I’ve just started Fostair NEXT and it leaves a gritty sweetness in my mouth. Is this normal?

[Takver]

I’ve not used this type of inhaler before and there is no mention of this in any of the info I can find. Could my inhaler be defective?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

If you’re getting grittiness it suggests the powder is not getting into your lungs properly. Have you had your inhaler technique checked? Usually it’s that that causes this. If you haven’t and can’t get in to see GP/AN etc) you can always ask at pharmacist - pretty sure they can help with that (tho maybe not as well as an AN/GP)!

AUK have a video demonstrating the technique if that helps;

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

Hope this helps

[Takver in reply to EmmaF91]

I watched the AUK video before I started, and I think I’m doing it correctly. It was prescribed over the phone, so there wasn’t any opportunity to have my technique checked.

I had Pulmicort Turbohaler until yesterday, and I rarely felt anything when using it. I did have one that sometimes made me cough when I took it because I could feel something hitting the back of my throat.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Takver]

Maybe see if your local pharmacy can check? From memory I never really got grittiness. Just when I angled it wrong 🤷‍♀️😅 (this was a few years ago now tho 😅)

[Carriejen]

I get this taste occasionally when I use my fostair inhaler. The grittiness i don't get as much but do sometimes. I just thought it was a normal thing.

[Takver in reply to Carriejen]

I presume the sweetness is from the lactose.

[Carriejen in reply to Takver]

It could be. I'm entirely uncertain. I've been on fostair for almost 2 years now and still often get the taste

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to Carriejen]

Hi

I had this problem with the Nexthaler - it was awful. Mouthful of powder every time... yuk!

I quickly got shot and returned to Relvar...

However the Fostair MDI does not deposit powder like the Nexthaler so maybe ask to give that a go instead??

Personally I think this was the worst inhaler I have ever used for this problem... and I have tried quite a few over the years!

Hope you get it sorted soon!

Take care

😊

[tedromie]

Hi are you using a spacer ? As this may help x

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to tedromie]

Hi

You can’t use spacers with DPI (powder) inhalers which is what a nexthaler is 😅

[tedromie in reply to EmmaF91]

Oh sorry i didn’t know fostair came as a nexthaler xx 😂

[Poobah]

Yes, I get a slight taste/powder feeling after my FostairNEXT. It's impossible not to get some in your mouth and throat as it's being inhaled. Always rinse with water, brush your teeth and gargle afterwards. Standing in front of a mirror will help with technique. Breath right out, tightening your diaphragm. Then inhale the med quickly, expanding your diaphragm and keeping your shoulders down. Hold your breath for 5 seconds and gently breath out. Take your time before a second dose, if you're prescribed two doses.

If you see your shoulders rise then it's an indication of shallow inhalation. The diaphragm is key to getting as much medication as far into the lungs as possible.

The particles that make up Fostair aren't all medicine, the medicine being carried by a carrier such as lactose. Dry powder meds are designed so that, on inhalation, the medicine is released from the carrier and inhaled. The carrier is often left in the mouth and throat. This video explains this. youtu.be/F43vX19FUW8(Not working as expected?)

[Dizzy412]

Hi Takver. That’s one of the inhalers I take. Try rinsing your mouth with water after using it. Also give the inhaler a good shake before you use it. My consultant by t suggested keeping it in the bathroom. Use inhaler, rinse then do teeth.

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to Dizzy412]

Hi

I don’t think you are meant to shake powder inhalers....?

👍😊

[Dizzy412 in reply to Pipsqueak77]

My pharmacist advised me to as I was having problems with powdery residue in my mouth v

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to Dizzy412]

Hi

Seems a bit odd.. that is not advised by manufacturers?

Also keeping a powder inhaler in a damp atmosphere also will not really help as they get damp!🤷‍♂️

👍😊