1. Ask your doctor if it’s possible to get a generic version of a drug.
2. If a generic version is unavailable or your doctor recommends you take a brand-name medication, you should ask if a discount coupon or a free trial is available.
3. There are also several websites that you can find and print COPD coupons.  For example, you can find an Advair coupon on DrugCouponZone.com or a Spiriva coupon on InternetDrugCoupons.com.
4. On Xubex.com, patients can receive up to 30 day supply of select popular brand medications absolutely free.
5. RXSavingsPlus.com offers a discount card that is accepted in many pharmacies.
6. Filling your prescription at some pharmacies may be more expensive than others (even though it’s for the exact same medicine).  Consider checking to see if the price of your medication is cheaper at the pharmacy in Wal-Mart, Cosco or Sam’s Club.
7. If you can’t afford your medication, you might quality for patient financial assistance directly from the pharmaceutical company. If the pharmaceutical company that makes your prescription is not on the list below, just try searching Google for the name of your pharmaceutical company + patient assistance.
   • You can see if you quality for financial help from GlaxoSmithKline here.
   • You can see if you quality for financial help from Merck here.
   • You can see if you quality for financial help from Boehringer Ingelheim here.
   • You can see if you quality for financial help from Astrazeneca here.
   • You can see if you quality for financial help from Bristol-Myers Squibb here.

Remember, you shouldn’t modify the recommended dosage of your medication to save money and you should always take your medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.  Also, do not buy medication from questionable sources – make sure you get your prescriptions from legitimate pharmacies.

Benefits
Oxygen therapy can increase your quality of life by easing common COPD symptoms like shortness of breath and lack of energy.  Several studies have also shown that it may help people with COPD live longer.  It may also improve confusion, memory problems, and impaired kidney function.

Side Effects
If you follow the doctor’s instructions, there are usually minimal risks.  Oxygen, however, is highly flammable so any cigarettes or open flames should be strictly avoided.

When & How Oxygen Therapy is Used
Long-term oxygen therapy is usually prescribed to raise PaO2 levels to somewhere between 60 and 65 mm Hg or oxygen saturations from 90% to 92%.  Oxygen therapy is administered in one of three ways:

Oxygen Gas Cylinders

Liquid Oxygen Devices

Oxygen Concentrator

Typically, for long-term oxygen therapy, patients should get oxygen for at least 18 hours with as few interruptions as possible.  Using it 24 hours a day should provide maximum benefit.

Remember, this site does not give complete information about COPD, oxygen therapy, or any disease.  The information it does contain may not even apply to your case.  For complete information, you should consult a doctor or a health care professional.  The information on this site should not substitute the judgment or knowledge of a health care professional.

Cigarette Smoking Facts

1. Statistically, every cigarette you smoke takes off 11 minutes of your life.
2. There are 1.1 billion smokers in the world today.
3. 70% of Chinese men smoke.
4. If both parents smoke, a teenager is more than twice as likely to smoke than a young person whose parents are both non-smokers.
5. If all women quit smoking during pregnancy, about 4,000 new babies would not die each year.
6. If the mother smoked during pregnancy, her baby will average 6 ounces less and its pulse will be 30% faster than a non-smoker’s baby.
7. Smoking-related diseases cause an estimated 440,000 American deaths each year.
8. Smoking costs the United States over $150 billion annually in health care costs.
9. A smoker will need an average of 7.5 sick days per year.  A non-smoker will need only 4.5.
10. Ten years after quiting smoking, a person’s risk of lung cancer and heart disease returns to that of a non-smoker.

Phase 1: Mild COPD

Stage 1 COPD

You have around 80% of what your normal lung function should be. At this point, you might not even realize you have COPD. Usually (but not always), you’ll experience chronic coughing and mucus buildup. Treatment is usually just limited to short-acting bronchodilator.

Phase 2: Moderate COPD

Stage 2 COPD

You have between 50-80% of what your normal lung function should be. At this point, you may experience some shortness of breath and some coughing upon exertion. This is the stage were usually people begin to notice their symptoms and go see a doctor. In addition to a short-acting bronchodilator, treatment may include long-acting bronchodilators and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Phase 3: Severe COPD

Stage 3 COPD

You have between 30-50% of what your normal lung function should be. At this point, you may notice increased shortness of breath and flare-up. In addition to the treatment option for moderate COPD, you may need antibiotics, long-term oxygen therapy and surgical treatment.

Phase 4: End Stage COPD

End Stage COPD

You have less than 30% of what your normal lung function should be. Symptoms are gradually going to become worse and worse and flare-ups can be deadly. Treatment is similar to severe COPD. Remember, just because you have End Stage COPD does not mean you need to start planning your death. Many patients lead good lives for years.

No matter what stage of COPD you have, following these tips may improve your prognosis:

1. Quit smoking
2. Avoid pollution, chemicals, dust, etc.
3. Get an flu shot every year
4. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
5. Exercise
6. But most importantly, keep an open line of communication with your doctor or healthcare provider

Old Man Smoking – by LJ.

Old Man Smoking - by LJ. - 2008

Chest X-Ray of Lungs with COPD – by robhengxr

Chest X-Ray of Lungs with COPD - by robhengxr - 2006

Old Man with Breathing Tubes – by JurjenL

Old Man with Breathing Tubes - by JurjenL - 2006

Last Request: Dont Smoke – by Ajka_Hungary

Last Request: Don't Smoke - by Ajka_Hungary - 2008

COPD Research and Hope in the Future – by COPD – Learn More Breathe Better

COPD Research and Hope in the Future - by COPD - Learn More Breathe Better - 2009

Asmanex Twisthaler Coupon

Asmanex is the branded version of mometasone, a steroid (in the corticosteroids class of drugs) used to treat inflammation in the lungs.  Since asthma is partially caused by a narrowing of the airways due to inflammation, Asmanex can be an effective treatment option.  It may take up to two weeks before you’ll see your symptoms start to improve and the frequency of asthma attacks start to be reduced.  Remember, Asmanex is not meant to be used when as asthma attack is already in progress!

Asmanex Twisthaler is inhaled orally once a day (or as directed by your doctor).  Dosage is based on the severity of your asthma and how well you’ve responded to other treatments.  Gargling and rinsing your mouth after each use may help to prevent hoarseness and oral yeast infections.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but don’t double up.  If it’s almost time to take the next dose anyway, just resume your normal dosing schedule.

Asmanex should be stored at room temperature and away from light and moisture.  You should discard the inhaler 45 days after opening the protective pouch or if you’ve used up all the inhalations (whichever one comes first).

Some of the side effects of Asmanex may include:

• allergic reactions (hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throats, etc.)
• trouble breathing
• wheezing
• skin rash, numbness, pain, bruising, tingling
• changes in shape or location of body fat
• worsening of asthma symptoms
• headaches
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or join pain, muscle weakness
• tiredness
• deepened voice
• changes in menstrual periods
• nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite

Coupons and Discounts

You can get a 30 doses of the Asmanex 220mcg Twisthaler for free by filling out the form here.  You’ll obviously need a prescription from your doctor before you can redeem your coupon.

You can also save $10 on each refill of Asmanex for a total savings of up to $120 per year.  Just click here, fill out the form and bring the coupon to your local pharmacy with your prescription!

The site does not give complete information about Asmanex or any disease and the information it does contain may not even apply to your case.  For complete information, you should consult a doctor or a health care professional.  The information on this site should not substitute the judgment or knowledge of a health care professional.

5 Ways to Remove COPD Mucus / Phlegm

Living with COPD isn’t easy.  Not only are the airways constricted, but the air sacs that transfer oxygen (and remove carbon dioxide) from the blood are damaged.  Mucus in the airways only makes the problem worse.  The good news is that there are several techniques and medicines that may help remove mucus and phlegm (pronounced flem).

1. Coughing: COPD patients can have a hard time mustering the strength to cough effectively.  This is due to the fact that COPD itself causes shortness of breath.  The good news is that you can teach yourself how to cough effectively and it’s probably the one of the best way to clear mucus / phlegm from your throat.  Here are some coughing exercises you can practice to get you started.
2. Chest Physiotherapy (CPT): This basically using patting and vibrations on your chest to help the mucus out.  Many physiotherapists are qualified in CPT and can show you how to do it at home.
3. Postural Drainage: This is often use with chest physiotherapy.  It involves positioning yourself so gravity helps you get the mucus out.  There are 12 different positions that can help (depending on where the mucus is located in your lungs).
4. Expectorants: Expectorants are a type of medicine (available over the counter and with a prescription) that loosen the mucus in your lungs and help you cough it out.
5. Mucolytics: Mucolytics are available over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription.  They help loosen thick mucus and make it easier to get out of your airways.  Mucolytics are currently not a standard treatment option for COPD patients (according to GOLD), but some COPD patients do report they work well.
   

The site does not give complete information about COPD (or any other disease) and the information it does contain may not even apply to your case.  For complete information, you should consult a doctor or a health care professional.  The information on this site should not substitute the judgment or knowledge of a health care professional.

Ventolin HFA

Ventolin HFA, the branded version of albuterol,  makes it easier to breathe by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways.  It’s used to treat a number of conditions of the lung including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Ventolin HFA can start working in as little as 15 minutes and continue to help for up to 6 hours.

Take $15 off your Ventolin HFA prescription.    You can use the coupon up to 4 times per calendar year – that’s a total of $60 in savings!

Here’s how you do it:

1. Print the coupon
2. Talk to your doctor and ask if Ventolin is a good match for you
3. Take the coupon you printed out in step 1 and your Ventolin prescription from the doctor and et your discount  the pharmacy
4. When you need refill, print out another coupon.  Remember, you can only use the coupon 4 times per calendar year.

The usual doese of Ventolin HFA is 1-2 inhalation every 4-6 hours.   The inhaler should be stored at room temperature, and kept away from excessive heat.  Also, Ventolin HFA has a dosage counter which tells you how many inhalations you have left before you run out.

Some of the side effects of Ventolin HFA include:

• Nervousness
• Shaking (tremor)
• Mouth and throat dryness or irritation
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Trouble Sleeping
• Nausea
• Fast heartbeat
• Muscle cramps or weakness

The site does not give complete information about Xopenex or any disease and the information it does contain may not even apply to your case.  For complete information, you should consult a doctor or a health care professional.  The information on this site should not substitute the judgment or knowledge of a health care professional.

There’s currently a promotion for a free Xopenex Inhaler holder.  You just need to fill out some basic information and they’ll send it to you in the mail.  No purchase is required.

Xopenex comes in two forms – an inhaler/puffer and a nebulized solution.  An inhaler or puffer is pressurized and delivers a dose of medication when a person pushes the button on top.  A nebulizer  delivers a medication dose by passing air over a liquid form of the medication and creating a mist.  Xopenex should be used as directed by your doctor.  It’s important that you don’t use it more than what has directed by your doctor because an increased need for medication might be a warning sign of an approaching serious asthma attack.

Xopenex should be stored in its protective foil pouch at room temperature.  Keep it away from light and heat.  If you miss a dose, just take the missed dose as soon as you remember.  You should not take twice the usual dosage.

It’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure Xopenex is right for you and to make sure you know how to properly get the medication into your lungs.

Some of the most common Xopenex side effects include:

• allergic reactions
• worsening of respiratory symptoms
• chest pain
• dizziness
• tremor
• nervousness
• anxiety
• headache
• cough
• runny nose
• upset stomach
• leg cramp

The site does not give complete information about Xopenex or any disease and the information it does contain may not even apply to your case.  For complete information, you should consult a doctor or a health care professional.  The information on this site should not substitute the judgment or knowledge of a health care professional.

Symbicort is a treatment option for asthma and COPD. It contains budesonide (an inflammation-reducing steroid) and formoterol (relaxes muscles in the airways). Symbicort is not intended to replace a fast acting inhaler and should not be used during an asthma attack.  It’s usually taken with a combination of other drugs and the dosage may vary.  You’ll need to prime the inhaler before using it for the first time, if you drop it, or if you haven’t used it for more than 7 days by pumping two test sprays into the air away from your face.  You should also shake the inhaler for 5 seconds before each use.  It also can take 2 weeks before you start seeing improvement in your asthma/COPD symptoms.

Symbicort should be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight, excessive heat and moisture.  Try to keep the cover of your Symbicort inhaler on when you’re not using it.

Note that Symbicort may increase the chances of an asthma-related death. As always, consult with your doctor before taking Symbicort.

The most common side effects include:

• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Chest pain
• Wheezing and other breathing problems
• Fever, chills, flu symptoms
• Blurred vision
• Sores in mouth/throat
• Hypertension
• Headache
• Back pain
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach
• Joint/muscle pain

The site does not give complete information about Xopenex or any disease and the information it does contain may not even apply to your case.  For complete information, you should consult a doctor or a health care professional.  The information on this site should not substitute the judgment or knowledge of a health care professional.