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Seven out of 10 Australians with asthma aged over 12 years may be prescribed too much preventer medicine.

In Australian Prescriber, a peer-reviewed journal part of NPS MedicineWise, Prof Helen Reddel and co-authors from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research write about finding the lowest effective dose to control asthma.

From the 2021 Census, we know that over 2 million Australians have asthma. It is one of the three most common long-term health conditions in Australia. Using medicines wisely is important to live well with asthma.

鈥淭here are lots of reasons why you may be using a higher dose of asthma preventer medicine than you need,鈥� Reddel said.

鈥淚f your asthma has been stable for more than three months, check with your doctor. It may be possible to reduce the dose.鈥�

This can sometimes save you money. Providing your treatment is still preventing asthma flare-ups, it can also lower the chance of uncommon side effects like cataracts and brittle bones.

鈥淲ith asthma, it is not a case of 鈥榦ne size fits all鈥�,鈥� Reddel said.

鈥淭he medicines and doses needed are personalised for each patient.

鈥淔or example, if you have very mild asthma, you may not need to take a preventer medicine regularly. There are new Australian guidelines about a puffer that you can use only when you have symptoms, that relieves symptoms and also includes a preventer medicine.

鈥淒o not stop taking preventer medicine without medical advice. Your doctor can check your asthma medicines and update your asthma action plan,鈥� she said.

Read the article in .

Image credit: 漏stock.adobe.com/au/Pixel-Shot