Fostair is a combination inhaler that helps control asthma symptoms. It contains both a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist.
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Fostair is a combined inhaler that uses two types of medicine to treat asthma and COPD symptoms. Beclometasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid (not the anabolic type, these steroids have an anti-inflammatory action) and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a bronchodilator which relaxes your muscles to help your breathing.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease share similar symptoms which cause inflammation of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. With a dual-action approach, both medicines in the Fostair inhaler work together to relieve your symptoms and give you long-lasting comfort from asthma-induced shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. It also helps relieve COPD symptoms.
How do Fostair inhalers work?
The two active ingredients in Fostair work side-by-side to calm the inflammation caused by both asthma and COPD. The pressurised inhaler reduces the narrowing of the airways. This allows you to breathe easier and more comfortably.
You can think of corticosteroids as a man-made replacement for hormones your body (the adrenal glands specifically) make naturally. By giving you more of these hormones than you normally produce, steroid inhalers suppress your body’s inflammatory response to the triggers that set off your asthma. Bronchodilators work by making the muscles in your lungs relax and expanding your airways (bronchi).
Fostair can be used as both a long term preventer, and as an immediate reliever (the 100/6mcg strength only) for a sudden worsening of symptoms. A severe version of this is commonly called an asthma attack. Our clinicians can advise you about using a separate reliever inhaler if you’re using your Fostair for maintenance therapy only.
Which dose of Fostair shall I start on?
Fostair is available in two different strength doses: 100/6mcg & 200/6mcg.
You’re always in charge of your asthma treatment, and as the condition tends to affect people differently, you should ask an expert some questions about which dose to start on. If you start on the lower dose we offer and feel it’s not giving you enough relief, you can easily switch to the higher dose if required.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
FostairBeclometasone + Formoterol
How to use your Fostair inhaler
Firstly, we recommend that you check for possible allergens in the active ingredients in your Fostair. The medicine contains a small amount of alcohol, which could make it unsuitable for you. A clinician will advise you about the number of puffs to use daily.
To use your Fostair inhaler:
Test your inhaler. Remove the protective cap and release one puff by depressing the canister. The counter should read 120 if it’s brand new.
If the mouthpiece is clean and free from dust, place your lips around it.
Breathe out deeply, and slowly.
As you breathe in again, press the top of the inhaler to release a puff.
Hold your breath for as long as you can, and then remove the inhaler from your mouth.
If you need another puff, repeat steps 2-5 after half a minute or so.
We suggest you rinse your mouth, or brush your teeth, after using your Fostair. That’ll ensure you don’t get any problems like dry mouth, a sore throat or a fungal infection.
Can I overuse my Fostair inhaler?
Fostair can be used as both a preventer and a reliever (the 100/6mcg strength only) for asthma. These combination inhalers are sometimes called ‘pink’ inhalers. Colours are often used as terms to denote what inhalers do, such as the more common blue (reliever) and brown (preventer).
If you’re using your Fostair inhaler for maintenance therapy only, the maximum daily dose is 4 puffs a day (for both strengths). If you’re using the 100/6mcg strength inhaler for both maintenance and relief, the maximum daily dose is 8 puffs a day.
We advise sticking to your recommended dose and seeing if your symptoms improve before switching doses. Our experts can advise you about using a separate reliever, should you need one.
Is the pressurised version of Fostair better than the NEXThaler?
Asthma treatments largely focus on the same thing – improving your breathing. By addressing the inflammation in your lungs, inhalers and tablets aim to prevent inflammation in your airways. Though similar, COPD is a bit more complex and involves treating more than just airflow obstruction. Because of this, it’s best you ask our team some questions about using Fostair to treat COPD.
The combination of active ingredients in your Fostair pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) are exactly the same as the ones in the Fostair NEXThaler. Both are equally as effective at treating your symptoms, so the short answer is no. In fact, studies have shown little difference between the two types of inhaler, meaning neither is better than the other as a treatment option. The main difference between the two is the inhalation technique — the NEXThaler is a dry powder inhaler (DPI) so the technique for using it differs slightly from the Fostair.
The pressurised metered dose version we offer should be enough to keep your asthma symptoms in check.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
FostairBeclometasone + Formoterol
FostairBeclometasone + Formoterol
FAQ: Fostair
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Fostair considered a strong inhaler?
Answer:
Managing asthma is often approached in stages. A clinician will decide what medication you need, and how much, based on the severity of your symptoms. For some, all that’s needed is a reliever whenever their asthma is triggered. Assessment involves a number of factors, such as risk factors, adjustments, and reviews.
If a blue inhaler isn’t enough, you might be advised to combine it with a corticosteroid preventer inhaler like Pulmicort or Clenil Modulite. If you’re prescribed Fostair, it could be because other corticosteroid inhalers that contain beclometasone dipropionate aren’t providing you with enough relief.
The particles found in Fostair are extra-fine, which means it can target your lungs more efficiently than other inhalers that contain the same ingredient. This means rather than being stronger, it makes Fostair more effective at getting where it needs to relieve your symptoms.
What are the alternatives to Fostair and do they work as well?
Answer:
Fostair is just one option for treating your asthma, and you might be wondering about the other options available. Before starting you on any medication, our experts will assess your needs and then prescribe an inhaler they think seems best for you.
Tablets such as Montelukast are available to take once a day, but are usually prescribed when a person’s asthma isn’t controlled by the combined treatment of preventer and reliever inhalers. Asthma that needs more than just a reliever inhaler is often managed by combining brown corticosteroid inhalers, such as Pulmicort and Clenil, with blue inhalers like Bricanyl and Ventolin.
This combination might work for you, but the extra-fine particles found in Fostair make it a stand out choice for anyone that finds alternatives aren’t giving them enough.
Can Fostair cause side effects?
Answer:
Like steroid inhalers, combined inhalers can cause side effects that are usually mild and easily avoided. Dry mouth, hoarseness, sore throat and oral thrush are possible side effects of using Fostair, but if you rinse your mouth after each use you shouldn’t get any of these. A volumatic spacer can also help you avoid them.
If you experience any of the rarer side effects, such as skin rash or wheezing, it could mean you’re allergic to an ingredient in the inhaler. In this case, stop using it immediately and seek immediate medical attention.
Do I need another inhaler if I use Fostair?
Answer:
Fostair is usually prescribed in two different ways:
As an everyday preventer (both strengths), with a separate blue reliever inhaler to treat a sudden onset of symptoms.
As both an everyday preventer and reliever (100/6mcg inhaler only). You’ll take your daily dose, and also use your Fostair for immediate relief when you need it.
Our clinicians will advise you about the best way to use your Fostair, including which blue inhaler to choose should you need one. Once your asthma is well managed, you’ll need to use a reliever much less often.
How are Fostair inhalers stored?
Answer:
Both doses of Fostair need to be stored between 2-8℃, so as soon as your inhaler arrives, you should put it in the fridge.
You should avoid letting your inhaler get too warm, and never use it beyond 3 months from the date it arrives. Your Fostair will have an expiry date on the carton – you should never use the inhaler beyond this date.
Why should I buy Fostair with Treated?
Answer:
Talk to us about your symptoms, and our clinicians will tailor your medication and dosage so it meets your personal requirements. Asthma and COPD are conditions that need long term management, and that’s what we can offer you.
Our clinicians will keep in touch with you throughout your asthma treatment, and are always on hand to answer your questions.
We can deliver Fostair right to your door. If you need to change, pause or cancel your subscription, it’s easy to do. We’ll also offer you aftercare, and be in touch regularly to find out how you’re getting on with managing your asthma.
“Comparison of the Effect of Beclometasone/Formoterol in Asthma Patients after Methacholine‐Induced Bronchoconstriction: A Noninferiority Study Using Metered Dose vs . Dry Powder Inhaler.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 85, no. 4, 3 Feb. 2019, pp. 729–736, 10.1111/bcp.13847.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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