Fostair

Fostair is a combination inhaler that contains two types of medication to manage symptoms of asthma and COPD. Beclometasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid (not the anabolic kind; these steroids help reduce inflammation), and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a bronchodilator that relaxes your muscles to aid breathing.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have similar symptoms that cause airway inflammation, making it hard to breathe. The Fostair inhaler uses a dual-action approach, with both medicines working together to ease your symptoms and provide lasting relief from asthma-related shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. It also helps alleviate COPD symptoms.

Fostair contains two active ingredients that work together to reduce inflammation from asthma and COPD. The pressurised inhaler helps to open up the airways, making it easier and more comfortable for you to breathe.

Corticosteroids are like artificial versions of hormones that your adrenal glands naturally produce. Steroid inhalers provide you with more of these hormones, which helps to reduce your body's inflammatory reaction to asthma triggers. Bronchodilators, on the other hand, help by relaxing the muscles in your lungs and widening your airways.

Fostair can be used both as a long-term preventer and as a quick reliever (only the 100/6mcg strength) if your symptoms suddenly get worse. A severe case of this is often referred to as an asthma attack. Our clinicians can guide you on using a separate reliever inhaler if you're using Fostair just for maintenance therapy.

Fostair comes in two different strengths: 100/6mcg and 200/6mcg.

You're always in control of your asthma treatment. Since asthma can vary from person to person, it's a good idea to consult an expert about the best starting dose for you. If you begin with the lower dose we provide and find it's not giving you enough relief, you can easily move to the higher dose if needed.

Asthma management is usually done in stages. Your clinician will determine the medication and dosage you require based on how severe your symptoms are. Some people only need a reliever when their asthma flares up. The assessment considers various factors, including risk factors, adjustments, and regular reviews.

If your blue inhaler isn't doing the trick, you might be advised to use it alongside a corticosteroid preventer inhaler such as Pulmicort or Clenil Modulite. If you've been prescribed Fostair, it might be because other corticosteroid inhalers with beclometasone dipropionate aren't giving you enough relief.

Fostair contains extra-fine particles, allowing it to reach your lungs more effectively than other inhalers with the same ingredient.

This means that instead of being stronger, Fostair is more effective at reaching the areas where it needs to work to relieve your symptoms.

Fostair is one option for managing your asthma, and you might be curious about other available treatments. Before prescribing any medication, our experts will evaluate your needs and recommend an inhaler they believe is most suitable for you.

Montelukast tablets are taken once a day and are typically prescribed when someone's asthma isn't well managed with both preventer and reliever inhalers. When asthma requires more than just a reliever inhaler, it is often treated by using brown corticosteroid inhalers, such as Pulmicort and Clenil, along with blue inhalers like Bricanyl and Ventolin.

This combination could be suitable for you, but the extra-fine particles in Fostair make it an excellent option for those who feel other alternatives aren't effective enough.

Similar to steroid inhalers, combined inhalers like Fostair can have side effects, but they're generally mild and easy to prevent. You might experience a dry mouth, hoarseness, a sore throat, or oral thrush. However, rinsing your mouth after each use can help you avoid these issues. Using a volumatic spacer can also be beneficial in preventing them.

If you notice any of the less common side effects, like a skin rash or wheezing, it might indicate an allergy to something in the inhaler. If this happens, stop using it straight away and get medical help right away.

Fostair is typically prescribed in two different ways:

Our healthcare professionals will guide you on how to use your Fostair properly, including which blue inhaler to select if you require one. Once your asthma is under control, you'll find you need to use a reliever far less frequently.

You should store both doses of Fostair in the fridge at a temperature between 2-8℃, so pop your inhaler in there as soon as it arrives.

Make sure your inhaler doesn't get too warm, and don't use it more than 3 months after it arrives. Your Fostair will have an expiry date on the box – never use the inhaler after this date.