Fostair nexthaler or Becotide!

[ahfat41]

I used to be on becotide and ventolin but was changed to fostair nexthaler on mart regimen. I was under the impression I could only use fostair nexthaler in winter as I have seasonal asthma but my mum told me it should be used all year round. I do not like having to take it continuously due to side effects. I am thinking whether I should ask to go back to becotide and used ventolin as required. Those who have used both which one is more effective and less likely to cause side effects in the long run.!Thanks

[Rlbee1974]

I guess it depends on what your side effects are and what you don’t like about it ? I struggled with the shakes in my hands for the first few weeks after I’d taken the fostair normally that would have been enough for me to not use want to use it as I fit contact lenses on babies so the shakes is not what I need but one of the consultants I work for said to keep on with it as that calms down once your body gets used to it . I love my fostair now . Good luck with it x

[DeloresSeren]

Fostair is a much newer drug than becotide. Chances are, if you’ve been switched over your body needs both drugs in the fostair plus the more frequent steroid rather than the increased use of your ventolin. If you want to cut it back/ eliminate inhalers through certain times of the year, you need to speak to your asthma nurse/ consultant. With your fostair it does work better when taken daily, but as you’re on a MART regime you should have a baseline dose (ie 1 or 2 puffs twice a day) which you would take routinely, then add in extra puffs through the day only when your symptoms require it

[Poobah]

I assume you took Becotide every day, all year round and Ventolin only when required? Becotide is a steroid and regular use is necessary for it to have an affect on asthma symptoms. Fostair is a steroid but also contains a long acting bronchodilator, again best used regularly in order to work effectively. If you want to use either your old or new meds only on a seasonal basis then you should discuss this with your asthma nurse or doctor. It would take around 8 weeks for either Becotide or Fostair to build up full efficacy, so stopping and starting isn't usually recommended , however always best to agree your asthma plan with your healthcare professional. (Ventolin lasts up to 4 hours, whereas the long acting bronchodilator in Fostair works for up to 12 hours.)