Fostair Inhaler

Fostair is indicated for the regular treatment of Asthma in adult patients under two conditions: when asthma remains inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and short-acting bronchodilators as needed, or when asthma responds well to treatment with both corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. Additionally, Fostair can be used to treat symptoms of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . (COPD) in adult patients. COPD is a long-term lung disease primarily caused by cigarette smoking, characterised by airflow obstruction.

Do not use Fostair if you are allergic or suspect you are allergic to either of its active ingredients  or to other medicines or inhalers used for asthma treatment, or to any other ingredients listed in section 6: of the Patient information leaflet. Seek advice from your doctor if unsure. Before using Fostair, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you have any heart problems such as angina, recent heart attack, heart failure, or other known abnormalities of your heart. Additionally, consult if you have conditions like hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), narrowing of the arteries, high blood pressure, aneurysm, heart rhythm disorders, overactive thyroid gland, low potassium levels, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, adrenal gland tumour (phaeochromocytoma), or if you are due to have anaesthesia. Stop Fostair at least 12 hours before anaesthesia, depending on its type. Inform your doctor if you are being or have been treated for tuberculosis (TB) or if you have a known viral or fungal chest infection, or if you must avoid alcohol for any reason. Always inform your doctor if you have or had any medical problems, allergies, or are unsure about using Fostair. Treatment with formoterol in Fostair can lead to a sharp decrease in serum potassium levels (hypokalaemia). For further details refer to the Patient information leaflet

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription. Certain medications may enhance the effects of Fostair, prompting your doctor to monitor you closely, especially if you are taking medications for HIV such as ritonavir or cobicistat. Avoid using beta-blockers with Fostair, including atenolol, propranolol, and sotalol, as they can counteract its effects. Conversely, using other beta-adrenergic drugs may amplify the effects of formoterol in Fostair. When using Fostair with medications for abnormal heart rhythms, allergies, depression, or mental disorders, be aware of potential changes in the electrocardiogram and increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances. Medications for Parkinson’s Disease, underactive thyroid gland, oxytocin, and alcohol can lower your heart’s tolerance to beta-2 agonists like formoterol. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may cause a rise in blood pressure, while medications for heart disease like digoxin can lower blood potassium levels, increasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Medications for asthma, diuretics, and some anaesthetics can also affect your potassium levels and heart rhythm. Always consult your doctor before using Fostair if you are unsure about potential interactions with other medications. For further details refer to the Patient information leaflet

Fostair, like all medicines, can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. As with other inhaler treatments, there is a risk of worsening shortness of breath and wheezing immediately after using Fostair, known as paradoxical bronchospasm. If this occurs, stop using Fostair immediately and use your quick-acting “reliever” inhaler straightaway to treat the symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any hypersensitivity reactions such as skin allergies, itching, rash, reddening of the skin, or swelling of the skin or mucous membranes, especially of the eyes, face, lips, and throat. Common side effects affecting fewer than one in ten people include fungal infections of the mouth and throat, headache, hoarseness, and sore throat. Uncommon side effects affecting fewer than one in one hundred people include a reduction in cortisol levels in the blood and irregular heartbeat. Very rare side effects affecting fewer than one in ten thousand people may include alterations in blood constituents such as a fall in white blood cell count, an increase in blood platelets, a fall in blood potassium levels, an increase in blood sugar levels, and an increase in insulin, free fatty acid, and ketone levels. Other possible side effects are listed according to their frequency. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme. Store Fostair out of the sight and reach of children and do not use it beyond three months from the date of acquisition or after the expiry date stated on the packaging. Keep the inhaler at temperatures below 25°C and avoid freezing. If exposed to severe cold, warm the inhaler with your hands before using. Be cautious not to expose the canister to temperatures exceeding 50°C and never pierce it. For further details refer to the Patient information leaflet

Regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility, there are no clinical data on the use of Fostair during pregnancy. Therefore, Fostair must not be used if you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Similarly, it should not be used if you are breastfeeding, unless specifically advised by your doctor. For further details refer to the Patient information leaflet

For a range of alternative options, explore our Asthma And COPD  treatment page, where you’ll discover a diverse selection tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking different medication formulations, inhaler devices, or complementary therapies, we offer a comprehensive array of choices to support your respiratory health.