Fostair fast heart rate

[Anfaw]

I've been taking fostair for a couple of months, and it seems to have been e a big help. I havent had any problems so far, until over this weekend I have been feeling bit ropey, felt like I was starting with a cold but haven't. This morning I woke up with a bit of a headache, nothing too bad just annoying, and then as I've been up and about more, I've realised my heart is beating much faster than normal and I'm feeling a bit shaky. Resting heart rate is usually about 55-60, the last hour it's been 85-95, higher after moving around. Could this be due to the fostair after being okay with it for 2 months? I expected any side effects to kick I sooner and was feeling pleased it was helping. I suppose I need to call the Drs again tomorrow and ask for help with my meds. Do you think I should get help today? Or is it okay to wait till the morning do you think? I'm not feeling terrible or I'd be calling the out of of hours already, not posting here, but not right. Should I not take my fostair this evening so you think? Having more than just clenil and salbutamol to think about is all very new to me. I'm taking montelukast too in case that matters. 😕

[twinkly29]

I wouldn't suggest not using the Fostair tonight and, as your heart rate is still within what the British Heart Foundation says is normal (60-100), I would imagine you'd be ok to wait til tomorrow - but it is a bit odd that it's not happened before. Unless it has but you just haven't felt it. Anxiety can also do similar which may kick in when we realise something is a bit weird and then exacerbate things.

But you could always phone 111 before tomorrow if you are concerned.

[Anfaw in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you for your reply' sorry I didn't reply sooner. I carried on taking the fostair and have had slightly raised heart rate again after it, but not like it was the day I posted this message. I could have missed it if I hadn't been looking for it on these occasions. Maybe it has been happening before and I just havent noticed until the other day. It was very noticeable I could feel my heart beating strongly. I have an appointment to speak to the dr about it tomorrow, so I'll see what they say. I dont think anxiety was part of it on this occasion, but I know what you mean, it was a similar feeling but whilst I was previously totally calm and relaxed. Thank you.🙂

[Poobah]

Asthma inhalers can affect potassium levels in some patients and this can result in tachycardia & other symptoms. It maybe prudent to get your potassium levels checked just in case this is the underlying cause. I learnt about this on one hospital admission and my levels were so low the consultant prescribed potassium tablets. Usually making sure we eat potassium rich foods is enough to counteract any depletion caused by inhaled meds.

[Anfaw in reply to Poobah]

Thanks, I didn't know about that. I do take a multivitamin that I think includes potassium, I'll mention it to the Dr tomorrow. 🙂

[Poobah in reply to Anfaw]

Take the patient leaflet with you as the reference to potassium and recommendation for testing levels is recorded in it - just in case your doctor tries to play down the relevance of potassium. Low levels also result in muscle cramps, weakness and twitching. NB that it's not just Fostair in case your doctor wants to try a different med.

[Bella-Bestia]

Hi, I hope you’re feeling a bit better. In case you’re still having the same symptoms as you mentioned above then I will give you my experience on fostair.

Like you I had a fast heart rate- it increased by over 30 bpm at rest. I also had cramps in my hands and feet and felt lightheaded. Once I changed inhaler it stopped.

We all respond to medication differently. Others said the same to me. It’s about finding the one that works best for you.

I wasn’t on montelukast so can’t comment on that.

Take care,

Bella-Bestia

[Anfaw in reply to Bella-Bestia]

Thanks for your replies. Oh I've had cramps in my feet too, and arms actually. I didnt realise that might be fostair aswell. Oh what a shame, breathing wise it has helped me massively and I thought I was escaping side effects after taking it for about 6wks I think it is. Rats. I suppose there are other options. But that's a shame when I thought I'd found something that worked. I think its the long acting reliever part that has helped really. I can feel it wear off in the afternoon and cough more again before my next dose unless I take ventolin. Maybe the steroid isn't song much for me? Thank you for your reply and sharing your experience. 🙂