I was recently hospitalized with pneumonia and respiratory failure. While in the hospital, I was given Albuterol and Atrovent every four hours. I was also taking Atrovent inhaler regularly, 2 puffs twice a day, as one of my asthma treatments for the past three years.

A respiratory therapist said to me, I don’t think I should give you the Atrovent since, “I see you have an allergy to peanuts.” She said Atrovent has a peanut base. I could not believe it.

The next day, I mentioned this to my doctor and her medical student. They both were unaware that Atrovent had a peanut base and went down to the hospital pharmacist, who confirmed this information. I have been allergic to peanuts all of my life and also have had problems with soy products. Over the past several years, my lung problems have greatly increased and I wonder how much of it has been caused by Atrovent.

The disclaimer on the sheet inside the box states, Atrovent is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to soya lechithin or related food products such as soybean and peanut. I think the manufacturer Boerhinger-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals should print a warning “Peanut Allergy Alert” on the box.

Debra Beltzer, Akron, OH

I have emphysema and recently went on Combivent (a combination of Atrovent and Albuterol.) After approximately five days, I had a terrific sore throat, uncontrollable cough, yellow phlegm, headache and was extremely short of breath. My primary care physician instructed me to stop taking the Combivent. My daughter took me to the emergency room and the physician there said she was putting me on Atrovent. I said no, since bronchitis was a side effect of Atrovent. I had to show her my booklet on Combivent written by the manufacturer of the drug, that states 12.8% of patients in clinical tests get bronchitis. I did not get any more Atrovent. Moral: Take responsibility for your own health, it can save your life!

Ann Lawhead, Rocklin, CA

I have been on theophylline since at least 1982. Suddenly, I started having breathing problems. I called my pharmacist. Lo and behold, they had changed suppliers. I was able to get my theophylline replaced and was immediately able to breathe “normally” again. The medication that caused the problem was labeled IL3581. The medication that replaced it is Warwick 1670. Both were supposed to be 300 mg. replacements for Theodur and were supposed to be identical.

George Schiffer, Tisbury, MA

I have been smoking for 65 years, and every time a new “stop smoking” product is introduced, I have tried it. After watching the ads on TV for Zyban, I decided it was just the thing for me. I got a prescription from my doctor and bought the full supply. After a few days of using it, I began to seriously consider suicide. I called my doctor; he told me to stop using it immediately. I was stuck with $360 or so of pills. Another member of my rehab class was using it successfully, so I was able to put the pills to good use. So try these new things, but don’t go overboard with your buying until you find out whether or not it works for you!

Jim Teese, Charlotte, NC

You may purchase a Monaghan Aerochamber spacer from Independence Medical at www.medicalbuyer.com for $9.38. Toll free number is 1-800-860-8027. A representative told us shipping charges are another $6.00.