My GP is changing my prescription from Fostair 200/6 to Luforbec. I can see that this reflects NICE guidelines and will save the NHS money; it has similar active ingredients, but I can't find any statement of equivalent or improved efficacy.
If someone has recently had a similar change in their prescription I would be interested to hear from them. Does Luforbec work better, worse or the same for patients?
My prescription is for Fostair, but a couple of times I was issued with Luforbec. I couldn’t really get along with it - started having mild symptoms- maybe my technique I don’t know. I asked if I could have the Fostair and was told they are both the same. I stuck to my guns, reiterating that while that might be the case for some unknown reason the Luforbec didn’t work as well for me. That was accepted and I am back with my Fostair.
However, the must be some difference as once opened Fostair can be used for 5 months where it is only 3 for Luforbec.
Thanks for your feedback. Without objective, comparative clinical studies, there is no substitute for the shared, lived experience of those with a similar issue.👍
If you look to the top right of this page, you'll see a list of related posts. There's been quite a few members facing the same issue as yourself and, from what I've read, they all experience a drop in effective treatment when changing from Fostair to Luforbec. If your doctor insists on the change, I would start recording your daily peak flow results, symptoms and number of times you need to take your Ventolin/rescue inhaler. This personal evidence should help demonstrate that Luforbec is not effective.
I've had two changes. I was swapped to Luforbec maybe two years ago. I had nothing but trouble with the inhaler, not the actual drug. I kept getting too much, to the extent that I couldn't inhale it because it burned, or made me jittery. It appears to be the metered dose mechanism. One morning I'd had enough and asked GP to put me back on Fostair. No sooner had I begun taking it I remembered the awful irritation it caused my throat, leading to constant throat clearing and hoarseness. Being a pain in the bum, I changed back to Luforbec because I don't get side effects. To prove to myself that it was the mechanism, I put the Luforbec in the Fostair inhaler, and lo and behold, no problem. I realise it's not a viable long term solution but am seeing resp nurse on 6th Dec to discuss options. So, long answer to short question, Luforbec drug works well for me. Hope for you too.
Starting to think that this may be an issue for me at the moment. Having a serious exacerbation since switching from Fostair to Luforbec. I also had issues being switched from Ventolin to generic salbutamol inhaler so now back on Ventolin
I am sure it will be different for each user.The saving is £8 odd a month per patient.
My experience has been short. I have persevered for 6 weeks with the luforbec .
Conquered the cough response to first inhalation. However, as time has progressed my asthma has deteriorated to a level I havent experienced for long time. Back on Fostair
I have switched back to Fostair after experiencing an extended exacerbation of my asthma. Since being back on Fostair I have felt much better and have been able to wean down off steroid tablets.
Luforbec causes you ro immediately cough when inhaling. I gave it a month then spoke to GP and had it changed back to Fostair right away.
Luforbec after Fostair
Luforbec
Has anyone else received a text message from gp about Fostair / Luforbec switch? 
luforbec
Luforbec makes me cough
