1 in 5 people in the United Kingdom live with a lung condition that effects their day-to-day life. Asthma and COPD are some of the most common lung conditions, living with these chronic conditions can seriously impact a person’s wellbeing.
Fortunately, nowadays there are a range of support services and effective treatments for Asthma and COPD which can improve quality of life for patients.
In this guide we’re going to look at the different types of inhalers including:
· Reliever Inhalers such as Ventolin inhaler (salbutamol), or Bricanyl inhaler (terbutaline) which are used to prevent symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
· Preventer Inhalers such as Clenil modulite or Qvar inhaler which are used daily to help with on-going relief from symptoms.
· Combination Inhalers such as Fostair inhaler, Luforbec inhaler or Symbicort inhaler. These inhalers help control symptoms and, also to prevent asthma attacks. They’re used regularly for long-term management of conditions.
We’ll also provide guidance on how you can manage asthma and COPD, where you can buy inhalers online and other interesting information on respiratory health.
Fostair is a brand of inhaler available in the United Kingdom. It is a combination inhaler and contains the active ingredients beclomethasone and formoterol.
It is available in doses in the following dosages:
i) 100 mcg beclomethasone / 6 mcg formoterol.
ii) 200 mcg beclomethasone / 6 mcg formoterol.
Other brands of beclomethasone combination inhalers are available in the United Kingdom. Another common brand is Luforbec.
A Fostair inhaler is a prescription only treatment for asthma and COPD. It contains the active ingredients beclomethasone and formoterol.
· Beclomethasone is corticosteroid (or steroid) which works by reducing inflammation in the airways.
· Formoterol is a medication called a bronchodilator; it helps to open the airways.
Inhalers containing beclomethasone and formoterol (such as Fostair) are known as combination inhalers. Combination inhalers are used regularly for management of asthma and COPD.
Fostair is usually a pink inhaler. Asthma inhalers are colour coded; typically dark pink / purple denotes a combination inhaler.
| Colour | Type | Common Brands |
| Blue Inhaler | Reliver Inhaler: Blue inhalers are typically short-acting bronchodilators used to open airways and relieve asthma symptoms / asthma attacks. | Ventolin |
| Brown Inhaler | Preventer Inhaler: Brown inhalers typically preventer inhalers. They are used regularly and contain a steroid which helps reduce inflammation of the airways. | Qvar, Clenil-Modulite, Pulmicort |
| Dark Pink Inhaler / Purple Inhaler | Combination Inhaler: Pink inhalers contain two ingredients, a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator. This helps reduce swelling and open airways. | Fostair, Seretide |
Fostair inhalers are a brand of combination inhaler. Combination inhalers contain two active ingredients.
1) A steroid which helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways.
2) A bronchodilator which helps to open the airways.
In Fostair the two active ingredients are beclomethasone and formoterol.
Beclomethasone is the corticosteroid which tackles swelling of the airways. Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator which helps relax the muscles in the airways.
These ingredients work together to help manage Asthma and COPD.
· As an asthma maintenance therapy.
· An asthma reliver therapy.
· Treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD.)
Asthma maintenance therapy refers to regular use of inhalers to treat symptoms on an on-going basis.
Asthma reliver therapy refers to one-off use to relieve short-term symptoms of asthmas such as wheezing or an asthma attack.
Fostair inhalers and other combination inhalers such as Seretide or Luforbec are indicated for use in adults diagnosed with Asthma or COPD.
Doctors may not prescribe Fostair inhalers to certain patient populations, these include (but are not limited to):
Like all medications, beclomethasone combination inhalers such as Fostair have side effects that should be understood.
When using beclomethasone through an inhaler only a small amount of medication is getting into the rest of the body, so these medications generally don’t have many side effects.
But let’s explore some of them anyway.
Common side effects are more than 1 in 100 people. Common side effects of beclomethasone inhaler include
i) Oral thrush: Oral thrush is a fungal infection causing white patches on the tongue, inner check, throat or elsewhere in the mouth.
If you’re experiencing oral thrush, you could try rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after using your inhaler or ask your community pharmacist to recommend a suitable treatment for you.
ii) Hoarse voice or sore throat: Brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler may help with a horse voice or sore throat.
Please note, if you’re using a Fostair NEXThaler side effects are the same as Fostair inhaler side effects. This is because they contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way.
For further details on side effects, you should visit the NHS website or consult with your community pharmacist.
Fostair inhalers come in two forms.
1) A pressurised metered dose inhaler, more commonly referred to as a pMDI inhaler. These are ‘typical’ looking inhalers with a pressurised aerosol can, which releases a measured dose when pressed.
2) Fostair also comes as DPI, (or Dry Powder Inhaler.) DPIs rely on the user’s breath to draw medication into the lungs.
Both Fostair pMDI inhalers and Fostair DPI inhalers (more commonly known as Fostair NEXThaler contain the same active ingredients, and the medicines work in exactly the same.
Patients may be prescribed one or the other based on a patient’s ability to use the devices.
pMDIs are often suitable for younger patients, or patients with less lung strength, however they do require a degree of hand-breath coordination.
DPI inhalers are usually prescribed to patients with strong enough inhalation capacity to release the medication.
Getting your inhaler technique right is very important and is something that improves with practice. Using proper inhaler technique will help you manage symptoms better.
Fostair comes in two forms:
1) Fostair pDMI – Fostair pMDI is a ‘traditional’ looking aerosol inhaler. It delivers the medication as a spray using a propellant.
2) Fostair NEXThaler – A dry powder inhaler (DPI), which delivers medication in the form of a dry powder. It is breath-actuated, meaning the medication is released when forcefully inhaled.
Below we’ll look at how you properly use both the Fostair pDMI and the Fostair NEXThaler how to use:
1) Remove the cap
2) Check the dose counter on the back of the inhaler – If you’re checking the inhaler for the first time, the dose counter should show 120. If the dose counter shows 0, the inhaler is empty.
3) Breathe out gently away from the inhaler.
4) Holding the inhaler upright, put your lips around the mouthpiece.
5) Start to breathe in slowly, and at the same time press down firmly on the cannister.
6) Breathe in slowly and deeply, taking the dose all the way into the lower airways.7) Gently and slowly exhale
It is possible to use a Fostair pDMI inhaler with a spacer.
To use a Fostair inhaler with a space, the steps are roughly the same as listed above however there are a few subtle differences:
1) Remove the cap from the inhaler.
2) Attach the spacer to the inhaler.
3) Check the dose counter on the back of the inhaler – ensure it reads above 0.
4) Gently exhale away from the inhaler.
5) Holding the inhaler and spacer up right, bring it up to your lips.
6) Start to breathe in slowly and at the same time press down on the cannister firmly.
7) Hold the breath in for a few seconds.
8) Slowly exhale.
1) Open inhaler cap.
2) Check those dose counter on the back of the inhaler – If the dose counter shows 0, the inhaler is empty.
3) Holding the inhaler horizontally, tilt your chin up and gently exhale.
4) Put your lips around the mouthpiece, and then breathe in sharply and deeply. You should hear a click.
5) If you’ve been prescribed a second puff, close the cap to reset the device and then repeat the steps.
Fostair has been approved Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UK. It is also indicated for use in asthma and COPD by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The effectiveness of Beclomethasone inhalers such as Fostair has been reinforced by clinical studies. Clinical studies have shown Fostair can improve lung function and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms thereby improving quality of life for patients.
Fostair inhalers contain two active ingredients, beclomethasone and formoterol. It comes in two dosages.
· Lower Strength: 100mcg Beclomethasone / 6mcg Formoterol per puff.
· Higher Strength: 200mcg Beclomethasone / 6mcg Formoterol per puff.
Both dosages of Fostair have been deemed effective at treating the conditions such asthma and COPD by relevant regulators in the United Kingdom. They are therefore strong enough.
Is Fostair 100/6 a strong inhaler?
Patients often wonder ‘is Fostair 100/6 a high dose inhaler.’
Fostair 100/6 is the lower of the two available doses of Fostair. It is effective at treating milder cases of asthma and COPD.
For more serious cases patients may be prescribed Fostair 200/6.
Is Fostair 200/6 a strong inhaler?
Fostair 200/6 is the highest dosage beclomethasone combination inhaler available in the United Kingdom.
It is effective at treating more severe cases of asthma or COPD however side effects may be more prevalent with higher dosages.
If you are trying to use a Fostair inhaler to relieve an asthma attack, and the inhaler is not effective you should immediately call 999.
If you are not in an urgent situation you could try the following steps to try and improve the efficacy of your Fostair inhaler.
1. Review Inhalation Technique: Make sure you’re using your inhaler properly. Using your inhaler improperly can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. We’ve provided a guide on how to use your inhaler properly above.
2. Check Your Dose Counter: If you’re using a Fostair inhaler (pDMI) the dose counter is found on the rear of the inhaler. If your dose counter shows 0, the inhaler is empty.
3. Check The Expiry Date: If your medication is ineffective, you should check the expiry date on the packaging and make sure it remains in date.
If none of these troubleshooting steps work you should contact a doctor to investigate the inefficacy of the medication further.
Your doctor may explore alternative treatment options.
Many people wonder ‘can Fostair cause weight gain.’
Luforbec and Fostair inhaler weight gain is a contentious subject.
Many people incorrectly assume that the steroid in Fostair inhalers (beclomethasone) causes weight gain amongst patients.
This is simply not true (provided you are taking Fostair in recommended dosages.)
The amounts of corticosteroid found in inhalers such a Fostair or Luforbec are typically too small to cause side effects such as weight gain. Fostair side effect weight gain is not common.
Whilst Fostair is a well-tolerated medication, there are some other side effects patients should be aware of before commencing with treatment.
For full details on side effects, you should visit the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website.
Fostair and Luforbec are both different brands of beclomethasone combination. They both contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way.
They are therefore prescribed interchangeably.
There are a couple of minor differences, most notably Fostair is available in dosages 200 mcg / 6 mcg, however Luforbec is only available in 100 mcg / 6 mcg.
If you have a preference regarding a specific brand, you could mention this to your pharmacist and in most instances he or she will happily oblige.
Alternatively, you can buy inhalers online safely and conveniently at Meds for Less. When purchasing inhalers at Meds for Less you will have the option to list a preferred brand.
Beclomethasone inhalers such as Fostair or Fostair NEXThaler can be used with some medications, but not others.
You should check with your doctor if you’re taking any of the following medications:
· Medications to treat HIV or any other medications containing Ritonavir.
· Other medications that contain steroids. Steroids can be found in products such as eczema cream, other inhalers, steroid tablets or injections, nasal sprays and eye drops.
· Medications that could be affected by alcohol such as metronidazole.
There may be certain herbal products and supplements that also interact with Fostair. But as herbal products and supplements are not tested in the same way as medications, it is difficult to say for certain.
Please check with your local community pharmacist if you are taking any herbal products or supplements.
Combination beclomethasone inhalers such as Fostair or Luforbec are available on the NHS. They can therefore be given for free, if you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions.
If you’re not eligible for free prescriptions, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
In the United Kingdom both Fostair inhaler and Fostair NEXTHaler are prescription only medication.
You’ll need a doctor or other type of clinician to diagnose Asthma or COPD and then write a prescription for the medication.
Beclomethasone inhalers such as Fostair are available on the NHS, so your NHS GP should be able to help.
However nowadays you can buy inhalers online safely, conveniently and cheaply at Meds for Less.
At Meds for Less the cost for Fostair inhalers are as follows:
100/6
200/6
Step 1: Review asthma treatment in our asthma and COPD category.
Step 2: Complete a short consultation regarding your symptoms and medical history.
Step 3: Your consultation will be reviewed by a Meds for Less doctor, and prescription issued if appropriate.
Step 4: Your medication shipped to your door from a UK based pharmacy, next day.
You’ll be kept up to date by email throughout and the Meds for Less team are also here and available to help if needed.
We are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Do not use this service if you need urgent assistance. You should call 111 or 999 in an emergency. See our help section for more information.
