Changing inhalers

[Asthmatic93]

Hi.

I've been changed from flutiform to fostair due to side effects. I've only been on the fostair a few days but it feels like it's not doing a great deal. My chest & upper back hurt. I laugh, I cough. I feel like I've got more shortness of breath than usual.

How long should it take to start working if I've had a straight swap with it?

Thanks

[twinkly29]

It can take a couple of weeks to begin to be working but 8 weeks or so for full effectiveness. So many inhalers are deemed to "not work" because time isn't given for a proper trial - not just by those trialling them but often because doctors or nurses keep switching too soon. It can be common to need more blue inhaler initially while the Fostair embeds and sometimes people need the likes of a short course of oral steroids to bridge the gap, though by no means always. If you are concerned it might be worth phoning your nurse or doctor (or the Asthma UK nurses) for advice - they'd be able to go with what you're feeling/when/why so you'll get an idea of how things are progressing and whether it's normal.

Hopefully it will be a great swap for you - but it can be frustrating waiting to see the impact!

[Maya_227]

Hi, I have recently changed to Fostair and found the first three weeks tough. I had to use my reliever frequently and my chest felt tight and uncomfortable. Happily the improvement in the last 3 weeks has been amazing!! I am no longer rattling with phlegm, coughing has reduced massively and I feel like I can take a proper breath for the first time in years. I had a straight swap and the GP didn't say anything about feeling worse to begin with but I read up on it and knew to expect it. I can't believe how awful my cough variant asthma has been now that I am feeling so much better and how long I have been fobbed off by the GP and asthma nurse. I hope it works for you too 🤞

[twinkly29 in reply to Maya_227]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I know it's helped others in the past to know that persevering can be the answer (barring other issues of course) and I'm glad you got to the oooh good it's helping stage!

[watergazer]

Hi I changed over to Fostairnexthaler and it has made a big difference for the better. I had a few minor issues at first. Stick with it and see how it goes . Of course if you are struggling get in touch with your doctor. x