Flutiform vs clenil

[HC26]

Hi there,

Looking for some inhaler advise.

Recently, my asthma has been much worse. I’ve been prescribed a course of oral steroids and antibiotics. Unfortunately these did not seem to work. I have also been given flutiform (previously on clenil) but noticed my resting heart rate was much higher than usual. I have now linked this with using flutiform. Has anyone else had this problem? Do I just ditch the flutiform and go back to clenil like before? I’m not sure what to do!

Thank you

[Poobah]

Hello HC26. It's frustrating when new meds aren't working or the side effects are not worth any benefit. Flutiform is different to Clenil as it also contains a long acting bronchidilator. If you've finished the course of steroids and antibiotics and now only on Flutiform then you can be certain that the side effects are down to Flutiform.

When I started Fostair, another combination inhaler from the same family as Flutiform, I had horrible headaches for about ten days. But this passed and I don't get any side effects now.

If the side effects continue beyond the first couple of weeks then you need to talk to the doctor who prescribed the inhaler and ask for a different prescription. However, if you can't tolerate the side effects at all don't wait and talk to the doctor as soon as you can. The listed side effects include angina, heart problems and high blood pressure, so your experience is not isolated.

It's been a very high pollen season so far and this may be why you're having an asthma flare up. Only a maybe but if you have an asthma that is triggered by pollen it may be worth suggesting this to your doctor.

All the best.