Switching Seretide to Fostair

[Sabonmu]

Hi all,

I have been taking Seretide twice a day, three puffs in total for many years; it’s always worked well, and only very occasionally have I reached for a Ventolin reliever.

During an asthma review I was asked to try Fostair, and the first couple of weeks taking the same dose was fine.

Now I’ve noticed myself with tight chest/breathing (Summer and pollen maybe doesn’t help), and for the first time at work I reached for my Ventolin that I always have in my bag.

I appreciate Fostaire is also a reliever, but the one I have was at home.

So I’m wondering how much extra I am going to need to take compared to Seretide?

I had very occasional palpitations with Seretide, and not notice any side effects yet with Fostair other than a very slight tremble of my fingers.

Thank you

[peege]

Hi, a new inhaler usually takes time to 'kick in, they aren't instant even though we've been taking another successfully for years. Check the leaflet to see what it says about your Fostair. I always think it's a bit rum to only prescibe one Fostair preventer/reliever in place of two other inhalers - in your case Seretide and Ventolin . Ventolin we carry around with us whereas the preventer is safely at home.

What dose are you on? I was changed from Seretide to Fostair 100/6 MDI (spray type) MART (Maintenance And Reliever Therapy) a few years ago. It's been a great success for me personally, I very rarely need a Reliever (and its usually at home), only for an infection or asthma flare.

So my dose is 2 puffs of Fostair am and pm, as we can have up to 8 puffs per day on the MART regime that leaves me four for use as Reliever should I need them.

In actual fact in summertime I usually use less than the 2 puffs. Over the years I've managed to always managed to build up some spares 'just in case'. I live in fear of my Fostair being randomly changed, my lungs definitely wouldn't come with a winter change.

Good luck, I hope it works for you but as many say on here - we're all different.

[Sabonmu in reply to peege]

Hi, thank you for your advice.

My Seretide is 125, and Fostaire 100/6.

I had just about made my mind up to go back to Seretide tomorrow, as I am sitting here with a wheeze I haven’t experienced for many years.

I am however always keen to try improved ways, and the dispersion of the Fostair is their key to using lower dosages I was told.

[peege in reply to Sabonmu]

Fostair has much tinier particles so dispersal is better (so I've been told). Some new inhaler take a couple of weeks to kick in some longer. Keep your ventolin handy whilst it gets working in you lungs. My extremely thin skin has improved enormously since I stopped Seretide, I had another horrible side effect which has also stopped as well as palpitations.

[Sabonmu in reply to peege]

Peege, thank you muchly for your advice. I will persist with Fostair, and have my Ventolin.

I think I will up my Fostair to 4 puffs daily. The nurse said max of 12.

Again, thanks !

[peege in reply to Sabonmu]

You're more than welcome Sabonmu and don't hesitate to come back with any queries, we're all patients here with various experiences with our different levels & types asthma. The helpline is great too. All the best Peege

[Sabonmu in reply to peege]

Just an update on my switch to Fostair.

I had a couple of days last week where Fostair wasn’t coping, and as I was at work, grabbed for my Ventolin that I had in my bag.

Having read some helpful feedback here, I persevered with Fostair, using it as a reliever when necessary.

It has all settled down now, and I’m looking to get a second Fostair to keep in my bag as a reliever.

Thank you all !

[Hikingfan]

My consultant advised Fostair was better, as did my asthma nurse. Apparently the GPs have been under pressure not to prescribe it as it's more expensive, hence they go for Seretide, which is supposed to be a generic copy.

[Sabonmu in reply to Hikingfan]

Thanks Hiking fan, all good to know.

[Highlighter]

I had night leg cramps and a chronic cough [6 years] both were side effects of Seretide 250 but I was on a high dosage 4 puffs per day.

Now take DuoResp 160 - 2 puffs per day (or Symbacort equivalent), and all side effects stopped immediately. I had no idea the Seretide was causing them until I stopped taking it.

I resisted the change but so happy now. Very rare use of Ventolin, but like to keep it with me just in case.

[Sabonmu in reply to Highlighter]

Hi Highlighter,

I have suffered leg cramps too, mostly when I woke up, and just figured I was not drinking enough fluid before bed! I had no idea that was down to Seretide!

I plan to persevere with Fostair, upping my puffs to 4x a day.

Than you!

[JDC01]

Hi, I was asked to change from Seretide - completely well controlled- to Fostair a few years ago due to costs! Within a month my asthma was out of control to the point I was on prednisolone and under constant review. I insisted on going back onto Seretide but it took a few months to get back to where I was pre Fostair. If you’re controlled and happy on Seretide stick with it; I’d never change again. Good luck!

[runcyclexcski]

I had a similar experience as JDC01 -- took Seretide for 15 years in the USA, and then when seeing a UK consultant for the first time, was told to go to Fostair. Within I week I had a swelling in my face, so I went back to Seretide. In my mind, b.c. asthma in different people responds unpredictably to different medications, it's better to stick with what works, unless there is a very strong reason to switch.

[watergazer]

As others have said it takes a while for a new inhaler to kick in. I changed from seretide to fostairnexthaler and I’m much better. I’m glad it’s working better for you now c

[Sabonmu]

Further update …

So three weeks later and I am switching back to my Seretide 125.

Things have just got worse slowly; to the point where it is affecting my ability to work effectively.

It was definitely worth trying, but I need to get back to normal. I hope my Pharmacist can prescribe my Seretide before I run out in 5 days.