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Is it okay to stop Symbicort all the sudden?

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Posted 1/9/2015 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone and happy new year,
I ran out of my Symbicort 80/4.5 inhaler yesterday and I will not be able to buy one for another week due to money issues. Today is my first day without it, I was wondering if I should expect anything bad to happen so I can be prepared...any idea?
I have been on it for 2 months top by the way.
Thanks :)
Posted 1/9/2015 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
i've never taken Symbicort, but if it is a steroid inhaler, it's probably not too wise to drop it suddenly. i tried stopping my pulmicort inhaler without weaning off, and in ten days I was in a terrible mess. i probably could have died and I don't say that lightly. my oxygen levels were below 82% because that is what I was when I went to the doctor and I was feeling a lot better. I should have gone to the ER. :P
So, be careful! :)
Posted 1/9/2015 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Call your doctor explain your money situation and see if you can get one free sample if possible...see if your doctor can help! But you should not stop a medication cold without reducing it, as even inhalers can cause possible withdrawal effects to you...call your doctor...
Posted 1/12/2015 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you guys, I guess you are right about quitting cold turkey. I am going to see my doc on Wednesday and I will let her know that I have been off for a week and see what she says and how she can help...I really never do anything like this without getting my doc opinion first but these are special times for me...
Posted 2/1/2015 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
always speak to a pharmacist and look it up on the net too. can't be too careful with these drugs. it would seem to me that if you are doing okay, maybe you no longer need that drug, perhaps there is a less expensive and milder alternative for you.

general advice with all medicines, proceed with caution and best wishes to all.
Posted 2/5/2015 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Just a quick update for whoever is interested. I still can not go see my doctor because I am still waiting to get coverage... I stopped Symbicort 80/4.5 (the lower dose) back in January 9th, about a month ago, I am doing great and actually had less asthma attacks than when i was on Symbicort. I am honestly thinking to go see another doctor. This one seems a bit over the top, I would have absolutely no symptoms for months and she would claim my asthma is worse ?! and then i would go see her after having an awful week of asthma attacks and she would claim, my chest sounds great?! I am really confused...maybe a second opinion will do me good...
Posted 2/8/2015 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
very good idea, most of these docs are not terribly good at this. once i had a very tight chest and the dummy doc gave me finger check on me. I went back and got a treatment and they were not paid for any service because i contacted the insurance company. bad news. the medical field is going downhill fast.
Posted 2/9/2015 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
A second opinion is a good idea for you as it sounds like your not getting appropriate treatment. Any time you feel bad about a doctor then that means you need a second opinion...
Hope you can get a better doctor...
Posted 2/12/2015 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
i have stopped symbacort and other like meds often with no harm. with the price of it how do they expect you to afford it in the first place. dulara is MUCH better anyway. this is the inhaled med to take if you must use a inhaled sterriod.
Posted 2/12/2015 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi super20dan,
With my insurance, Dulara, Qvar and Symbicort all cost me about the same, 20 t0 25$... I started with Dulera and it hurt my vocal cords so much it was really difficult for me to speak... i m glad i feel great without any maintenance inhaler though... but thank you for the tip :)
Posted 2/19/2015 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
I take Symbicort and I am trying to slowly wean myself off. However, Symbicort has coupons for people whose insurance doesn't cover the whole thing. I got the coupon from my doctor's office. There are no income restrictions. I think there may be a coupon online as well. My Symbicort should cost me $300 or so. It was free with the coupon. According to the details, the most you would have to pay is $25.
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