Key takeaways:Rarely, medications can cause new breathing problems or worsen lung conditions you already have.Some people are at a higher risk than others — especially those with lung disease, a history of smoking, and folks taking chemotherapy or rheumatological medications.If you notice shortness of breath after starting a new treatment, let your healthcare professional know. You might need to stop and/or change the medication to protect your lungs.Table of contentsMacrobidAmiodaroneNSAIDsBeta blockersMethotrexateLeflunomideBleomycinGemcitabineBusulfanOther medicationsPrednisone and breathingDrug-induced lung diseaseTreatmentRisks vs. benefitsBottom lineReferencesShortness of breath isn’t always the result of a lung disease like asthma, pneumonia, or emphysema. Sometimes, medications can cause it.Although it’s rare, a small list of medications can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and low oxygen levels. Sometimes this happens because the medications trigger pre-exi...
