Fostair side effects

[Vandle]

Hello all, I'm 29 and have been on Fostair, two puff twice daily for 3 years as well as taking montelucast daily. My asthma has been managed well.My problem is I feel tired a lot , I have constipation, fatty back and middle which is not normal for me as I have always exercised a lot. My periods are also irregular.

Has anyone else experienced these symptoms. My asthma nurse doesn't appear concerned

My mother is worrying in case it has something to do with my adma treatment. Any advice welcome.

Thanks

[Bronchi1]

I take 300 twice daily of Fostair. I do think there are systemic effects of the steroid like hamster face, thin skin and back 'hump' . I've been on high dose inhaled steroids for 20 years.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Bronchi1]

Just to add though presumably some people could develop those effects from just inhaled steroids (and maybe you're speaking from experience), it would be pretty unusual and most people generally only get that kind of effect from being on oral steroids (prednisone etc) for a long time.

I certainly had the hamster face/thin skin/marks/puffiness when I was on constant oral steroids. I'm now on high-dose inhaled only and have been for years, and all those effects I had on oral steroids have gone - you wouldn't know I took any steroids these days.

Again not saying it's impossible on just inhaled steroids, but I want to add some context and not scare people into thinking that will always happen. Especially since inhaled, and sometimes oral, steroids can be lifesaving.

[Bronchi1 in reply to Lysistrata]

I'm writing from a personal perspective. I have those effects as described from taking high dose inhaled steroids for many years . It is researched and documented that can happen. People need to be aware of the possible consequences.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Bronchi1]

Yes, but they also need to be aware of both sides, and not to be scared off taking inhaled steroids because they think these effects are inevitable.

I don't disagree it *can* happen with just inhaled, and I'm sorry to read that is your experience. But it is less common for that to happen with inhaled steroids vs oral, and people need to know that too, for context.

People on here may be new to these medications, and reading only about the worst that can happen is alarming without some balance.

Plus many people are not on high dose inhaled steroids, they are on lower doses and while it is still possible for these effects to happen on lower doses too, it is even less likely.

[DannyQ]

Hi I've been on Fostair for about 4 or 5 years and and montelukast for about 18 months amd wow that's has also improved me no end and I've ot suffered with fatty back or front az you put it, although i do spend a minimum of 12 bours a week in the gym and im 51.I also had no problems with any constipation either, what i will add is i founs out i was anemic when i had my 50's mot with lots of blood test and other test and what i discovered whilst having the tests and certain results, it is western diets that can be a cause of constipation,so maybe this is worth looking into ?

This might not be the reason for your constipation, but i hope ive helped a little in your quest for answers

[peege]

I've taken Fostair MDI for about 5 years, higher dose in winter Montelukast too and I've none of these symptoms. Re constipation perhaps there's not enough fibre in your diet? Might be worth looking into? Personally, I put a heaped teaspoon of ground flaxseed in my breakfast (I'm fine with nuts & seeds). Whole seeds go straight through so not nearly as fantastic as ground flaxseed), many health benefits to it besides 'keeping regular'.

Enough exercise? I also try to do 10,000 steps daily (with or without the dog) sometimes in smaller sections but it's surprising how the steps add up. If it rains I'll gently march on the spot (whilst at the kitchen sink, watching telly etc).

My daughter is growing a sort of fatty back but I think its down to her posture, her business involves close artwork and she spends a lot of time hunching over her phone & desk without stretches. .........only guessing as I'm not a doctor

[Vandle]

Thank you to those who have answered. Can I please ask if people have had reviews on their asthma treatment when there asthma has been controlled fora a period of time. Someone mentioned that there treatment is reduced outside of winter. My treatment has remained the same. Can I also please ask if anyone has had a adrenal insufficiency test . Many thanks. It's so good to have found this group.

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