Hi, Can anyone advise me on using a spacer with Fostair please

[Celie1]

I’ve used a spacer with salbutamol and given it a shake before use, but I’m not sure if I need to shake Fostair before using it with a spacer. Is it a powder inhaler? I’ve been on Duoresp spiromax, which I took without a spacer and it wasn’t necessary to shake it before use. But now I’ve changed to Fostair I’m unsure, although reading the instructions it looks like you don’t shake it when you’re using it without a spacer. Sorry this might seem like a silly question 😏😆.

Also does anyone know if it’s ok to use Fostair while taking Losartan for high blood pressure or should I check at the pharmacy. Thanks 😊

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Fostair come in both dpi (powder) and mdi (normal puffs) formats. If it’s a normal inhaler (like your salbutamol) you should shake it as that mixes the drug with the propellant. If you’re on the powder ‘fostair nexthaler’ you don’t use a spacer and you don’t need to shake it.

For videos of how to take each type of inhaler; asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

Hope this helps and that fostair works for you!

[Celie1 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks Emma. The inhaler is Fostair 100/6 and looks like salbutamol, apart from it has a counter on the back. It doesn’t say anywhere on the information or the box whether it is dpi powder, or mdi. Is that because all mdi’s look the same?

I’ve been given a spacer to use with it, which from what you say must make it an mdi, but nowhere on the instruction leaflet does it say anywhere to shake it before using. Do you think this is a mistake on the leaflet? I’m worrying, because I don’t want to do the wrong thing. Also I was wondering if I can take salbutamol (if needed) using the same spacer.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Celie1]

MDIs all look the same. So if it’s the same as your ventolin, just with a counter you shake it. The dpi looks completely different.

You won’t do the wrong thing. Inhalers never really tell you to shake them it’s just sort of assumed you know to do it for that style. It won’t ‘harm’ the drug

And yes you can use the same spacer. Just make sure you wash it regularly and replace it once it doesn’t clean properly. (asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale... - Scroll down to see the instructions/video on how to do it properly)

I advise popping in to your pharmacy to see the pharmacist for advice. They are trained on how to do these things and should be able to answer and questions. Or wait til Monday and call AUK.

[Celie1 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you for your advice Emma, I really appreciate it. Also the links to the videos 😊x

[KnPoa]

I am on a mdi Fostair (looks like the typical blue inhaler but pink. the dpi nextfostair is a different shape) and I use a spacer with it. I always shake it before hand and was told to by my GP. I also use the same spacer to take my blue inhaler but make sure to clean and sterile every few weeks.

[Celie1 in reply to KnPoa]

Thank you for your reply. I’ll do that now. I’ve been on Duoresp spiromax which from the sound of it (no shaking or use of spacer) is a dpi, so think I’m a bit anxious about the change, especially as the instruction to shake the inhaler is missing from the information leaflet! A bit confusing.

Hope you are well. 😊

[Poobah]

I'm on both Fostair and Losarton and have no problem taking them together. Losarton is the preferred HBP med for asthmatics as others can cause coughs thanks to our sensitivities.

[Celie1 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you Poobah. 🤗

[Dogruff]

It’s generally only beta blockers that will interact with the likes of salbutamol/salmeterol but only at high doses. ACE inhibitors can cause a cough but not always. Your pharmacist will be able to tell you if it needs to be looked at for changing.

[Celie1 in reply to Dogruff]

Thank you for that 🙂