Fostair Inhaler
Medication features
- Quick-acting asthma relief and prevention
- 100/6 and 200/6 fostair inhalers available
- Pink inhaler
- Reduces swelling and inflammation in the airways
Overview
Order Fostair Inhalers Online in the UK
Written by Clinical Pharmacist Tyson Wilkman
You can request to buy a Fostair inhaler online from our UK registered online doctor and pharmacy service. Complete an online assessment for your pink inhaler and our doctors will review your request. If appropriate, a free prescription can be issued. This is dispensed at our UK pharmacy and delivered for free anywhere in the UK using the Royal mail services regular or next day delivery.
What is Fostair?
Fostair is a pink inhaler for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) containing a combination of inhaled corticosteroid beclometasone and a long-acting reliever, formoterol. The medicine is delivered directly into the lungs with an inhaler device. Delivering the asthma treatment directly into the lungs vastly improves the amount of time it takes to work and the effectiveness of the treatment.
The pink Fostair inhaler is what’s known as a reliever and preventer inhaler, meaning it can both relieve asthma symptoms and prevent asthma from tightening the airways for up to 12 hours after a dose.
How does Fostair work?
Fostair inhalers contain a pressurised canister of two medicines called Beclometasone dipropionate and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate. The device delivers the medicine directly into the lungs where it has its action.
Beclometasone is a steroid that reduces swelling and inflammation in the airways that occurs due to asthma. They do this long term forming protection from the body developing asthma symptoms while using the treatment. Asthma symptoms may still occur, but they should be at a significantly reduced rate and severity.
Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. This means it opens up the airways (bronchi) by relaxing the muscles in the lungs for an extended period of time (up to 12 hours). Formoterol is unique among these types of medicines as the relaxation of the muscles can occur within 1 to three minutes allowing for the medicine to be used as a reliever as well as a preventer inhaler.
The decision to use your Fostair pink inhaler as a reliever should be made by your doctor as they can provide further advice on dosing.
How to use a Fostair inhaler
Fostair is a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) and is used like other pMDIs. A video of the inhaler technique can be found on asthma UKs ‘How to use a PMDI inhaler’ page.
- Ensure there is medicine remaining in the inhaler by referencing the dose counter on the back of the inhaler.
- Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and ensure it is clean before use.
- Empty your lungs slowly with a long breath out.
- Bring the mouthpiece to your mouth holding the device so the button and canister are facing upwards.
- Hold the mouthpiece gently between your lips. Do not bite the mouthpiece.
- Begin to take a slow deep breath in through the mouth. After beginning the breath, press down on the canister to deliver a dose.
- Remove the inhaler from the mouth and hold your breath for as long as safely possible before breathing out.
- Repeat dose if required.
- Wash out your mouth and throat thoroughly after use to avoid side effects.
If you have trouble using your Fostair inhaler, you may wish to use an inhaler spacer.
Dose
Always follow the directions for use provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Often the optimal dose of Fostair for you is based on the severity of your condition which is decided during your asthma reviews with your doctor.
The dose prescribed to you may vary depending on whether Fostair is used as a preventer with an alternative reliever inhaler or as a preventer and reliever inhaler.
As a preventer inhaler with an alternative reliever, the recommended dose is ONE to TWO puffs TWICE daily. Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours. Always carry a quick-acting reliever inhaler for treating asthma attacks if using Fostair for prevention only.
When being used as a reliever and preventer, the recommended dose is ONE puff TWICE daily and up to an additional 6 reliever puffs daily when required. Maximum of 8 puffs daily.
If your doctor has directed you differently, follow their directions for use. If symptoms are not controlled by the dose, have an asthma review with your doctor as soon as possible.
Fostair storage
After being dispensed, the medicine may be stored at under 25 degrees (room temperature) for up to 3 months. If any medicine remains after 3 months, dispose of the remaining medicine. While kept in the pharmacy Fostair is refrigerated between 2-8 degrees.
Fostair Inhaler Summary
Dose | Inhale by mouth ONE to TWO puffs TWICE daily |
Type of medicine | Asthma reliever and preventer |
Mechanism | Lowers airway swelling and inflammation while opening up the airways to relieve asthma symptoms |
Size | 120 doses |
Available Strengths | 100ug/6ug & 200ug/6ug |
Active Ingredients | Beclometasone dipropionate & Formoterol fumarate dihydrate |
Price | £48.98 |
Side Effects | Can include voice hoarseness, sore throat, oral thrush, headaches |
Fostair Inhaler Prices
Fostair 100/6 | £48.98 |
Fostair 200/6 | £48.98 |
Alternative treatments
There are many different asthma inhalers available on prescription. Each person may find a different inhaler that works better or worse for their asthma based on the strength of each active ingredient, the severity of their asthma and how the body responds. If your asthma treatment is not providing enough relief, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatments.
The alternative treatments available from Simple Online Pharmacy include both reliever and preventer inhalers such as Ventolin, Flixotide, Symbicort, Seritide and more. Some of these alternatives use different types of inhalers and may be more suitable if you have trouble using a pMDI.
FAQ
How long does Fostair take to work?
The long activating reliever component of Fostair, formoterol, can work within one to three minutes to relieve symptoms. The effect can last up to 12 hours. This is why Fostair inhalers can be used as both a preventer and reliever inhaler.
How often should I use a Fostair inhaler?
If you use your Fostair inhaler as a preventer only with a separate reliever inhaler, it is recommended to use 2 puffs TWICE daily for a maximum of 4 puffs per day.
If you use your Fostair as a reliever and preventer, it is recommended to follow your doctor’s specific directions for use.
Is Fostair 200/6 a strong inhaler?
Fostair 200/6 is the strongest available strength of Fostair. If your pink inhaler is not effectively controlling your asthma symptoms you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist about an alternative treatment.
Can Fostair cause weight gain?
No, weight gain is not a listed side effect of Fostair. If weight is gained while on Fostair it could be due to a number of factors including diet, ability to exercise with asthma and other medicines. If your weight gain is concerning you, speak to a doctor or pharmacist about weight loss options.
What is the pink inhaler name?
Fostair is a pink inhaler for asthma and COPD inhaler used as a reliever and preventer of symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness.
Is Fostair a steroid inhaler?
Yes, Fostair is a steroid inhaler combined with a long-acting reliever. The corticosteroid, beclomethasone and reliever, formoterol combination helps to prevent and relieve symptoms long term while being used daily.
Does Frostair need to be refrigerated?
No, after dispensing the medicine can remain at room temperature for up to three months. Dispose of any medicine remaining three months after receiving it.
Side Effects
Fostair side effects
Like with all medicines, there is the possibility of side effects from Fostair although not everyone may experience them. They can range in how common they are and their severity. If you find a Fostair side effect is bothering you or is severe, stop the treatment and use an alternative reliever for your asthma and consult a health professional as soon as possible.
Common side effects that may affect 1-10% of people are headaches, hoarseness, a sore throat and oral thrush. Oral thrush can be avoided by rinsing your mouth out after using the inhaler. This is a recommendation for all steroid inhalers.
Uncommon side effects (up to 1%) can include:
- Fast heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Throat irritation
- Dry mouth
- Sinus inflammation
- Restlessness
For a full list of potential side effects including rare and very rare side effects, read the patient information leaflet.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
p>Before using any medicine, it is strongly advised to read the patient information leaflet (PIL).
Warnings
Warnings & Precautions
As with all medicines, there are some people which may not be able to use Fostair. If you have any of the following, talk to a health professional before using the asthma treatment:
- Heart problems such as angina, rhythm disorders, valvular disease or other cardiac abnormalities
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypokalemia
- Any disease or problem with the liver or kidneys
- Diabetes - high doses of formoterol may increase blood glucose
Contact your doctor if you experience any blurred vision or visual disturbances.
Other medicines and Fostair
Some medicines may interact with Fostair or asthma in general. It is important that you provide the doctor prescribing the medicine with a full and accurate list of your current medicines.
Treatments for the following conditions may interact with Fostair:
- High Blood pressure (beta blockers)
- Hay Fever (antihistamines)
- HIV
- Parkinsons
- Mental health conditions
- Heart disease
- Alcohol abuse
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding with Fostair
There is currently no clinical data on the safety of Fostair in pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, it is generally not recommended. Alternative medicines with more data on pregnant and breastfeeding women should be considered by your doctor.
For a full list of safety warnings and considerations for Fostair, read the patient information leaflet.
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