How long can preventer take to be fully effective?

[Thail]

I'm 74yr old woman, diagnosed late June'23. Was given brown preventer with Ventolin. Wasn't successful. Given Fostair Nexthaler 2x2 from 22/8. Apart from 1 week in rural Scotland in September I'm still heavily on reliant on reliever. Bearing in mind my age & late diagnosis can anyone give me advice on how long it can take for preventer to be fully effective. Asthma nurse wanted to give 3 months to see how it went, I'm hoping to see her late November. I have a few days when things looking better then back to full on reliever - quite dispiriting. Thanks

[Poobah]

It can vary from person to person, but you should see gradual improvement from week 2, with full efficacy around 8 weeks. If you're not seeing any benefits by week 4, it could be that the dose is too low or that Fostair isn't for you.

Fostair also includes a long acting bronchodilator, which should be giving relief for up to 12 hours. The preventer is the steroid and this is the bit that takes weeks to build up to full efficacy.

Personally, I wouldn't wait another month to see your asthma nurse. I'm guessing if you make an appointment now, it will be at least a couple of weeks before you see them anyway. Keep a record of the number of times you need your reliever, when you need it and if you're waking in the night to use it.

If you have a peak flow meter, then take your peak flow morning and night, each day and make a note of it, until you see the asthma nurse. It's important to demonstrate what effect Fostair is having on your symptoms. You should get a peak flow meter for free on prescription, so if you haven't got one yet, just ask the asthma nurse to arrange for a prescription.

Asthma medication is very personal. Some people do very well on Fostair but others don't and they need a similar, but different inhaler - there are several available. It's trial and error, I'm afraid, until you work out which one is best. But always give them 8 weeks at least and always follow up with the asthma nurse if things are not improving.

I hope that helps.

[Thail in reply to Poobah]

Thanks for all that advice I will get an appointment sooner rather than later. I just get a bit disheartened as there's peaks & troughs - I think I've finally got it under control & then it's triggered again. Probably cooler weather not helping. Thanks again

[Mandevilla]

Don't be discouraged - it takes a while to find the right medication balance sometimes. It took me four different preventers before finding the one that works for me - now I only need Ventolin every three to four weeks instead of multiple times a week.

[Thail in reply to Mandevilla]

Thank you I needed to hear that

[Maltesemama]

Hi! I use Ventolin as a rescue inhaler. It’s not designed in the USA as a preventative. I’m sorry it’s not working for you. Hopefully there is something available that will help you more. Best of luck! BTW, our ventolin comes in a blue container.

[Thail in reply to Maltesemama]

Hi thanks for replying - I'm in UK - I'm using Fostair Nexthaler as preventer and Salamol as reliever - used ventolin before that but new (also blue) inhaler is supposed to be more eco friendly

[Anniecath]

Hi there, everyone is different, for myself I've found Ventolin indispensable in stopping a reaction from becoming a full blown asthma attack. Having said that I have had asthma for most of my 69 years and it has taken approx 30 years to reach a regime that works for me. Needless to say asthma ( ? ) nurses and GP's persist in trying to change my medication. Be clear about what you want, take notes so that when you see your GP/nurse you can either hand them the notes, or better still, hand them a copy and keep a copy for yourself , so you know what has transpired. I have also realised that care is patchy across the UK, I hope that you are in an area that is well catered for in relation to GP's and nurses with good knowledge of the disease and those that aren't. I wish you well and hope you get sorted soon. All the best

[Patk1]

It's probably worst time of yr for asthma+ Lung diseases - it's so damp+mixed temps depending on where we live. So it maybe that Yr reacting to climate,surroundings,any allergies to products u use etc.id give it time.perhapskeep a dailydiary,triggers,peak flow etc