Combivent. I hope they don't take it off the market. I don't use it everyday day just occassioally.
It works fast and thats what I like. I have
forgotten to take my spiriva a couple of times and could notice a difference.

my inhaler is ALVESCO 160 Inhaler ciclesonide it works pretty good in an emergency for all time use i use symbicort cant really tell any difference but if i miss for a few days then i need a quick fix of the other one...hugs oz

i use both of those! but i figure...damned if i do, damned if i don't. i read the warnings on the meds and dont' want to take anything. but seems we really don't have much choice about it. we either take them after weighing the risks, or suffer.

so far, i've had no problems. i'm betting on being in the 66 percentile that don't die from it!...by the way, dont' most emphysema people die from heart attacks anyway?
margaret

Combivent is my inhaler, too. I use it 4 times a day and it really helps reduce SOB and the awful fatigue. My pulmonologist also started me on QVar because he said Combivent would stop working after awhile, and QVar would keep it working longer. I have never seen this information in the drug inserts or any place else. I worry more that I am taking an unnecessary extra drug - also the expense of a 2nd inhaler.

The percentages in the referenced article have to be thought about. The last article I saw on this study of the increased chance of heart trouble said something like, the control group had a 1.2% death rate and the ipratropium group had a 1.6% death rate. That's a 1/3 higher death rate, but remember that an increase in a tiny number is still a pretty tiny number. It's not saying 1/3 of the people die!

I hate taking medications, and this is the first time in my life that I have been on daily medication, but I do love breathing. Thanks to all the posters. This question really brought out a lot of good information. I'm new at this COPD business so I'm grateful to be able to learn so much from fellow DS members.

Joan

I use ipratropium and albuterol in nebs Q4 hours and have rescue inhalers of ProAir and Combivent along with my Advair.
Even with a heart condition and the possible risks, if I had to give up my Combivent I'd be in deep doo doo. When I'm really locked down this helps so much more than just Proaair or albuterol.
Had no luck with Spiriva.

In reference to Joan's posting, if I'm correct and looking at it another way.... 1.2 percent death rate means 98.80 percent did not die from a cardiovascular event due to the medication. For 1.60 percent it would be 98.40 percent.

Even if there is a 1/3 percent increase, those are odds I can live with...as I imagine the odds dying of COPD would be much sooner and greater without medications. :o)

I am on Combivent also and it is funny that you are saying this stuff maybe harmful to us. My Pharmist made a comment to me when I picked the perscribtion up last week and mentioned to me not to take it all the time unless an emergency. Something about blood pressure, makes the heart work more can cause heart failure. Needless to say what can I do I have a Pulomanrist perscribe this medication to me and I need it.