Inhalor change hasn’t gone well

[sfraser3]

Hi, I’m wondering if anyone is in the same boat as me? I changed over to Luforbec when the nhs changed from Fostair. I’ve been persevering with it but I’ve been struggling more and more with a tight chest and absolutely 100% using my inhalor more to feel comfortable. I’ve came on holiday this week and it’s been a real struggle. Does anyone have any advice?

[Patk1]

Speak to Yr dr/ asthma nurse

[annaemmalucy]

Please go back to your doctor and request you are put back on Fostair. Unfortunately you need to be proactive and keep on. What does your consultant say etc etc.

[annaemmalucy in reply to annaemmalucy]

Hello I've just read a report further down and you are not alone in this struggle. Please let your doctor know

[PoodleDudley]

after 3 chest infections over past few months and finally getting referral to chest clinic (this is for my husband who is busy at work (self employed) all day). The asthma nurse at Dr agreed to swap him back to Foster. Her needs a repeat prescription esp. as we go on holiday in few weeks and in speaking to 'Clinical pharmasist' at GP they now refuse to put him back onto Foster stating that the 2 are identical!! GP constantly rings to book appointment for spirometry test despite asthma nurse agreeing there is no point doing this at present.

[Poobah in reply to PoodleDudley]

The medication is the same but gas delivery is different and the acid used is also different, so they aren't the same at all. My post below explains. You'd think a clinical pharmacist would understand that. It may be time for your husband to make a Yellow Card report on Luforbec via the clinical pharmacist (official report of side effects).

[Poobah]

This is an extremely helpful post (link below) from Vanitarium, highlighting the actual difference between Luforbec and Fostair, in that the acid used is different and may be the cause of patients experiencing side effects after switching to Luforbec. The medication may be the same, but there are gases and fillers that are different and these can affect delivery and reactions. The gas in Luforbec is HFA-134a, whereas the gas propellant in Fostair is Norflurane. This may affect the effective delivery of the medication and also may also trigger side effects in some patients.

healthunlocked.com/asthmalu...

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to Poobah]

Hi

I think maybe HFA-134a (tetrafluoroethane) and Norflurane are the same thing?? 🤷‍♂️

[Poobah in reply to Pipsqueak77]

Eeek! You're right Pipsqueak77. I'm no chemist. 🤫 Turns out they've listed the propellant under different names. But they must have used less propellant in Luforbec as it has a lower carbon footprint to Fostair, according to the NHS carbon footprint table. That may account for the observations about poorer delivery.

So the difference is as Vanitarium describes, in that the acid is different in the 2 inhalers.

Thanks Pipsqueak77.

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to Poobah]

👍😊

In all honesty, I suspect it’s likely particle size that is more of a problem than ingredients?

[Poobah in reply to Pipsqueak77]

You may well be right. But there's definitely enough of a difference, whatever it is, for quite a few patients that's impacting control of their asthma. We just need a formal recognition that this is happening so that people aren't solely reliant on an understanding GP in order to get back on Fostair.

[watergazer]

I would be proactive in getting your fostair and do a yellow card for the luforbec xx

[ChrissieMons]

Insist on the Fostair. The pharmacy gave me a powder version which I cannot get on with. I insisted on the pressurised canister and got it.

[DannyQ]

Hi, I had my Doctors attempted to change me onto Lubfec from fostair and kindly explained how Fostair had been a game changer for me nad my asthma control.I also explained the only reason I had been changed from Fostair to Lubfec was to save money which isn't right to be playing with people's health to save money.

So I would say stick to your guns until they change you back to Fostair.

I hope this helps

[JazzySalmon]

I had the same reaction. In only three days my asthma was worse than it is even without an inhaler at all! Evidently my lungs don't like the acid in this inhaler so I will be watching for it in future.

Do go back to your doctor and tell them Luforbec is not effective for you. You are not alone by any means and many of us have managed to get it changed back with only a little trouble.

Best of luck.

[AsthmaandLung]

Hi there, sorry to hear you're struggling, if you're in UK you can call us on the Helpline (0300 222 5800, 9.15am-5pm, Mon-Fri) for advice on medication and symptom management, but for now, as suggested by Patk1 and annaemmelucy, if you still have a tight chest and you're using your inhaler more than usual, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Best, Helpline Team

[Gareth57]

Hi, just a thought, if they won't put you back to a Fostair MDI ask if you can try a Fostair DPI which contains less CFC's than Luforbec. If the reason for change is CFC's they can't refuse changing to a CFC free inhaler surely!

[smc78]

I have been on Fostair nearly 5 years and it has been great, kept my asthma really stable. I have just received my first Luforbec inhaler. I still have a Fostair one left but if I use the Luforbec first the Fostair will be over 3 months since being out of fridge. I have some concerns about changing hence feeling like I should try it whilst I still have a Fostair I can return to.