As an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), it is odd indeed this is the only med used for treating your condition. Most descriptions have it as a treatment for Adult asthma (only). There are no generic brands available either. Your New doctor will likely switch you to a double or triple- "Combo" treatment which still includes another ICS as well. Here is a list of the most common COPD meds by brand and chemical names:
https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/drugs#ro...
Take care.

Spiriva is a med that works on the bronchial tubing that thickens up with COPD and restricts breathing. It smooths it out and allows more air through. You say your pulmo talked about "restriction" but COPD is an "obstructive" disease, not a restrictive one, so you may want to ask about that.

If your scans say severe damage from emphysema, your doc is likely to prescribe either a LABA alone, such as Serevent, Brovana, Performist or striverdi; or a LABA/ICS combination such as Advair, Symbicort, Dulera or Breo.

I think you're way too concerned about an inhaled steroid, for two reasons: the first is that the side effects from inhaled steroids are way less than from oral steroids (I've been taking Advair for over 15 years and have had no side effects at all) and because the breathing problems caused by emphysema are because of the inflammation in the lungs and the ICS reduces that significantly. The risk may outweigh the potential side effect.

On the other hand, if you have few breathing problems, you may be able to argue for no meds to see how that goes. If things get worse, you can always ask for a med.

I use Symbicort & spiriva

Update: I saw my new pulmonologist, he ordered a chest x-ray, no issues found. Had me do a 6 minute walk, lowest my o2 went was 90%, so no oxygen during the day is needed. YEA!!! He took me off the Flovent ( an asthma medicine), and put me on Breztri. He did say my last pft in 2018 showed restriction, but no obstruction.
I go back in 2 months.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member
There are discount programs available depending on where you live, GoodRX is one. Talk to your pharmacist. You can check with the medicine company, some offer assistance.

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