Fostair nexthaler 100/6 one puff twice a day

[ahfat41]

The asthma specialist at my surgery prescribed me the above since Feb on the mart regimen. Usually I stop taking the inhaler was previously on becotide and ventolin in the summer. Due to covid 19 I did not stop and continue to take it. I agree to change to fostair nexthaler as he gave me the impression it could be taken on demand. As my asthma is seasonal winter only and mild and well controlled. I used to take it only in winter. My mum told me otherwise she said it should be continuous as it is a preventer and reliever. Is she right, should I ask for clarification again? Anybody here take their inhalers on and off. Thanks.

[twinkly29]

I agree with Frazzle.

My understanding is that preventer inhalers should be taken as prescribed all year round so would assume you should take the inhaler 1 puff twice a day all year - and then use it as required when you need to, so for you this would presumably be in the winter. But as Frazzle says, your doctor should have explained this to you so giving them a call to ask about both (ie is it all year and what to do about extra puffs) sounds the best plan.

[_Badger_]

I used to be allowed to stop taking my preventer inhaler during the summer as (up until this year) I was a "winter asthmatic". However at my asthma review I was told that advice had changed and it should now be taken all year round so that the effect is built up in your system to protect you whenever it is needed.

A call to your GP or asthma nurse should be able to clarify when and how to take it though.

[ahfat41]

Thanks very good advice. Will need to ring for clarification or can wait till next review as he is difficult to get hold on. He has a session only once a week at gp surgery. The regimen is extra puff when needed up to a max of 8 puffs in total. If more than 4 puffs are needed fir 2 consecutive days pl book appt to see gp immediately. Thanks

[plastererken]

Iam the same as you, I take when I feel I need to.iam on clenhill,couldn’t get on with fostair.

[peege]

Fostair MART is excellent imo. Can increase to 2 puffs 2 x daily when necessary in any season.

There is a booklet that comes with it, I was given one by pharmacist and a new one recently by my excellent respiratory nurse. For me who's worse in winter Fostair is the best thing ever. P

[Trazj]

Limit ventolin to an absolute minimum. Always take the preventor becotide in my case, as prescribed as it is the micro dose of steroid. If you find you are having to use the ventolin it means that the becotide is not controlling it so you need to discuss escalation of the preventor with the doc. Symbicort is the next escalation as it has a preventer and long acting reliever in it. Again arm yourself with knowledge and discuss with the doc. I only use ventolin rarely like if Ive visited people who have lots of cats and as soon as im out of their I dont need it. Take care

[Trazj in reply to Trazj]

Also Fostair is the two part inhaler like simbicort. Contains becotide and a releiver. My specialist put me on this a few years ago but then a year ago took me off it and back to becotide 100 twice a day with a ventolin to use in emergencies. They said that there had been a rethink and that the aim was to get everyone onto the lowest. mildest treatment whilst maintaining peak flow.