COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

936 Members
10,879 Posts
0 Online
Lungs & Respiration
/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Med question

munchkinmommy
munchkinmommy
I figured someone here might know... What are the longer term side affects of being on Combivent, and Symbocort to while I'm asking. I've just recently started Symbicort after being on Combivent for a good part of 5-6 yrs. (with a few breaks in between)

I was VERY hesitant to do the steriodal inhaler knowing it'd be a very long term thing, but it does work alot better and I guess being able to breathe trumps other "lesser" side affects. ;-)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've not every used the two meds you are asking about, but I did go to 'ask yahoo', and this is what I found. Combivent is the trade name for albuterol and ipratropium. Having had asthma all my life, and now with all this COPD stuff, I just figure if I can keep my air ways open, it is worth the price of steroids!! But I didn't see any long term dangers on Combviant. Hope this has been of help. You can google your new med to get info, but I rely a lot on my pharmacist for information.
Take care, Becky
p.s. I don't in any way intend to offer any medical advice!!


What are the possible side effects of albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using albuterol and ipratropium and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister of this medicine;
chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats;
swelling of your ankles or feet;
pain or burning with urination; or
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).
Less serious side effects may include:

headache, dizziness, nervousness;
drowsiness or sleep problems (insomnia);
cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose;
dry mouth, unusual taste in your mouth;
tremors, numbness or tingly feeling;
nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation; or
blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
munchkinmommy
munchkinmommy
That's what I found too, but I thought that was for more immediate use, not after taking it for long periods of time. I couldn't find anything on that yet, I'll try looking again later.