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Dr prescribed dry powder inhaler and I bought a MDI inhaler

Lalyaa profile image
4 Replies

So, I got prescribed Fostair (beclometasone + formoterol) for asthma via dry powder inhaler (device name Nexthaler). Once in the pharmacy, the pharmacist told me that Fostair 100mcg was available with two different devices: Nexthaler and MDI. I then figured out that it would be easier for me to use a metered dose inhaler, so I bought Fostair MDI thinking about how it could be more difficult for me to actively suck the medicine off a dry powder inhaler, as demonstrated by my dr. earlier at the office. But now I’m not so sure, because I’ve had a concern floating in my mind about having done the wrong thing. I am worried about messing up my treatment plan. Could anyone help me figure out if there is any significant therapeutic difference between both devices?

Note: Excuse my English as it’s not my first language.

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Lalyaa profile image
Lalyaa
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4 Replies
lakelover profile image
lakelover

Hi

Your English is great. I wish more native English people wrote as well as you!

I don't think there is much therapeutic difference between the two devices, but I'm no expert. I don't know what discussions you had with the person who prescribed the inhalers for you, but personally I am better on the dry powder one. The propellant in the MDI seems to affect me adversely. If you're worried give the nurses a ring on the helpline.

Good luck.

Gareth57 profile image
Gareth57

Hi, personally I prefer the Nexthaler, it tastes better, I find sucking the powder is more likely to get it where it is needed instead of covering the back of my mouth (as has happened with the mdi when your timing is a bit out!).

Matman profile image
Matman

I think you’re right that - when a severe attack strikes - the MDI is better as (a) you don’t need to breath in so deeply and (b) if you also choose to use the MDI with a Spacer Device (available at little cost from most pharmacies) you can overcome the ‘technique issue’ many experience with MDI Inhalers and get good Lung distribution. Only issue with Spacers is that they can harbour bugs if you don’t carefully wash them regularly.

Ideally I would use my NEXThaler when I was not exacerbated, but an MDI when I was. (I only have the NEXThaler at this time). I’ve also found that sometimes I get additional ‘Reliever’ benefits by using Fostair + Ventolin in combination when a bad attack occurs (but I’m not advocating that others do this). Any ‘effectiveness difference’ between Powder and MDI is negligible - providing you know how to ‘properly’ use an MDI.

Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministratorCommunity Ambassador

I am on the Nexthaler and find it much easier to take than the older dry powder inhalers - with Symbicort I would not be able to generate the force neededto inhale if I was getting worse and so would be getting less just when I needed more!

I don't have that problem with Fostair Nexthaler and I think it works better than the Symbicort (even though my asthma is still not great). It also has fine particle technology which ismeant to help it get further into the lungs and work more efficiently with a lower dose.

For rapid relief I use Ventolin with a spacer (large volume ideally) and tidal breathing especially if really struggling. I don't think Nexthaler is licensed for using as both preventer and reliever though the MDI can be. Personally would stick with Nexthaler for preventer especially given the fine particles. Admittedly have never used Fostair MDI to compare.

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