Use the current written plan
Bring the latest action plan and match each medicine to its label and device. If the written instructions and current prescriptions do not align, contact the care team before changing treatment.
Know the written plan and next step
Respiratory Action Plans & Medication Questions
An asthma or COPD action plan explains what to do when breathing changes. Keep it with the medicines and devices so a pharmacist can clarify product directions while personal zones, thresholds and treatment changes remain with the care team.
Prepare your conversation
Questions worth bringing.
Use the questions that fit your situation. A pharmacist can explain medicines, devices and practical next steps without replacing diagnosis, personal monitoring targets or prescriber-led treatment decisions.
- Which medicine or device belongs to each part of my written plan?
- What should I track when breathing or reliever use changes?
- Who should update the plan when a medicine or inhaler changes?
- Which signs mean prompt care or an emergency rather than a routine question?
What to know
Focus on the next useful decision.
Keep the current prescription, care plan and recent changes visible so the right professional can answer the right question.
Record changes that affect the next decision
Note changes in symptoms, reliever use, triggers, sleep or activity as your care team requested. A pharmacist can help organize the medication question but cannot set personal action-plan zones from a public page.
Know when not to wait
Follow the urgent directions in the action plan. Call 911 for severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, trouble speaking, blue or grey lips or skin, confusion or another breathing emergency.
Before you ask
Bring the details that change the answer.
- The latest asthma or COPD action plan
- Every current respiratory medicine, inhaler and device
- Notes about recent symptoms, reliever use and plan changes
- Contact information for the prescriber or respiratory care team
Before you make a change
Talk with a pharmacist or your care team.
Use this page to prepare questions, not to start, stop or change prescribed treatment. Follow the urgent instructions in your care plan and call 911 for an emergency.
Contact the pharmacy