Combivent Inhaler Side Effects
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that 34.1 million Americans suffer from asthma. Doctors utilize a number of treatments to relieve the symptoms of asthma, like coughing and breathlessness. One commonly prescribed medication is Combivent, which you administer as needed via an inhaler. Despite its effectiveness, Combivent is not for everyone as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.
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Significant Side Effects
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The most significant or common side effects of Combivent usually pose no longer term dangers. Generally, symptoms of these side effects occur when you first begin taking Combivent and disappear as your body becomes acclimated to the drug. Approximately 10 to 12 percent of Combivent users report bronchitis and increased incidence of upper respiratory infections, making these the most common side effects of the drug. Headaches, breathlessness and coughing are also common, occurring in at least 4 percent of users. Around 2 to 3 percent of patients who take Combivent experience generalized body pains, nausea, pharyngitis and sinus infections.
Types of Other Side Effects
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Combivent also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Additional gastrointestinal side effects of the drug include heartburn, dry mouth, indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting, while a runny nose, nasal congestion and hoarseness are additional respiratory effects. Some patients report neurological side effects while taking Combivent, including dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, fatigue, tingling in the extremities, lack of coordination, trembling and insomnia. It is also possible to develop joint pain, urinary tract infections and frequent or painful urination.
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Drug Interactions
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There are some medications which produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with Combivent. For example, psychiatric drugs like MAOI inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-adrenergic agents like acuebutolol have the potential to cause chest pain and other cardiovascular side effects when taken with Combivent. When combined with diuretics, Combivent increases levels of potassium in your blood stream. Over time, excess potassium may cause a condition called hyperkalemia, which damages or interferes with the heart and cardiovascular system.
Risks
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In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, Combivent has the potential to cause serious medical complications. Cardiovascular side effects of the drug include high blood pressure, arrhythmia, palpitations, angina and a racing heart rate. Rarely, Combivent causes a sudden, severe constriction of the airways that is fatal to some patients. Infrequently, patients experience an immediate allergic reaction to Combivent, causing skin hives or red welts, swelling, shortness of breath and even shock.
Considerations
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Because there is not yet sufficient evidence that Combivent has no unwanted effects upon the fetus, doctors typically do not prescribe the drug for pregnant women. Patients with glaucoma or COPD often experience a worsening of symptoms while taking Combivent. If you have a medical history of either disease or any type of heart condition, your doctor is not likely to prescribe Combivent for you due to its potential side effects.
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