I want to wean off from using Duoneb medication

[bohodogup]

I am using Duoneb with nebulizer 5 or 6 times a day. Also I just started Spiriva one time a day. I have started having a very tight feeling in my chest. I feel it is beause the two meds are contraindicated. If this is true, how may I wean from the Duoneb? My family physician has diagnosed me as having COPD. Thank you.

[allmymarbles]

Sorry, I was called away. Both the ipratropium of Duoneb and Spiriva are forms of atropine and my doctor thinks that taking both is overkill. As to the tightness in your chest, because of the overuse of Duoneb your lungs are probably extremely dry and you may be forming thick sticky mucus. So you really should, not only cut down on the Duoneb, but also get yourself an expectorant. I use over-the-counter guaifenesin. I get plain quaifenesin, not Mucinex.

I am currently working on substituting Duoneb, insofar as is possible, with natural anti-inflammatories, to eliminate side effects, particularly candidiasis.

[allmymarbles]

If you are taking Duoneb there is no point in taking Spiriva because Spiriva is related to the ipratropium that is a consitituant of Duoneb. Also Spiriva is extremely drying which may be why you are feeling so uncomfortable.

To be using Duoneb five or six times a day you would have to be close to death. Obviously you aren't, so you can cut back without any problem. I have serious COPD and my use of Duoneb averages 3.5 vials daily.

The big question is - how bad is your COPD? Answer this and I may have some good suggestions about getting off Duoneb. (I am actually cutting back myself).