Albuterol vs. Xopenex....

Dplear · Jan 28, 2003

Xopenex (levalbuterol) is superior to albuterol in the fact that it does not raise the heart rate like albuterol but the MAJOR drawback to it and the possible reason medicare will not use it is the cost. It is extermely expensive and the result does not always outweigh the cost.

Dave

whipping girl in 07, RN · Jan 28, 2003

Generally speaking, our docs don't order Xopinex unless the patient has problems with a fast heart rate (espicially when a patient in SR or ST goes into a-fib 15 min after his neb tx with ventolin...I'm sure sometimes it's just a coincidence...) I honestly can't say that I've seen better outcomes with one versus the other, but I'm glad our docs do occasionally think about costs when Rxing drugs (now if they just weren't so smitten with Protonix!)

cactus wren · Jan 28, 2003

yeah, the drug reps for Protonix must be doing a super job

Have had the same results with xopenox

deespoohbear · Jan 28, 2003

Originally posted by Dplear
Xopenex (levalbuterol) is superior to albuterol in the fact that it does not raise the heart rate like albuterol but the MAJOR drawback to it and the possible reason medicare will not use it is the cost. It is extermely expensive and the result does not always outweigh the cost.

Dave

The RT's at the hospital are telling me though that Xopenex does not keep the HR down, and that you might as well use albuterol.... :confused:

Mattigan, RN · Jan 28, 2003

Our kids do alot better on Xopenex.

MOMMY · Jan 28, 2003

From personal experience, both albuteral aon Xopenex caused my heart to race and have that very jittery feeling post treatment. Our docs use Xopenex exclusively at our hospital and the respiratory therapist say the same as the above mentioned, No significant reduction in heart rate. Who do you believe, the reps? or the therapist?

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 28, 2003

Son and I have used Xoxpenex---much less jittery feeling afterwards. Know my HR not as high, but haven't checked sons. He has needed less neb TX with Xoxpenex too.

kjseam · Jan 28, 2003

My son takes Xopenex and I like it for him alot more than Albuterol. When he had his albuterol treatments he would be very jittery and have to have the treatments longer and more frequently than with Xopenex. I have noticed a big difference in the two drugs with him.

Can't breath · Aug 31, 2011

I think it is irresponsable for anyone-doctors included- to claim that one is better than the other. I have gone through he'll to try and afford xopenex because doctors tell insurance companies that albuterol works the same. FOR ME, IT DOESNT WORK AT ALL. I think the only thing one should claim is that one works well for some while another works well for others. And now because there are so many "experts" crunching data and saying that xopenex does not have a significant edge on albuterol, the copayment assistance for xopenex is being taken away too. Well, I guess I'm the insignificant minority that albuterol does not work at all for. And because of claims by people who don't have to go through the difficulties of not being able to breath, I have to fight for breath and fight the people trying to shove albuterol down my throat. I'm sorry but professionals should not state information that has such an impact on insurance and pharmaceutical opinion. They, as professionals, have the duty to not make claims unless proven 100 percent...

-angry because I have to pay an arm and a leg for air

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 31, 2011

If you don't have coverage for Xopenex, you don't have a choice :) Albuterol works just fine if the alternative is nothing

Trauma Columnist · Aug 31, 2011

These are questions best handled by your provider.

There are prescription drug programs though that can help if you qualify.