Pros and Cons of Alvesco for Asthma Treatment

My friend's teenage daughter was diagnosed with asthma almost two years ago. Since I spend time with my friend and her daughter quite often, I am very involved in her asthma treatments, and sometimes help to administer her medications. She began using Alvesco about a month ago, and has had much success with this medication. She still uses a bronchodilator on occasion to control the effects of asthma attacks, but her usage of a bronchodilator has become less and less as her body adjusts to the Alvesco.

According to information that I found at www.alvesco.us, Alvesco is an inhaled medication, contained in a CFC-free container. Alvesco contains Corticosteroids, which are natural anti-inflammatory chemicals which are naturally presented in humans. These Corticosteroids help to control asthma symptoms by keeping airway passages open. One thing to keep in mind is that Alvesco is not a bronchodilator, and shouldn't be used when you are suffering from an asthma attack. Alvesco is more of a maintenance medication, and should be used as prescribed by your doctor. My friend's daughter takes Alvesco twice daily, but your dosage may be different. You'll still need to supplement your Alvesco dosages with a bronchodilator as needed. Alvesco can take up to four weeks of regular dosages to become fully effective.

According to information obtained from www.centerwatch.com, Alvesco was used in six randomized double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel-group clinical trials in adult and teenage patients who suffer from mild persistent to severe persistent asthma. Most patients saw a decrease in their asthma symptoms while using the drug.

While Alvesco has been proven to be very effective in lab trials, there are a few side effects that you should be aware of before you decide to use this medication. The drug data sheet located at www.alvesco.us lists some side effects as decreased bone mass, increased risk of infection, and adrenal insufficiency are the most serious of these side effects. You may also have headaches, sinus infections, nasal congestion, and pain in your arms, legs, or back.

Alvesco is very affordable, and is fully covered by most insurance plans. You can also obtain a $50 off coupon from the manufacturer's website, located at www.alvesco.us, to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for the medication. If you suffer from asthma, you should speak to your doctor about Alvesco, and see if it may be an option for you.

Some information for this article obtained from the following sources:

- Alvesco Drug Information, CenterWatch.

- Alvesco Patient Instructions and Information, Alvesco.us.