Is it normal that I need to take Bricanyl and Pulmicort more often for my asthma after a pulmonary embolism? In what order should I take my pumps?

30-year-old woman6 years ago

I usually take Bricanyl and Pulmicort in a pump for my mild asthma when needed.

0 like

647 views

30-year-old woman · 6 years ago

i am anticoagulated with xarelto. I have always had mild asthma. it seems to me that before when I was playing outside I took my pumps much less often. this was my 2nd embolism i had one 8 years ago because of the pill and this one they don't know yet if it's hereditary because i don't take the pill anymore. yesterday i went snowshoeing and i stopped every 2-3 minutes to take a breath i had more trouble than usual with my breath. My medications are: my bricanyl and pulmicort pumps, xarelto, rivotril, celexa, risperdal, melatonin.

30-year-old woman · 6 years ago

Stéphane Villeneuve · 6 years ago

Hello Mrs,

Stéphane Villeneuve · 6 years ago

I would prefer that you see your doctor sooner rather than later, depending on whether the shortness of breath you are reporting has worsened rapidly or has come on gradually. If the shortness of breath gets worse day after day, you should see your doctor as soon as possible, especially considering your cardiovascular history (embolism).

If the shortness of breath is stable but persistent, you should consult your family doctor to make adjustments to your asthma inhalers. If your shortness of breath is not due to a cardiovascular cause, your asthma is not under control! You may want to visit your family pharmacist to assess your inhalation technique to ensure that it is adequate. If necessary, he or she can also fax suggestions to the doctor in what is called a pharmacy opinion.

Shortness of breath, especially at your age, is not normal. I urge you not to hesitate to go see a doctor, and not to consider the potential waiting time if you think you will have to go to the emergency room or a walk-in clinic. In this particular case, your long-term health should take precedence over your daily routine.

I hope I have answered your question and look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Stéphane Villeneuve, pharmacist

30-year-old woman · 6 years ago

thank you!

30-year-old woman · 6 years ago

hello again Mr. Villeneuve, I finally went to the hospital because my family doctor is on sick leave from January to March and my pulmonologist can't see me until I've passed the few tests he wanted me to have (blood tests and heart echo). So they gave me ventolin right away and then taught me how to take my pumps properly every day. The air was flowing well into my lungs and the vitals were very good, 100% saturation etc. so I don't think it was anything serious but rather I think I was controlling my asthma the wrong way! I thank you for all your good advice! :)) that said I only waited 1 hour in the waiting room and 1 hour in the consultation room so I guess we are lucky in the saguenay to have a short waiting time at the chicoutimi hospital.

Stéphane Villeneuve · 6 years ago

Thank you so much for the follow-up! I'm glad we were able to get to the bottom of this.

Stéphane Villeneuve · 6 years ago

Thank you so much for the follow-up! I'm glad we were able to get to the bottom of this.

30-year-old woman · 6 years ago

I have one last question: can my pumps (bricanyl and pulmicort) interact with my other medications?

Others: xarelto, rivotril, celexa, risperdal, melatonin

thank you! :)

Stéphane Villeneuve · 6 years ago

Hello again,

Interactions with inhalers are very uncommon, since their absorption (the passage of the medication into the bloodstream) is very low. Only certain medications have the potential to interact with inhaler medication; these medications come with a very close follow-up!

You can therefore continue your treatment with peace of mind according to the information you received at the Chicoutimi hospital.

I hope that I have answered your question clearly,

Stéphane Villeneuve, pharmacist

30-year-old woman · 6 years ago

yes, thank you

0 like

Answered by

Stéphane Villeneuve

As a young pharmacist who recently graduated from Laval University in Quebec City with a Doctor's degree in Pharmacy (Pharm. D.), Stéphane joined the Ask Your Pharmacist team as part of an in-depth reflection on technology's impact on people's health. To the best of his knowledge, he is dedicated to helping Internet users in search of answers about their health status, their drug treatments and various topics that are directly or indirectly related to the skills of the community pharmacist.

Care team

Martin Chouinard & Stéphane Villeneuve

2090 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Quebec City, Quebec, Quebec, G1J 1X7

The neighbourhood pharmacy with great aspirations, where work well done and efficiency go hand in hand, where people's well-being meets their health, and where beauty radiates simplicity! Located in a central location in the Maizerets district of Quebec City, our pharmacy has close to fifty (50) qualified and dedicated employees, a flourishing cosmetics department and a wide range of everyday products. Martin Chouinard and Stéphane Villeneuve are your team of pharmacist-owners, dedicated to offering the best pharmaceutical services to their community. Mr. Chouinard has been a pharmacist-owner, affiliated with The Jean Coutu Group, for nearly 20 years, while Mr. Villeneuve joined as an associate of Mr. Chouinard on May 1st, 2020, after two years as Head Pharmacist.

Looking for reliable answers?

Explore questions answered by real health professionals!

Explore publications