Fostair 200/6

[Casey_87]

Hi

So Iv been quite unwell with my asthma and ended up in hospital, my go has since moved me from fostair 100/6 to 200/6 is this a high dose? I take 2 puffs twice aday I’m due a review next week I’m worried as I work in a hospital on this dose

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi sorry to hear you’ve not been well.

Fostair 200 at a total of 4 puffs a day would be classed as a high dose steroid inhaler. However try not too worry too much - there has been some suggestion that steroid inhalers may have a protective action against COVID. You would most likely be at more risk (both from COVID and asthma in general) having your asthma be unstable and causing you to be in/out of the hospital as a patient.

That being said if you are concerned, speak to occupy health and see what they suggest.

If you’d like to read more about inhalers in general you may want to read this post; healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

And if you want more about steroids (including inhalers/tablets and side effects etc); healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

I hope this helps and that you start to feel better soon!

[elanaoali]

Hi Aussie_lass87Firstly thank you nhs worker you are doing an amazing job.

Secondly try not to worry about being on this higher dose of fostair 200/6. I use this dose and have been for the last two years. My asthma has been very stable this year. (I work in a primary school in a year 1 bubble of 3 classes).

I havent suffered from any side effects except for a small shaking of my hands after I take it. This very quickly wears off.

If you want to ask any questions please ask.

[Casey_87]

Thank you both, that’s made me feel at ease. Iv only been on this dose for 5 days but started having side effects of muscle cramping (feel like Iv done a workout) so hopefully there’s will pass. I will speak to my gp next week but as I feel 100 times better than I did I don’t want to upset my asthma it’s been a year of trying to control it. X

[Poobah in reply to Casey_87]

If you're getting muscle cramps then get your potassium levels checked. These meds can affect potassium levels and that's why some patients get the side effects listed in the patient leaflet. Mine hot rock bottom and it took a while to put 2 & 2 together.