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Intruse Ellipta

So just over a month ago, I saw my allergy/asthma Dr and did my FeNO and Spirometry tests. My spirometry at that time was 76 (I assume this is the FEV1/FvC ratio). My Dr gave me a long speech about keeping my scores in the 70s and trying to avoid scores in the 30-40 range. He said I needed a long acting bronchioldialator and gave me a sample and prescription for Intruse Ellipta. Then as I left he said I most likely have chronic inflammation from my allergies. The month I used the Intruse, I progressively felt worse. I developed a constant dry cough and muscle cramps. I felt like I had hit a wall and getting through a work day was rough. I returned one month later. My spirometry was 74 with an increase to only 75 7 minutes after an albuterol nebulizer treatment. I saw the PA this time and she seemed upset that my score was lower than previous. I told her how bad I felt with the Intruse and was told I could stop it. She wanted to drop my Advair dose down but since my Dr told me it was the right dose for me on the last visit and I had not done another FeNO test I said I did not feel comfortable with that. So it is over a week later, I have used my rescue inhaler for chest tightness a few times (hot humid weather and exercise) but my cough is getting better and less frequent. I cough up a bit of mucous in the am but even that seems better as I now can get it up. So my question is, has anyone else had a bad experience with Intruse and are there any questions I should ask at my next visit? I have never smoked, my parents stopped smoking when I was 7 and overall I have never had severe respiratory infections. I have had an occasional asthma attack when exposed to large amounts of dust or lots of dogs. I wheeze in cold weather. My lungs have always been clear when listened to and my peak flow is consistently 410-450 which is great for my age/height. I hope the Intruse did not make things worse. Last does an albuterol nebulizer tx make that much of a difference in 7 minutes or, would waiting 15 minutes to test again have been better? My rescue inhaler stopped my Intruse cough so I am not sure why the albuterol nebulizer tx did not help.

  1. Shellykzoo - It's sounds like you've had quite an experience recently. Hopefully others in the community that have actually tried the Intruse Ellipta can give you some first-hand knowledge of what they're experience has been.

    Some of the same symptoms you mention are listed as possible adverse reactions to the medication. There are so many drugs that are effective for COPD that I'm sure they'll find the right fit for you.

    It sounds like you're already on the up-swing, so that's positive news. The spirometry may just be an anomoly and hopefully they'll repeat it next time you visit the doctor. It sounds like overall your albuterol works well for you so I would guess by the next spriometry all will be back to normal.

    Keep us posted.

    Regards,
    Lyn (site moderator)

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