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Eastend555 profile image
45 Replies

Hi my doctor put me on Fostair 100 micrograms about 2 months ago twice a day

but this recent hot weather like everyone else ive been breathing badly

Any way had a telephone consultation with Doctor and he doubled the does to 200 micrograms

I would appreciat your opinions if you think its a too bigger increase

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Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555
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45 Replies
CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16

I'm not sure that any of us are in a position to answer that. Your GP obviously thought it was needed.

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toCDPO16

I am asking for opinions only i think my doctors a plonker others have different opinions

And your GP is not always right but thanks for reply

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16 in reply toEastend555

I used to be on Fostair 100 and it was changed to 200 but that was several years later. I wish I could reassure you more.

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toCDPO16

Thank You

knitter profile image
knitter in reply toEastend555

I think the ALUK helpline is still open ….could you contact them

0300 222 5800.

Or try your pharmacist .

peege profile image
peege

Is it the spray or powder type? If it's the spray MDI) 100 then you can take more or less as required as that's what it's designed to do. It's a MART inhaler, have a good read of the leaflet it should explain.

If your doc has actually given you a new Fostair inhaler of 200 (MDI, not powder) then that another matter.

I'm sticking to my Fostair 100, it suits me very well being able to take less in summer months - except like now when it's hot plus lots of pollen I'll take an extra dose when I need it. I rarely need ventolin now.

Ern007 profile image
Ern007

Hi. I take Fostair 100 micrograms..

I to be honest don't know if 200 micrograms is to high. Your doctor has given it to you as he thinks it's appropriate.

Are you feeling ill or shaky with it? - if so contact your GP/

If you think it's to high a does, also contact your GP.

Sorry can't be more help, maybe you could suggest going back on Fostair 100 if you are worried, and have Ipratropium bromide bromide inhaler like I have.

I am not advising just thinking you should have a chat with GP.

You asked his help as your breathing was worse. so he upped your Fostair.

I used Ipratropium bromide and it's better than Salbutamol .

Really I would have a chat with GP and tell him/her your concerns.

I at times have been worried about drugs, but I just sort it with GP/

Good luck and hope you get sorted.

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16 in reply toErn007

Great reply Ern.

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toErn007

thank you

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toErn007

Thank you i have only got the 200 today i havent taken any yet just wanted peoples views because at the back of mind a danger signs going

i am grateful for your reply thanks

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply toEastend555

Thing is none of us are qualified even to say what we think. Have you other inhalers? or just the Fostair 200.

Warning on the label can be scary. Very likely you would be fine.

If you intend taking the Fostair 200, then good.

If you are worried that much you may feel you want to take the Fostair 100 and let your doctor know, to OK that. . Better than having no protection.

You need a face to face with your GP - Maybe a new medication plan could be worked out.

You said "but this recent hot weather like everyone else ive been breathing badly"

Your GP upped your does, for a reason this has started alarm bells going in your head, if your "breathing is worse" - See your GP as soon as tomorrow if you can, if you are not going to take the upped Fostair.

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toErn007

i have the blue inhaler you can take anytime and sill taking the 100

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply toEastend555

Yea I am on BLUE "Salbutamol " and GREEN "Ipratropium bromide" and the "Fostair 100"

So you was taking Fostair 100 (Preventer) and the BLUE reliever when required.

So I take it you have not moved up from the 100 + Salbutamol

You have suffered with your breathing getting worse in the heat.

Next few days have not to be quite as hot; So you may get some relief .

Finally if you have started on the 200, just give it a chance.

If you are still on Fostair100 plus your reliever then back to where you started,

You might want to make an appointment with your GP telling him why - because if your breathing is worse, then maybe you need something different to go with what you have now.

I have had the same problem sen my GP and they will help.. Best if you see hime her face to face.

Don't suffer - Either try the 200 or see your GP.

All the best, don;t suffer breathing, get help.

Tlc1940 profile image
Tlc1940 in reply toEastend555

If in doubt, leave it out. Use the 100 until you speak to your doctor. Sometimes side effects are worse than the condition.

margruth profile image
margruth in reply toEastend555

I take 200 Fostair twice a day and had a nasty asthma episode recently due to a virus. My GP increased my 200 Fostair to 4 times a day for a week. I had no side effects.

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555

thank you

Chip_y2kuk profile image
Chip_y2kuk

So you where on the 100 fostair and the doctor changed you to the 200 strength? How many doses of both where you taking?

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toChip_y2kuk

100 twice a day 200 twice a day but have yet to take the 200

Chip_y2kuk profile image
Chip_y2kuk in reply toEastend555

Was the 100 one puff or two? Is the 200 one puff or two?

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toChip_y2kuk

both 2

Chip_y2kuk profile image
Chip_y2kuk in reply toEastend555

Ah, but you can take 8 puffs of the 100 (spread out throughout the day) ?

I get the logic from the GP 100 isn't working so let's give you 200 however ..... if its only a temporary thing (hayfever, virus, hot dry weather or whatever) it feels a bit like taking a sledge hammer to a walnut... when they could have:

A) put you on mart .... 2 puffs 2x a day and *up to* another 4 during the day if required

B) told you to take more of what you already had ... up to 8 puffs of the 100 (its 4 puffs of the 200 unless your under a hospital and they will push the 4 puffs to 6, but only if necessary )

C) left you on the 100 (but up to 8 puffs a day) and if that failed give you a short sharp blast of prednisolone

These are the more logical choices

If these didn't work or only provided a shirt term fix then the next logical choice is to increase the dosage or change inhaler

paula66 profile image
paula66

I find that normal my resp nurse tells me first thing to do on a flare up double up.for a few days xHope it works xx

Danielmystar profile image
Danielmystar

O was put on the trimbow strongest one a few weeks ago I know its not the same as yours but due to this awful heat I'm even struggling with breathing id hate to think how bad I would be if I wasn't on the strongest Trimbow .

Kate0307 profile image
Kate0307

I was on the 100 and resp nurse changed it to 200 following chest infection. It didn’t suit me as I got a sore throat within a few days, which is not something I have ever suffered from since I started inhalers years ago. I changed back to Fostair 100 which works well except when it’s very hot and I then take extra puffs on advice of GP.

Hope this helps 😊

Mellywelly profile image
Mellywelly

With me rightly or wrong, if it works better for you, take it. Everyone with breathing problems is having a bad time in this weather, I know I am. You could always ask your pharmacist for your own peace of mind. I do find at times the pharmacist very helpful indeed. 🙂 good luck.

Mons profile image
Mons

I had tried a couple of different inhalers and I was then put on Fostair 100 nexthaler but was still breathless. Respiratory Team put me on Fostair 200. For me there has been a big difference once it kicked in properly. Take it twice a day. I have used one puff of Ventolin in over 2 months but before I was using the 200 I had to use the Ventolin a lot to help the breathlessness.

However, everyone has completely different requirements so if you are have concerns about taking the Fostair 200 please speak to your GP or Respiratory nurse who can discuss your own personal requirements and reassure you about using the 200 or change your inhaler to something else. x

GintyFerguson profile image
GintyFerguson

Hi, I take one puff of 200 and one puff of 100 morning and evening. Suits me fine . I didn't want to jump from 100 to 200. Its a great inhaler with finer particles but I felt 200 was a lot of steroid for me. However , we are all different. I'm lucky my GP is OK with my choice .

ladyn profile image
ladyn

I’ve always been on Fostair 200 for 2 years since the doctors took me off another one that I was on and was not working as well.

ChilledoutNana profile image
ChilledoutNana

I am on Fostair 2 puffs twice daily. I use a spacer. Usually in May I get breathy. My excellent asthma nurse advised me to increase it to 2 puffs three times a day. It works for me in the short term. Somethings I’ll only use a single additional puff. It takes a few days to kick in. Hope this helps.

watergazer profile image
watergazer

I suppose the proof is in the pudding. If the different dose is helping then that’s good. It may only be for the hay fever season and when all calms down you may revert back. I had to double up for a few weeks on my fostairnexthaler when I was ill in January Take care x

JJ_7 profile image
JJ_7

I have been on 200/6 Fostair 4 puffs daily for 3 years. I have had no problems. Good luck with it Eastend555 x

Dsalmon profile image
Dsalmon

I have been on Fostair 200 for many years with no problems. Am also noticing my breathing and coughing has become worse at night with the very warm weather but have put that down to the pollen count. The odd extra puff here and there over a couple of days usually sorts me out. Recently we were laying garden slabs and the brick dust affected me the same way too. I just increase my inhaler dose every now and then in these circumstances (years of practice lol) x

Dsalmon profile image
Dsalmon in reply toDsalmon

Ps. I also have mild Bronchiectasis too hence the high dose of Fostair

Pwkav1 profile image
Pwkav1

Hi, im on 200 dose for my asthma and its very well controlled havent needed my blue inhaler at all. Hope you find relief with it. Karen xxx

Coolcat6103 profile image
Coolcat6103

Hi, here's my (unqualified and probably unpopular) opinion. Firstly I think you're right to be weary as in my experience the doctors will just throw it all at you and various doses until something sticks. I think the days of the portly doctor sitting down and carefully considering product and dosage are over! (they're now called GPs ieGeneral PRACTITIONERs because their job is to PRACTICE drugs on you not cure you, also why it's no longer a doctors surgery but a doctors practice) you present with a problem and they are given a range of products to choose from for said problem. Try a few doses of the new strength, if you find it's no better or has gotten worse go back to your lower strength inhaler. ( If you still have some left) because the onus is on you, you agreed to be practiced upon when you called the GP. (Another reason why you only get a prescription from the doctor YOU obtain them from the pharmacy and at that point YOU take full responsibility for anything that goes wrong) I wouldn't worry too much if you're already taking fostair it obviously works for you so maybe a higher dose is needed during the hot weather and you can return to normal dose after its cooled down. I was taking fostair low dose and honestly it worked slightly but not in this heat so I saw the practice nurse who bypassed the upper dose and put me on a triple acting drug called trimbow. Exactly like fostair, same company but the dose machine is grey not pink. I'm honestly wondering if the benefits out way the risks at this point after reading the side effects but have had a couple of puffs but not noticed anything significant so I'm at a loss. I'm now burning clove and olbas oil and taking it easy until the weather turns and I'm going to start to look for more natural remedies with less side effects. Have you tried using ventolin more often or a short course of steroids? And lastly the only advice I can give you is, if this higher dose doesn't work for you don't hesitate to call them back or seek advice in AnE or out of hours. Good luck and keep us posted

Homely2 profile image
Homely2

The increase is relatively routine.

An alternative to going to fostair 200 is asking if you can use fostair 100 under the mart regime.

This is 2 puffs morning and night of fostair 100 and up to four when you need it during the day. The four during the day are instead of your blue inhaler, in my case salamol, whick you keep for more of an emergency.

I like this as it gives you flexibility in dose, which is good if you are worried re steroid input. It also just works better for me than fostair 200, but we are all different.

The key is to give things time, you have to give any new regime a minimum of a month to settle down, before reaching a conclusion on it, some say two months.

If you are unsure ring the asthma UK helpline and talk to the nurses there, they are brilliant.

Never stop taking your inhaler to rely on herbal medicines without medical advice.

katiepudding2 profile image
katiepudding2

I was changed from 100mg to 200mg a year ago and although I get palpatations sometimes anyway the higher dose hasn't made it worse. More concerning to me is our GPs have recently changed the Fostair to a cheaper generic brand, Luforbec. I looked it up and some people complained it doesn't seem to control their breathing problems like Fostair did. Anyone here changed to Luforbec and has problems? I know it has the same ingredients, but it seems not so effective.

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply tokatiepudding2

Hi! I only had problems when they reduced my dosage to 100/6. Now I’m back on full dosage I’m fine. My Consultant confirmed it’s exactly the same medication. Only difference is you have to keep it in the fridge.

Mavary profile image
Mavary

Hi! I’ve been on Fostair for years now. Two puffs of 200/6 twice a day. They changed me to Lubfrobec and said to cut the dose but I was then ill so my Consultant said I’m not to be cut down. Bu he did approve of the Lubfrobec as it’s the same medication but from a different manufacturer and it’s cheaper to the surgery. But 200/6 twice a day is fine for me and keeps me stable.

Donald_1931 profile image
Donald_1931

The problem here is that you think your doctor is a 'plonker' so you need to do something about that or you are never going to trust him/her. Find yourself another doctor before you get a really serious health problem.

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toDonald_1931

Yeah Don your right but ime afraid its not easy to change doctors in my surgery its like seeing the king for an appointment or they say go to a&e or your pharmacist you cant win mate thank you for your comment appreciated

Timberman profile image
Timberman

I use Trimbow as I have other issues but this is the advice on Fostair:

Patients should take 1 additional inhalation as needed in response to symptoms. If symptoms persist after a few minutes, an additional inhalation should be taken. The maximum daily dose is 8 inhalations. Patients requiring frequent use of rescue inhalations daily should be strongly recommended to seek medical advice.

Fostair 100/6 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation ...

Kristicats profile image
Kristicats

perhaps it’s worth trying out the 200 dose for a while to see if it improves your breathing significantly ? If you feel that it’s making no difference after a good trial you could then go down to one puff twice a day instead of two? Which in effect takes you back to the same dose as before but then tell your doctor what you’ve done and that you prefer to go back to the 100 dose?

Eastend555 profile image
Eastend555 in reply toKristicats

Thank you for your advice I have tried 2 mrning and evening woke up- next morning with a bad sore throat . I thought ok lets not give in next day 2 night and evening woke up with the shakes i thought sod this so iwent back to 100 no prob

i wish you well

valgal76 profile image
valgal76

Hi there, i am on Fostair too, and i'm also on Braltus inhaler and salbutanol also. I find they help me a lot in this muggy hot weather From Val

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