Fostair and tertible sude effects

[Mezitonka]

Can someone please help me. I suffer from both asthma and copd. I was put on fostair from seretide 3 years ago. It's worse than awful. Muscle cramps and horrendous "doms" from resistance training, serious weight gain such that I have to diet assiduously (went from 12st 8 lb to 14 St 3lb without noticing it in about six months!!!) even though I've never had to diet in my life (age 64), and worst of all truly horrendous headaches. They last on average about 28 hours. About 8 to rise, plateau for 10 to 12, then a gradual drop-off. I'm a self employed taxi driver and through this I lose 9 shifts per 11 weeks, averaging £120 per shift. My gp will just not take me off the darned stuff, saying, even, that serertide is no longer prescribed in the uk for copd!!! (though apparently it is for asthma). These headaches are driving me crazy. Can someo e please belp me?

[Poobah]

If you're experiencing side effects that affect your daily life plus your ability to work then your GP should be looking to try other meds. There are many to choose from and trial and error will help you to find the best possible inhaler.

Fostair can affect blood pressure so I would definitely have that checked to ensure that isn't what's causing your headaches.

Weight gain is a possible side effect.

The GP could prescribe Seretide for your asthma especially if you found it effective. And prescribe an additional inhaler for your COPD. if you do have high blood pressure then I found Eklira Genuair good. Spiriva made my BP go through the roof and made me very poorly.

I know it's difficult to convince some doctors to change their minds but if you emphasise the effect these headaches etc are having on your life and your ability to work then they can't possibly ignore it.

Good luck.

[Chocolate_Zombie]

Sorry to hear that - it sounds awful.

I suffered with debilitating side effects from Fostair (for asthma, not COPD). I had it replaced with Flutiform, which is a preventative inhaler. It's very effective and without side effects.

It'd be worth discussing this with your consultant/GP.

All the best mate.