CHANGE TO FOSTAIR

[Mons]

Changed from salbutomol/Ventolin to Fostair. There is some improvement. How long should it be until Fostair is fully effective? Thanks.

[Homely2 Administrator]

It took me a month to two months to fully settle down with fostair.

I use it with a spacer and it took me a long time to find an asthma nurse who would critique my technique and help me get it right.

Now I have my technique correct for me I really like fostair.

[Wheezycat]

Depends a bit what you mean. As Homely2 says the preventer part takes a while, as I think all of them do, but the reliever part, if you have been adviced to use it that way, works pretty fast. I can't use it as a reliever as I am on max dose, but I did check with my peakflow before and after taking it just out of curiosity and it was about the same length of time as Ventolin.

[Troilus]

Hi muns. I was told by my GP that it takes about 6 weeks.

[ReedB]

Hi muns, I found the reliever part of Fostair worked wonders straight away. Like others have said the preventer part takes at least a month.

[Mons]

thank you for all your comments. I have a very tight chest (hence the changeover), but I THINK the Fostair NEXThaler is starting to help after a week of using it. The chest seems less constricted, albeit still getting a bit breathless at times. Awaiting chest x-ray results now too. I do prefer the dry powdered inhaler too.

[Don_Alejandro]

Hello Muns. It was about 2 to 3 months in my case.

Over the course of a year, I went from Salbutamol to Clenil (briefly) then to Fostair. My asthma had become pretty bad, I felt a little better with the Clenil, but my GPs were still concerned so they prescribed Fostair. I was a bit cynical at first, I'd begun to think my asthma was a life sentence - I felt hopeless tbh.

After a month with Fostair I did feel a little better but wasn't sure - my asthma nurse said to persist with it and she was right. After about 2 months of gradual improvement, at 3 months I found my breathing had been transformed and I could live a normal life again. Now nearly a year on, I am very grateful for the Fostair and I've had no side effects.

I can get out and about now, walk up and down my high street, make the bed, climb the stairs - all without a problem. I'm male, I'm in my mid 60s - and very thankful for our wonderful NHS.

[Mons]

Thank you for this post as it is gratefully received. I wasn’t too sure about the Fostair but will keep with it as there is a little improvement after a week of usage.

Glad to hear it has made such a difference to your life as, at the moment I am restricted due to the breathlessness so I hope the meds kick in quickly. Very hopeful after your post.

[Nutzs47]

I was changed from seretide to fostair but unfortunately they gave me the wrong type rather than like for like and my asthma declined over time but after seeing a consultant I’m now on the Nexthaler and I haven’t had a flare for over a year

[DollyDutchGirl]

A lot of people find Fostair an absolute game changer and I believe the time it takes to ‘kick in’ can vary (because everyone is different).

It took around 2/3 months for it to really begin to make a difference for me (Fostair 200/6). However, I’m an elderly lady, whose body seems to likes to mess with medications and, I needed a lot of extra ‘add ons’. Eventually, my hospital consultant had me using Fostair as MART (maintenance and reliever therapy) - along with the host of add ons and - finally after three years - we think we’ve cracked it - as things have been really good since last September. Hopefully, you will find it works well for you….😊

[Mons in reply to DollyDutchGirl]

Thank you. I’m 66 and am hoping that Fostair will help. I’m persevering with it at the moment. There does seem a little improvement but I also keep my Ventolin close by just in case I need it quickly as the Fostair as a reliever isn’t as instant. All these posts give me such hope.

[DollyDutchGirl]

I use the Fostair pump inhaler with a spacer, which apparently gets the medication further into the lungs. However, I believe you use the Nexthaler, but as you know, it doesn’t fit a spacer. I take it 2 x inhalations am and pm plus, up to four extra inhalations throughout the day. If I still have a breathing problem, I have to call an ambulance….or my husband will drive me to A&E. However, I do have a few other health issues that can impact on my asthma….and BTW, I was just 73 when I was first diagnosed with severe asthma - now, I’m racing towards 77…LOL.🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️. I truly hope that Fostair works for you - if it doesn’t, please consider asking your GP to let you try another type - or perhaps ask if an additional med may help you. There are so many Asthma meds available - hopefully you will find one that works for you. Stay well and take care…😊