Substitute for FloVent and Claritin ??

Updated on April 21, 2011
Y.D. asks from Chicago, IL
6 answers

Hello mamas,

My son has sports induced asthma and has been on Flo-vent to control it. He's also taking Claritin for his allergies/sneezing.
He's been on both for about a year and it seems that he's gained a bunch of weight since then. His eating habits have not changed, we don't eat fast food, junk or processed foods, we eat pretty healthy, so I don't think it's his diet
I was doing some research online and see that that could be one of the side effects for both meds.
I'm going to talk to my doctor to see if we have other options, but I thought I would ask if any of you have had similar experiences with any of those meds and if there is anything else that can be taken....
thank you
To answer some of the questions, he's 7. And no it's not he's not sneaking food, we keep healthy food in the house and I make lunch for him every day. There is no way for him to get anything else....

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R.H.

answers from Boston on

If you know that his asthma is induced only by exercise, and if it is predictable and mild, then perhaps you could take him off of the Flovent completely and just treat him "as needed" with albuterol just prior to, and possibly during, athletic activity. It will depend on how bad his asthma is. Asthma does evolve over time, sometimes getting worse other times getting better and even resolving completely. Perhaps you could ask the Dr. about using this time to see how he does without the Flovent. Obviously you know your son better than I do (or the doc for that matter) so if you think it would be too risky then don't do it, and definitely don't do it without discussing it with the doctor first.
THere are other asthma inhalers, but the other corticosteroid inhalers (like Flovent) might have the same side effects because they're in the same class. Any other type (like Advair) would be for more severe asthma. I think you'll probably either have to stick with the Flovent or try just using a "rescue" inhaler for those predictable times when symptoms are likely to occur.

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R.K.

answers from New York on

I take flovent and claritin every day. It is not an issue for me. Could he be eating and not telling you?

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D.G.

answers from Houston on

My son's allergist prefers Zyrtec to Claritin....

My son has been on Zyrtec, Flovent and Singulair for several months now and no weight gain. He keeps getting taller though.

My allergist is ok with me trying to wean him off his meds, one at a time, but she wants me to 1) wait until summer (pollen has been really bad lately) and 2) use a peak flowmeter and make sure nothing changes.

You didn't say how old your son is but I had one cousin (w/ allergies & asthma) develop hypothyroidism when he became a teenager.... he gained a ton of weight without any change in diet or activity level.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

If you want to go the natural route, Elderberry extract should get rid of the allergies and build the immune system as well, helping the asthma. Anything that builds the immune system AND removing synthetic chemicals, even the pharmaceuticals, can help as well. Chiropractic care can do wonders for asthma.

If you're interested enough to want specifics, PM me and I'll be happy to elaborate.

M.

L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

My son has had asthma since about 6 months old - so we have tried just about everything. He takes a daily does of Singulair - originally on the market about 12 years ago as an asthma preventative, it has a secondary use as allergy control. Recent allergy testing has led us to add the nasal spray Omnaris to his daily regimen. Fortunately, he is outgrowing the asthma, but still has the occasionally bought of induced by physical activity.

We have had no adverse side effects to the Singulair ever, nor the Omaris so far.

We have also used Allegra and Zyrtec over the years for allergies. And once, Pulmacort (sp?) for asthma prevention. One thing our pediatricians have always done, except for the Singulair, is switch out his allergy med about every 18 months so his body does not become to adjusted to it, thereby having the med loose its effectiveness

There are other options out there and a clear talk with your son's doctors should provide options.

Good Luck and God Bless

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A.B.

answers from Chicago on

I went to 100% Natural, Chemical Free products to get rid of my sons allergies (him being only 2) by doing this he hasn't had a problem with breathing and neither have I. I would love to share more with you about the products we found. So please email me and I will share all the info with you.

____@____.com

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