Struggling to tolerate asthma meds

[nomoreibsc]

Has anyone had a bad reaction to Fostair or Flutiform? Clenil isn't helping to control my asthma but I can't seem to tolerate the newer stronger preventers. I'm limited to what I can use due to a dairy allergy. Would really appreciate some guidance . Thank you ❤️

[Homely2 Administrator]

It took me a month or so to settle down with fostair, it seemed to clash with my cardiac medicines. It all settled down though, and I now love it. So have you given yourself enough time to get used to it.

[nomoreibsc in reply to Homely2]

Thank you for responding 🥰...I don't think I have to be honest. It seemed to make my asthma worse and I felt so unwell I stopped using it after a few days. But I did try again 2 more times just to be sure. Unfortunately had the same reaction.

[fraid]

I didn’t know inhalers had anything to do with dairy?? I’m allergic too but have not noticed any dairy like reactions.🤔

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to fraid]

Yes powder Inhalers contain milk powder (not the whole milk powder but the sugar can't remember the name of it)

[fraid in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Do you mean lactose? Never heard of inhalers containing this, why would they? I find my preventers give me asthma, learnt on here I may be allergic to propellant but can’t find any info on alternatives??🤔🤔

[Poobah in reply to fraid]

Dry powder inhalers contain lactose, which is used as a stabiliser. You can use your peak flow to check how your reacting to your inhaler meds by taking the PF before a dose of inhaler and again 20 minutes later. If a dip in results occurs, you may have had a reaction to the contents of your meds. It's important not to eat or drink anything at the time, just in case that affects the PF.

I had developed an allergy to the propellant in my aerosol inhalers and my consultant used the before & after peak flow test to figure out what the problem was. I was given dry powder inhalers and it really helped my asthma control. I avoid other aerosols too.

[fraid in reply to Poobah]

Thanks for that. I gave up with peak flow thing as it’s so low due to kyphosis as to be irrelevant. Just managed to speak to Rx chemist who agreed stop Clenil, just use Ventolin, will see what else available. Tried dry and wet ones, same.🙄

Also stop Bumetanide for leg oedema re low Potassium, more BT looking for missing protein re ? heart problem may be ultimate cause of breathless,oedema etc! Finally a joined up approach ! Hope it’s simple solution!🤞

[nomoreibsc in reply to Poobah]

Thank you for clarifying re lactose in inhalers. Great explanation.😊

[nomoreibsc in reply to fraid]

Yes unfortunately some of them have dairy/lactose mostly the powder inhalers. Dairy makes my asthma worse unfortunately and my GP surgery discovered some of the ingredients in those inhalers had dairy. It took a while for them to find the information online as it's not listed as clearly as the other ingredients.

[runcyclexcski]

I am allergic to Fostair:, my face swells. They tried to switch me from Seretide to F, and had to go back (thank god).

[nomoreibsc in reply to runcyclexcski]

I'm so sorry you had such a bad reaction. Some of us just can't seem to tolerate Fostair. I will ask my GP if I can try Seretide. I used to use it before and didn't have any issues. Thank you for reminding me. 🥰

[Collienut]

When I first started Fostair, I had the shakes for about two hours every time I took it (which was very similar to when I first started taking Ventolin, many moons ago). Had to take it two hours before bed as I couldn't sleep.First month they were bad, my hands shook, second month just felt shaky, by the end of the third month all was ok.

It has made a huge difference to my asthma.

I did check with my asthma nurse after six weeks, and was told if I was still shaky after three months they would try something else.

[nomoreibsc in reply to Collienut]

Thank you for replying and sharing your experience. Glad Fostair is working for you. It does seem to help a lot of people. I think because my reactions have been bad I am reluctant to try again. It seems to make my asthma worse.

[Poobah]

Are you on aerosol inhalers or dry powder? Before giving up on Fostair, you could ask your doctor to try the aerosol or dry powder version, just in case the propellant or other additives are the culprit. And do your peak flow before and 20 minutes after a dose of inhaler, so you can demonstrate to your doctor if the medication is affecting your breathing. Other side effects, like the shakes and fast heart beat, settle down after a while - it depends how severe your reaction is. But best to talk to your doctor or asthma nurse before stopping any meds.

[nomoreibsc in reply to Poobah]

Hi Poobah. I'm on the inhalers. Reaction affects my breathing alas.

Really appreciate your advice. Thank you so much. 🥰🤗. I have an asthma clinic tomorrow so will ask the nurse. At least I now know what to say.

[Poobah in reply to nomoreibsc]

Good luck tomorrow!

[nomoreibsc in reply to Poobah]

Thank you so much. 🥰. I'm being referred to the respiratory clinic. x

[Poobah in reply to nomoreibsc]

I hope you don't have to wait too long for an appointment and they can find some suitable meds for you. Take care. x

[nomoreibsc in reply to Poobah]

Thank you 🤗