Copd rescue pack information leaflet

COPD Rescue Pack Information Leaflet

What is my COPD Rescue Pack?

Your COPD Rescue Pack contains a supply of standby medications to start if your COPD
deteriorates before you are able to see your GP.
Your COPD Rescue Pack contains two different medications:
 Steroid tablets: Prednisolone 5mg tablets to be taken with or after food AND
 Antibiotic Amoxicillin 500mg capsules
Note: Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin, if you are allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin, do
not take this medication, instead inform your pharmacist and GP straight away.
OR
 Antibiotic Doxycycline 100mg capsules
Note: If you are allergic to tetracycline, do not take this medication, instead inform your
pharmacist and GP straight away
Please read this leaflet and keep it with your rescue pack medications. When should I take my COPD Rescue Pack? If you notice one or more of these symptoms:
 Increased shortness of breath – unable to carry out your normal activities  Increased cough  Increased sputum (phlegm) Start prednisolone tablets as you may have a non-infected worsening of your
COPD. Do not use the Rescue Pack if it has passed its expiry date, instead contact your Take six tablets immediately and then continue with six tablets as a single dose each orning, with food, for a total of 7 days. Also increase the use of your salbutamol (blue) inhaler. South Devon and Torbay Medicines Optimisation Team Oct 2013 If you notice one or more of these symptoms below, in
addition to the pre vious symptoms
 Change in the colour, amount and/or consistency of your sputum (phlegm)  Increased temperature feeling hot and shivery Start antibiotics (and prednisolone if not already started). Do not use
the Rescue Pack if it has passed its expiry date, instead contact your Doctor urgently to

Amoxicillin 500mg capsules to be taken three times a day for 5 days.
OR
Doxycycline 100mg capsules to be taken with a large glass of water twice a day for 5 days
If there is no improvement in your symptoms within 2-3 days or

your symptoms are getting worse (see below) contact your GP/
Specialist Nurse/Community Matron. In case of extreme

emergency dial 999 for an ambulance
Increased shortness of breath
Once you have recovered, please let your GP surgery know if you
have used your prednisolone and/or antibiotics and re-order another

supply for you to keep, in case they are needed in the future.

South Devon and Torbay Medicines Optimisation Team Oct 2013

Only start your rescue pack medication if you are having a flare-up of your COPD.

You should have a COPD management plan detailing the steps you should take in the event
of a flare-up of your COPD. If you do not have a current management plan, contact your GP
or COPD nurse.


Do not use the Rescue Pack if it has passed its expiry date, instead contact your Doctor

What should I do if I’ve forgotten to take a dose?

It is important that you take the medication as prescribed.
However, if you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then carry on
taking your next dose at its regular time. If you realise you have missed a dose but it is
almost time for your next dose, do not take a double dose, skip the dose you have missed,
take the next dose at its regular time and then carry on as normal with any remaining doses.
Are there any side effects?

All medications may cause side effects. With short courses such as your COPD Rescue
Pack, most people don’t have any problems.
The patient information leaflets supplied with each medication within your Rescue pack list
the more common side effects and other precautions. Please read these leaflets. If you are
concerned about any side effects please contact your COPD nurse, GP or Community
Pharmacist for further information. If it is out of hours phone 111.
South Devon and Torbay Medicines Optimisation Team Oct 2013
What else should I do?

If you start your rescue pack, you must contact your GP or COPD nurse to inform them that
you are less well and have started the rescue pack.
If yo
tacyour G
tel or phone
or phone HS
ct 0845 4647.
In a xtrem
for a mbula


If you need to go to the hospital please take all your medications with you.
Make sure you request a replacement rescue pack once you have recovered.
Date: Dec 2013
South Devon and Torbay Medicines Optimisation Team Oct 2013

Source: http://www.torbaycaretrust.nhs.uk/publications/TSDHC/COPD%20Rescue%20Pack%20Information%20Leaflet.pdf