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Asthma/92 year old father's breathing treatment

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Expert: - 1/7/2009


Question
Dad was using his breathing treatment twice a day with a mixture of one vial of Ipratropium Bromide and 1/2 vial of Xopenex.  His doctor changed the Xopenex to Brovana and said to continue mixing as before.  The info in the packaging of Brovana repeats often not to mix with other inhalants.  What to do?

Answer
Hi Anne,

Sorry for the delayed response, but I normally do not check the Question Pool.

From the references I checked, you should not mix the Brovana with ANY other solution to be nebulized. I'd rinse the nebulizer cup between changing to the Ipratropium, or vis-a-versa.

It is nice that some people actually do read the information before taking medication. A lot of problems can be prevented by doing exactly what you did. You're truly a  caregiver, and I hope your dad appreciates it.

Sincerely,

Marc  

Asthma

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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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