Rescue Packs for COPD

What is a Rescue Pack?

‘Rescue packs’ of medication may be offered to individual patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma, depending on a personal risk assessment completed by one of our practitioners.

The rescue packs are to be used by these patients in the event of an exacerbation of their respiratory symptoms, adhering to the following guidance:

• If you have been provided with a personal asthma or COPD management plan, then please give precedence to any information that it contains.
• The rescue packs will be comprised of one short course of oral antibiotics (tablets) and one short course of oral corticosteroids (tablets)
  
  • If you experience an increase in coughing (producing large volumes of phlegm or a change in the colour of phlegm) for over 48 hours, or a fever (this may be intermittent) for over 48 hours, please begin to take your oral antibiotics as prescribed.
  • If you experience increased coughing with tight breathing, increased wheeze or increased shortness of breath (unable to carry out normal tasks) for over 48 hours, please begin to take your oral corticosteroids as prescribed.

What should I do once I have started a rescue pack in order to order a replacement?

• It is important that you inform the medical practice if you have needed to use your rescue-pack medications, this is so that we are aware of the number of exacerbations of your condition and so that we can provide replacement medications. Please send as an online message to let us know that you have started taking your rescue pack and to request a new pack replacement on https://florey.accurx.com/p/M82043

What should I do once I have started a rescue pack and I am no better?

• You should experience an improvement in your symptoms within 48 – 72 hours, if you do not, please seek urgent medical attention.

If your symptoms continue to deteriorate, if you are concerned for your welfare (feel very unwell) or are uncertain on how to take the medications that you have been prescribed – please seek urgent medical attention:

• For urgent advice you should call the practice during our opening hours, telephone 111 out of hours or telephone 999/attend A&E in the event of an emergency.
  

What are the side effects of taking rescue packs of medication?

Incorrect use of these medications may delay appropriate treatment – as such it is important that you are confident in their use. It is important that you follow the advice given and is important that you understand the benefits and risks of taking your medications:

• The use of oral antibiotics may result in diarrhoea, nausea, antibiotic resistant pathogens (particularly if you do not take the full course of tablets) and fungal infections.
• Excessive use of oral corticosteroids may result in skin fragility, changes in mood, muscle weakness, weight gain, increased risk or severity of osteoporosis, increased risk or severity of diabetes, increased risk or severity of high blood pressure, susceptibility to infections, stomach irritation & stomach ulcers.

How can I discuss this rescue pack if I am not sure what to do?

If you have been prescribed a rescue pack of medication and are uncertain about any of the above information or have additional concerns, please contact the surgery and ask to speak to one of our ANPs, Amanda or Joy to discuss https://florey.accurx.com/p/M82043.