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  |  Pregnancy  |  Concerns  |  Can I stop my asthma medication?
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Can I stop my asthma medication?

by Peg Plumbo

question
I have had mild asthma for the past eight years and have not needed to take an inhaler. I am now 24 weeks pregnant. About three weeks ago, I was having trouble breathing, so my doctor prescribed an inhaler treatment. In the past week my asthma has disappeared, and for the past two days I haven't used the inhaler and the asthma hasn't returned. I feel my doctor overreacted and I don't want the baby to be exposed to this drug for the remainder of my pregnancy. Do you think my concerns are valid, or is it safe for me to discontinue taking this drug?

answer
It is never a good idea to stop taking a drug without consulting your GP. The goal of asthma therapy in pregnancy is to provide adequate oxygenation to the mother and baby. Before stopping this medication, you should have a check-up to verify that you no longer need it.

It sounds like you do have mild asthma and the steroid inhaler is generally needed only in moderate cases. It is a long-acting drug, so you may not feel the effects of stopping it for a few days.

The bottom line is while it is probably OK for you to stop, you should consult your doctor.

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