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New user of Fostair

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I am a 72 year old woman, a life long asthmatic and have had COPD for the last 15 years. I have not smoked for the past 40 years. I have been using Ventolin (Salbutamol); Atrovent and a small dose of Q Var daily.

These have gradually become less effective. Recently I was prescribed Fostair, (beclamethasone/formeterol) as an inhaler, which I understand is fairly new. This seems to be very effective, but the Consultant told me to use a spacer - in fact I was given a new one with my prescription. However, it states clearly on the side of the Fostair packet, \"Not to be used with a spacer\". It appears that Fostair has not been tested using a spacer. At present I am using just the inhaler without a spacer.This is a little confusing. Also, I was told by the pharmacist that there is no need to refrigerate this drug once usage has begun. However, on the instructions it states, \"Store in a refrigerator\", which is what I am doing at the moment.

I already have Essential Tremor, (an inherited condition), which means my hands shake. Fostair seems to have made this slightly worse, but I was warned about it. Is anyone else using Fostair inhaler? If so, what are your thoughts?

Good wishes to all.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Vee2
    Vee2

    Posted

    Hi Dancer - I have emphysema COPD. You posted this quite a while ago but I will give my experience in case it may be of interest to others also.

    I don't use the combination inhaler Fostair, (beclamethasone/formeterol) but I am using both formoterol and beclamethasone separately.

    I use the spacer for beclamethasone dip (Qvar) as I find it helps me get the drug deeper into my lungs, I also feel it helps prevent thrush in the mouth, although I do rinse and gargle after using this medicine.

    I take one dose in the morning of formoterol fumerate 12 micrograms. I was originally prescribed 1 puff twice daily (one in morning and one at night) but found this medicine gave cramps in the extremities when on two doses. After consultation with the doc I now only take one dose in the mornings and very rarely do I get muscle cramping now.

    I find the Salbutamol in excess gives the shakes.

    I can't comment about refrigeration only that I don't store any of my respiratory inhalers in the refrigerator.

    Hope this will be of some help to someone, sometime.

    Are you in a hot climate Dancer? Thinking about the medicine refrigeration.

    Good wishes to you.

    V

  • linaelvira
    linaelvira

    Posted

    In case anyone is googling and finding this post; I am getting shaky hands from using 2 puffs twice a day but not when I just use 1 puff twice a day, I spoke to my specialist nurse who says this will go away as you get used to the drug. My normal dosage is 1 puff twice a day but I have to step up to 2 puffs twice a day on bad days so this is when I get shaky hands, and as I do not take this higher dose for long enough to get used to it, I will have to live with this side effect.
  • Ellie1943
    Ellie1943 Guest

    Posted

    I've been prescribed Fostair since last October. I use the new spacer, a long thin one which is supposed to be the only one recommended for Fostair. I've found recently that it's not working as well as it should and I get a better dose without it. I'll mention this when I get my next review. I've also started with Shingles since being on Fostair. Does anyone know if this might be a lowering of the immune system due to the steroids in the inhaler I've felt very low, tired and aches and pains since using it too! Just like the flu! Breathing seems a bit better though.
  • 1Concerned
    1Concerned Guest

    Posted

    Hi all, I am new to this... But need advice.  My dad has COPD and has been given this new inhaler (Fostair Nexthaler 100 mg).  He has only taken it once, but he has had strange tingling sensations in his lips, arms and legs since.  Is this normal and does it wear off? Thank you
    • Vee2
      Vee2 1Concerned

      Posted

      Just check the information leaflet that comes with the meds and also your dad will need to check in with his doctor about these symptoms also.

      Fostair is a combination inhaler of beclometasone and formeterol info leaflet should indicate that rinsing mouth out and brushing teeth following use is advisable, that could help avoid problems in the mouth but the symptoms in arms and legs needs to be mentioned to the doctor.

       

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