Fostair question

[Gymbearo]

I take Fostair 100/6 but have been using 8 puffs a day for quite a significant time. My asthma nurse suggested changing to the 200/6 a while ago but I said no at that point, thinking I would probably reduce my dose over time, however, this has not happened, sadly. Can anyone explain the difference please - I don’t understand what benefits the 200/6 has, when you could just take more of the 100/6. Sorry if I’m being dim!

[Muldrew]

hi Gymbearo

I think it’s probably better for you as you will need less puffs ( the new one being stronger)

I think it’s because you will therefore get less of the delivery agent

You could ask the nurse why or if you prefer the help line

I remember also making the change ( I later moved to Trelegy also good)

Good luck!!

[Gareth57]

if you change to 200/6 you 2 doses twice a day will total 800/24, if you have 4x100/6 twice a day it totals 800/48 which is more than you need + as Muldred said you get double of the propellant if you have the MDI inhaler.

[Hidden]

if you use the 200/6 four times a day you are getting 800 micrograms of the steroid and 24 micrograms of the formoterol (reliever). If you use 100/6 eight times a day you are getting 800 micrograms of the steroid but 48 micrograms of the formoterol. Better to have the lower dose of the formoterol and see if that is sufficient to keep control with the 800 microgramsof steroid.

[peege]

I may be wrong but I believe the lower dose is a MART inhaler - ie you can use more or less as your needs change &/or like ventolin. It suits me well, that is the MDI (aerosol) with a spacer. Occasionally if really cold out I might have a puff before I go out..the instruction leafleaflet will explain MART

When I did the Pulmonary Rehabilitation course it was explained that in using a spacer you get 50% more of the medication than if not using one.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to peege]

You can use the 100/6 that way (ie MART, maintenance and reliever therapy), but it isn't always. 200/6 can't be used that way (I know you know this but just saying in case anyone is wondering!)

That's true re spacers, though Fostair also comes as a dry powder (Nexthaler) which can't be used with a spacer.

Gymbearo, others are right in saying that 100/6 doubled is not the same as 200/6 as you would get twice as much of the long-acting reliever which you may not need. That's likely to make you quite shaky and may be more than you need on a daily basis.

Plus twice as much 100/6 would cost more (potentially cost you more too, though a prepayment certificate is a good idea if you don't already have one) and run out more quickly.

[Gymbearo]

thanks everyone - I hadn’t though t about the ‘6’ part, or the propellant! I’ll definitely bring this up at my next review