COPD Rescue Pack Information

A 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 OR Doxycycline 100mg capsules

Amoxicillin Note: Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin, if you are allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin, do not take this medication, instead inform your GP straight away.

Doxycycline Note: If you are allergic to tetracycline, do not take this medication, instead inform your GP straight away

Please read the leaflets and keep it with your rescue pack medications.

You should start your COPD Rescue Pack Steroids 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 Doctor urgently to obtain a new supply. Take six tablets immediately and then continue with six tablets as a single dose each morning, with food, for a total of 5 days. Also increase the use of your salbutamol (blue) inhaler.

You should start your COPD Rescue Pack Antibiotics if you notice one or more of these symptoms below, in addition to the previous 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 obtain a new supply.

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.