I was a 2:42 marathoner. I used a synthetic varnish containing i...

Read all Advair HFA side effects

Posted at 6:26 PM on Oct 18, 2007 by hanswagner, #24406

I was a 2:42 marathoner. I used a synthetic varnish containing isocyanates, pentanedione, organic solvents, in one 7-hour session; the company-recommended respirator did not in fact prevent transmission: Severe chemically- induced asthma, plus neuropathy, plus, plus. I've used Advair 500/50 for six years. There have been many diverse effects from the chemical exposure; I'd not questioned any being Advair side effects. But the raised blood pressure was not initial, and certainly not a priori. Diminished hearing, diminished eyesight, anxiety. Again, not to lump in, but these questions are new for me. But the point I'd like to bring before this group is this: In August I was diagnosed with ehlichiosis [tick-borne, like lyme disease, not connected], and was prescribed 28 days on doxycycline. They recommend eliminating many possible antagonists to the doxycycline. My respiratory capacity had been continually diminishing. My ongoing physician said this was to be expected and recommended only the next more powerful steroid. Not a good solution. Before all this I was strong; repaired myself. In the absence of constructive answers, wondering if the Advair was weakening me, making me dependent, I quit the Advair as well on beginning the doxycycline. Today is eleven days post-doxycycline. Eight days ago there began with increasing severity, a terrible wracking deep cough producing dark yellow mucus. Painful. No fever. Grevious throat from the wracking, but I question whether this is a cold or infection. It's just in my lungs. Maybe it's as though I've thrown off an epithelial coating. These past two days the quantity of deep yellow mucus is not as ready, but the wracking and coughing is more severe. And my lung capacity, my respiratory capacity, is frighteningly diminished. Until these past two days I'd considered this an infection, especially post-doxy. But it doesn't feel like an infection. And I'm scared. Is this because I quit the Advair abruptly after long regular use? Have any of you had a similar experience. Can you discuss the effects of abruptly discontinuing Advair. Have you stayed off it. What's happened to your respiratory capacity. Have you any professional studies, trials or experience to recommend. Thanks.

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Reply over 2 years ago on Oct 19, 2007 by kalz, #2477

Advair is a steroid and you were on the highest dosage. It is dangerous to discontinue any steroid cold turkey, because steroids suppress your adrenals and when you quit them overnight, your adrenals do not pick up the slack and your abilty to heal is seriously compromised for some time. It takes awhile for the adrenals to kick in, hence the need to go off steroids slowly and some people experience adrenal failure which is life threatening. The catch 22 is that steroids weaken your immune system but make your body become dependent on them. So, on or off, you're in a terrible place. Though I think getting off Advair is a very good idea (more people die of asthma on it than die off of it and respiratory infections increase from its use), but you really need to contact your doctor asap. Your situation can be very dangerous! I've eliminated just about everything limiting from my diet (processed foods, chemicals, additives, msg, nutrisweet, excessive sugar, wheat, etc) and added a number of supplements and my COPD has very slowly, over a couple of years, done the unheard of - its improved - slower than I would like, but my doctors expected me to be on permanent oxygen awhile ago, not go in the opposite direction.