Finding the lowest effective dose of asthma preventer medicine

Reviewed by Danielle Ellis, B.Sc.Aug 3 2022

Seven out of ten Australians with asthma aged over 12 years may be prescribed too much preventer medicine. In Australian Prescriber Prof Helen Reddel and coauthors 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.

“There are lots of reasons why you may be using a higher dose of asthma preventer medicine than you need,” says Prof Reddel.

If your asthma has been stable for more than three months, check with your doctor. It may be possible to reduce the dose.”

Prof Helen Reddel, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

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.

“With asthma, it is not a case of ‘one size fits all’,” says Prof Reddel.

“The medicines and doses needed are personalized for each patient.

“For 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.

“Do not stop taking preventer medicine without medical advice. Your doctor can check your asthma medicines and update your asthma action plan,” she says.