Reaction to Fostair inhaler

[viv4BONNIE]

I’m getting dreadful cramps all over my body does this medication lower the potassium level in the body?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi sorry to here this!

Yes fostair can lower potassium levels in the blood and cause muscle cramping, especially if you’re on certain meds or already prone to low potassium levels. I’d make an appt to see your GP/asthma nurse ASAP or ask for a phone consultation for advice, but try not to stop taking the pump without their approval as that could trigger off you’re asthma... 😔

Fresh orange juice (not from conc) has high levels of potassium (more than in bananas), as do veg like sweet potato and kale etc... try these -it may help with the immediate issue

Hope the cramps resolve soon x

[Gilly59 in reply to EmmaF91]

I had no idea Fostair could increase the risk of muscle cramping. That explains a lot! I recently changed to Flutiform and no sign of cramp!

[Matman]

If you stick with Fostair and therefore need to optimise your Potassium (which Fostair seriously depletes - as per the Patient Info Leaflet that comes with your inhaler) please be aware that although using natural stuff (i.e. Food Rich in Potassium) to try to counter the effect is important, you should avoid Potassium Supplement Tablets if possible as they can be risky especially in doses above 100mg. One Bite of Banana gives you around 100mg Potassium. Recommend Daily Intake of Potassium varies between USA Suggested Intake and Other areas of the world, but is around 3 Grams (equivalent of about 6 Bananas) so really hard to get from food unless you’re eating numerous Potassium Rich vegetables and fruits all day long. The fact that Fostair is robbing us of Potassium makes correcting the balance a really tough challenge, although some senior folk seem to retain Potassium better than youngsters.