Fostair

What is Fostair inhaler?

Fostair is an inhaler commonly used in COPD. It is a type of inhaler known as a combination inhaler because it contains two different active ingredients: formoterol and beclometasone.

How Fostair works

Fostair contains two different active ingredients: formoterol and beclometasone. Formoterol helps to relax the airways, allowing them to widen and making it easier to breathe. Beclometasone is a type of corticosteroid. It helps to prevent your symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways. This inflammation can contribute to breathing problems and mucous production, so beclometasone can help to prevent these symptoms.

How long does it take for Fostair to work?

The two ingredients in Fostair work to different time frames. The formoterol would start to work in 1-2 minutes and the effects would last for approximately 12 hours. The beclometasone works differently and helps to prevent your symptoms. It can take about 1-3 weeks before you notice any effect from the beclometasone and it can be about 3 months before the beclometasone has its full effect.

What is Fostair Used for?

Fostair is used for the treatment of asthma and COPD. Fostair is used to reduce symptoms of breathlessness, but in asthma, it may also be prescribed to help treat asthma symptoms when they occur. Always take Fostair as prescribed by your doctor.

Why is Fostair prescribed?

Fostair is prescribed to reduce the symptoms associated with asthma and COPD. Typically Fostair would be prescribed if your current medications do not sufficiently control your symptoms. 

Active ingredients

Fostair inhalers contain two active ingredients: formoterol fumarate dihydrate, which helps to relax the airways and beclometasone dipropionate, which helps to reduce inflammation.

Inactive ingredients

The Fostair inhaler also contains the following inactive ingredients ethanol anhydrous, hydrochloric acid and the CFC-free propellant - norflurane (HFA -134a). The CFC-free propellant is considered to be better for the environment than CFC propellants. Please note that Fostair NEXThaler may contain different inactive ingredients.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

Tell your doctor or visit your local emergency room right away if you experience an allergic reaction to this medication. A serious allergic reaction will present with hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips/face/ and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms stop using the inhaler right away and get medical attention.

How to take Fostair

There are different types of Fostair inhaler: Fostair and Fostair NEXThaler. Fostair looks very similar to a standard Ventolin inhaler, whereas Fostair NEXThaler has a more rounded shape. Each type of inhaler requires a different technique, so if you have difficulty using one inhaler properly, you should speak to your doctor who may be able to switch you over to the other type of inhaler or issue you a spacer. A spacer only connects to the Fostair inhaler, not the NEXThaler, but it allows you to inhale more slowly with normal breathing over a longer period of time. 

How to take your Fostair inhaler

1. If this is the first time you are using your inhaler or if it is more than two weeks since you last used your inhaler, you should check that it still works. Do this by removing the cap, checking the dose counter window (this should read 120 on a new inhaler) and pressing down on the top of the canister, directing the inhaler away from yourself. The dose counter should go down by one. If you notice any problems, or if it looks like your inhaler is broken in any way, you should return it to the pharmacy and ask for a new one. 
2. If possible, stand or sit in an upright position before using your inhaler
3. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and check inside the mouthpiece for any dust or debris. 
4. Exhale as slowly and deeply as possible
5. Hold your inhaler vertically and bring the mouthpiece to your lips, creating a seal around the mouthpiece with your lips
6. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Just after you start inhaling, press down on the top of the canister to release the medication. Continue inhaling.
7. Once you have finished your inhalation, try to hold your breath for a few seconds, before removing the inhaler from your mouth and breathing out. 
8. Replace the protective cap and check that the dose counter has decreased by one. 

This type of inhaler can be used with a spacer. This allows you to breathe more normally as you inhale the medication. Spacers may be recommended if you have difficulty with the breath control required to use your inhaler. 

How to use Fostair NEXThaler

1. Stand or sit in an upright position, if possible, when using your inhaler
2. Inspect your Fostair NEXThaler and check for damage. If it looks damaged or broken in any way, return it to the pharmacy and ask for a new one. You should also check the dose counter window. There should be 120 doses in a new inhaler. If the number is 0, you will need a new inhaler. 
3. Hold the inhaler upright and open the cover
4. Breathe out as much as is comfortable
5. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and take a deep forceful breath in. Ensure that you do not cover the air vent when using your inhaler. You may hear a click as you inhale.
6. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and try to hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable for you
7. Check that the dose counter has gone down by one number and replace the cover.
    

How much Fostair can I take?

You should always take Fostair as prescribed by your doctor. For COPD, the normal dose is 2 puffs twice a day. For asthma, the dose can vary from 1-8 puffs a day depending upon your condition and how it is best controlled. Do not take more puffs than you are prescribed. If you are unsure how many puffs to take, you should speak to the prescribing doctor or pharmacy for clarification.

When to take Fostair

Only take Fostair if prescribed by your doctor. It is important to follow the instructions of the prescribing doctor about when to use Fostair. These instructions can vary depending upon whether you have asthma or COPD and how your symptoms are best controlled. If you are unsure, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist for clarification. 

Can Fostair be used as a reliever?

In asthma, Fostair is typically prescribed for daily use, to prevent asthma symptoms. However, Fostair can be prescribed to relieve asthma symptoms too. Only use your inhaler in this way if directed to do so by your doctor.

Fostair with spacers

Some Fostair inhalers can be used with a spacer. This does not include Fostair NEXThalers as they are not compatible with spacers. Spacers can help to make sure that you get the full dose of the medication if you have difficulty using the proper inhaler technique. Once connected, the spacer allows you to use your inhaler with normal breathing, instead of requiring a single deep breath. 

Fostair with Ventolin

If Fostair is prescribed to you for daily use, you may be prescribed this alongside a reliever inhaler, such as Ventolin. However, your doctor may recommend that you use your Fostair inhaler in place of your reliever inhaler. Check with the doctor if this is unclear. Always use your inhalers as prescribed.

Fostair side effects

Common side effects of Fostair inhalers include:

• Fungal infections of the mouth i.e. oral thrush
• Lung infections (pneumonia) in people with COPD. 

Common side effects of Fostair NEXThaler include:

• Trembling
• Lung infections (pneumonia) in COPD patients

There are several less common side effects of Fostair inhalers and NEXThalers including:

• Changes in your heart rhythm or a rapid heartbeat
• Worsening of your asthma symptoms
• Cough
• Nausea

This is not a full list of side effects, so please see the patient information leaflet for more information.
 

Can Fostair make you shake?

Trembling is a common side effect of Fostair NEXThaler, affecting up to 10% of people. It is less common when using other Fostair inhalers, affecting less than 1% of people.

Can Fostair cause sore throat?

A sore throat is a common side effect of standard Fostair inhalers, affecting up to 1 in 10 people who use the inhaler. It is less common in those who use the Fostair NEXThaler, affecting up to 1 in 100 people. Alongside a sore throat, you may also develop a hoarse voice and a cough. If you find you are coughing up sputum, and if you experience any other symptoms such as a fever, chills, or increased difficulty breathing, you should speak to your doctor as this may be a sign of a lung infection (pneumonia), which needs to be treated.

Can Fostair cause headaches?

Headaches are a side effect of Fostair inhalers. This is an uncommon side effect of Fostair NEXThalers, affecting up to 1% of people who use the inhaler, but it is more common, affecting up to 10% of people who use standard Fostair inhalers. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your side effects.

Can Fostair cause weight gain?

Weight gain can occur with long-term use of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, such as the beclometasone found in Fostair inhalers. However, this does not occur frequently enough through the use of Fostair to be listed as one of its side effects. If you are concerned about weight gain on Fostair, you should speak to your doctor for advice. 

Can Fostair cause high blood pressure?

An increase in blood pressure has been observed in medications that are similar to those contained in Fostair inhalers, however, this is not connected directly to Fostair at this time. However, it is important that you let your doctor know if you have pre-existing high blood pressure or if you think that Fostair has increased your blood pressure. Fostair can also cause changes to your heart rhythm, including increasing or decreasing your heart rate. If you have any concerns about side effects, you should speak to your doctor for advice.

Can Fostair make you cough?

A cough is an uncommon side effect of Fostair inhalers, affecting up to 1% of people using the inhaler. The cough may be a dry cough or a productive cough. If your cough comes with other symptoms such as a fever or chills, increased difficulty breathing or mucous production, you may have a lung infection (pneumonia) and you should speak to your doctor for advice. 

Can Fostair make asthma worse?

In rare cases, Fostair can make your asthma symptoms worse. This happens in less than 1% of people who use Fostair. If you notice any signs of your asthma worsening, it is important that you let the doctor know, as another medication will likely be more suitable for you.

Can Fostair cause thrush?

Fostair inhalers are associated with an increased incidence of oral thrush (thrush infections of the mouth and throat). This is more common in standard Fostair inhalers, occurring in up to 10% of people, but it is less common with the Fostair NEXThaler affecting up to 1% of people.

Contraindications

You should not use Fostair if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, including formoterol and beclometasone.

You may need to be monitored while using Fostair if you have a heart problem such as an irregular heart rhythm, severe heart disease, heart failure, an aneurysm or other heart conditions. Fostair also needs to be used with caution in thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland) and untreated hypokalaemia (low potassium). For this reason, it is important that you let your doctor know about any other health conditions you have, to make sure that Fostair is safe and suitable for you. 

Drug Interactions

Fostair can interact with various substances, so it is important to let your doctor know if you take any medications, supplements, over the counter treatments, alternative medicines or recreational drugs. Some of the medications with known interactions with Fostair include:

• Beta-blockers - these are commonly used to reduce blood pressure or anxiety
• Beta-adrenergic drugs - these work in a similar way to the formoterol in Fostair so could lead to a very strong effect
• Some antidepressants, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants
• Antihistamines - these are commonly used for allergies
• Alcohol
• Disulfiram - used in the treatment of alcoholism
• Steroids
• Diuretics
• Metronidazole - an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis, endocarditis and other conditions.
• A range of other medications including quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, phenothiazines, L-dopa, L-thyroxine, oxytocin and xanthine derivatives.

Is Fostair safe in pregnancy?

There is little research exploring Fostair and pregnancy and the risks are unknown. For this reason, Fostair is not recommended for use in pregnancy. It should only be used if the benefit outweighs the risk. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive while taking Fostair, you should discuss this with your doctor. 

Is there an alternative to Fostair inhalers?

There are many alternatives to Fostair inhalers. This includes other combination inhalers, triple therapy inhalers and also separate reliever and preventer (steroid) inhalers. If you want to change from your Fostair inhaler, you should discuss this with your doctor. They will be able to address your concerns and help you find a suitable alternative.

Is Fostair equivalent to Seretide?

Fostair is not equivalent to Seretide. Fostair contains a corticosteroid called beclometasone and formoterol, which is a type of medication known as a LABA (long-acting beta-agonist). Seretide also contains a corticosteroid (fluticasone) and a LABA (salmeterol), however, these drugs are not considered to be equivalent as the ingredients and strength of the medication are different.

Is Fostair equivalent to Symbicort?

Fostair is not equivalent to Symbicort. Both inhalers do contain formoterol as one of the active ingredients, but the corticosteroids in each inhaler are different. Fostair contains beclometasone and Symbicort contains budesonide.

What is Fostair 100/6 used for?

Fostair 100/6 contains 100mg of beclometasone, a corticosteroid and 6mg of formoterol. The formoterol helps to relieve your symptoms and relax your airways, but the steroid is preventative, helping you to avoid the inflammation that leads to your symptoms. Fostair 100/6 contains a lower dose of the steroid than Fostair 200/6. Therefore, Fostair 100/6 will be given to patients if their symptoms are well-controlled with a lower dose steroid, or if the doctor wants to start them on a lower-dose steroid to assess suitability. Fostair 100/6 may be tried before a higher dose, as lower doses typically produce milder side effects. Generally, the doctor will try to find you the lowest, but effective dose of a medication. 

What is Fostair 200/6 used for?

Fostair 200/6 contains double the amount of corticosteroid than Fostair 100/6. The amount of formoterol in each inhaler is the same. Fostair 200/6 would be given to someone whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by Fostair 100/6 or another inhaler with a similar dose of corticosteroids.

Seretide vs Fostair

Both Fostair and Seretide are combination inhalers. The ingredients contained in Fostair are formoterol and beclometasone. Seretide contains fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone and beclometasone are both inhaled corticosteroids that help to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Both salmeterol and formoterol are a type of drug known as a LABA (long-acting beta-agonist). These medications help to relax and widen your airways and these effects should last for approximately 12 hours. Due to the similarity of the ingredients, Fostair and Seretide are very similar medications and they have been found to have very similar levels of effectiveness. The key reason someone may be moved from Seretide to Fostair is cost-related. Fostair is typically less expensive than Seretide. However, it is important that if you want to make the switch, you discuss this with your doctor.

Symbicort vs Fostair

Both Fostair and Symbicort contain formoterol and a corticosteroid, but the corticosteroids are different in each inhaler. Fostair NEXThaler and Symbicort are both dry powder inhalers, which means they must be inhaled with a quick deep breath. However, Fostair is also available as a metered-dose inhaler that is inhaled with a slow deep breath, which may be easier for some people. Fostair can also be used with a spacer, which allows you to breathe more normally when using your inhaler.

When was Fostair launched?

Fostair was launched in the UK in 2008, with Fostair NEXThaler being released in 2014.

Where to store Fostair inhaler

Fostair should be kept in the fridge before use. This is because it helps to preserve the medications, ensuring they will still be effective. Once you have started using your Fostair inhaler, you should continue to ensure that it is stored at a temperature below 25 °C. You should be conscious of not leaving it in the sun, or inside a hot car, or you risk damaging the medications inside.

Where to buy Fostair

Fostair is available to purchase from Dr Felix. Simply complete our online consultation form to get started. This will be reviewed by our doctors and dispensed by our pharmacy if it is found to be suitable for you. All our medications are dispatched in plain packaging direct to your door.

Who makes Fostair?

Fostair is made by Chiesi Respiratory. They also produce Trimbow, Clenil and Atimos inhalers.

Is Fostair a steroid?

Fostair contains two active ingredients, one of which is a corticosteroid called beclometasone. Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by bodybuilders and athletes to build bigger muscles. Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation, whereas anabolic steroids mimic testosterone, so are prescribed for men with low testosterone levels or reduced muscle mass. 

Fostair and COVID

It is recommended that patients with COPD or asthma who use Fostair or other similar inhalers should consider shielding during the COVID-19 pandemic.