I had my annual asthma check at the surgery yesterday but it felt like a tick box exercise which i didnt benefit from, and none of my questions were addressed. I wanted to know about the Fostair MART regime which i think i could benefit from, already being on Fostair 200 i was hoping for some flexibility to last me through the day more effectively. The practice nurse didnt know about it and sent a message on to a Pharmacist that works for the group of practices. No phone call, no chance of a discussion, i got a text from unknown pharmacist saying he has changed me to Fobumix due to carbon emmissions, and I am not on the right Fostair to do the MART regime. So i am pretty annoyed. I am on Fostair 200 which i have only just discover from internet search that it is only a preventer. The Fostair 100 is a preventer and reliever. I am sick of getting texts from surgery staff with no chance of a discussion. I use a spacer with my Fostair. Looking at info about Fobumix it says nothing about using spacers.
So can anyone tell me about Fobumix? I really do not want to change from Fostair in the middle of the winter when my chest is most vunerable to cold and wet weather etc. Will discuss with GP - but appreciate advice from this very helpful group - many thanks
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Shirazmataz
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Appalled that the respiratory nurse knows nothing about MART regime! I take two puffs of Fostair 100/6 with spacer morning and night so that's 200 in a simple sum. Grrr on your behalf. I totally sympathise with having a rubbish surgery and that a pharmacist can just change your inhaler without discussion.
I've not had a face 2 face asthma review since 2019.
I've had online 'reviews ' , last year I was so ill in bed for 3+ weeks with high fever, soaking pillow/sheets, taking way too much Fostair & ventolin . Was unable to get a reply calling GPs constantly for a week. It took months to get back and I haven't returned to how I was previously. I wrote it all on the Jan 2023 review form with no response whatsoever. Of course I should have called 111 but brain wasn't functioning.
If I were you I'd get a GP appointment ASAP with the one who specialises in respiratory issues (check their website) to get inhalers sorted or if you have a consultant contact her/him.
Yes Peege agree with you. There is no way that nurse is a respiratory nurse despite booking to see one. I asked her if she was, and she said she did the asthma checks. Not quite the same thing. Really a tick box exercise for the surgery for claiming income. Certain no one would act on the results. You have had the most appauling lack of service too. Your life in their hands, its very concerning. 😬
I’m sorry that you’re feeling so poorly. I have Fostair 200/6 and it is definitely both a preventer and reliever. I take 2 puffs twice a day and the asthma consultant said I could take four more puffs if necessary but must let the respiratory clinic know.
I don’t know about Fobumix, but it doesn’t seem good practice to change someone’s inhaler without a consultation.
You can get good, clear advice from the Asthma and Lung helpline.
Thanks TeachKat, its very poor practice. Im seeing GP thisafternoon, so hopefully things will be put right again. It becomes more clear that patients especially those with long standing conditions know a lot more than some of the practice staff! That is why this site is so good to share info and support.
I had an actual face to face doctor appointment last week, the first one since before covid. I expressed my disappointment with the recent COPD 'review' and she confirmed that it really is just a box ticking exercise!
She's very efficient (and new to the surgery, but not a locum) and I believe took onboard my criticism of the 'assessment', it being a total waste of my time, let alone anyone else's. I went to see her because I've deteriorated a lot in the last few months, plus I'm having some disconcerting things happening with my ticker. She took my BP and found it very high. I've been on a low dose of Amlodopine for several years, but this is the first time someone has taken my BP since before covid. So she right away doubled my Amlodopine, and whiz, wham bang two minutes later texts for blood tests, ECG and x-ray appointments arrived on my phone. Fingers crossed we've got a good 'un here, hope she stays!
thats great news Live Salt someone who is listening and taking action for you. I hope she stays too, can you see her on the staff list on the practice website as a permanent GP? I saw GP yesterday, had one victory on my list of things for discussion was to get a Rescue Pack, very reluctantly given, but after quite a push for it from me. But still to try the new Fobumix and for the sake of global warming - i am to give it a try. Im sure me dropping Fostair is going to make a huge difference to the storms we are getting and interesting that no one else on this site seems to know about Fobumix. (Horrible name.. puts you off in the first place) I hope all your tests prove useful and they can sort you out and feel better
😂 It's like the future of the world falls on the shoulders of us lungies! I hope the strangely named Fobumix (Fob-you-off mix?) works for you.
I was put on Salamol instead of Ventolin (in order to save the world) and didn't like it. However I'm able to choose either when I order the next batch of meds.
My surgery don't allow rescue packs to be kept 'just in case' despite it being recommended by the Department of Health. The last time I asked for one it took a week before I received it.
Keep us posted on how Fobumix does for you, please.
Interesting. Like you LiveSalt i got changed from Ventolin to Salamol, it looks the same, i didnt notice to start with as I dont take regularly, only when a cold or chesty bug coming on, and then found it didnt seem effective at opening up the chest. Ive noticed other members saying didnt like Salamol either. As for getting rescue packs or anything you want - it feels like major negotiations have to take place, its very tiring and you need some energy to muster your arguement. Help or hinder - i do wonder sometimes. I think they like you to be passive and controllable and not have a brain! Ive got a couple of days left in my Fostair so will get the Fobumix in the week - and see how it goes. Will report on progress. 😀
fobumix is a combined inhaler. The long acting reliever in it is the same as fostairs but a slightly lower dose and the inhaled steroid in it is budesanide rather than beclometasone which is in fostair, again at a slightly lower dose than your fostair. Short term use it can be used 4 puffs twice daily but maintenance dose is aimed at one puff twice daily. It’s use in copd is recommended for those who’s FEV1 is <70% post bronchodilation or frequent exacerbation requiring medication. It looks as good as fostair so have faith. Try it as a couple puffs twice daily, it can be used a reliever too, up to 8 puffs a day, even 12 but only short term if 12. I take fostair 100/6 and suspect fobumix may be on the horizon. I did a bit of research. Hope that helped. They should have consulted you regarding the change of inhaler though. I think your respiratory nurse needs an update. Take care 🦊x
thankyou Bingofox 007 - great info and much appreciated. Went to collect it from the surgery pharmacy yesterday and they dont have it in stock even, so when it comes will be interested to see what has been recommended dose, considering the pharmacist hasnt had a conversation with me. If it is slightly lower dose than what i am used to and finding i need something to top me up late afternoon on Fostair, i need him to explain how you can use a MART regime to your best advantage. Im going to copy and paste your info - so ive got it at hand - so thanks very much
I was on Fostair mart regime for a long time then last year I had a really bad flare up. After having a spirometer test my consultant/doctor decided to put me on Fobumix (strange name) which is a dry powder, steroid and reliever. I was put on the higher dose one 320/9 so can’t do mart regime just one or two puffs am/pm. I was a bit apprehensive I said to the doctor you having a laugh? I was having 8 puffs a day of Fostair and still felt like crap and now you want me to take just one puff of this new one? . Doctors/nurses pharmacists assured me that the steroid part is more potent than the Fostair. Anyway after all that I’ve been on it 9 months and can now say I’d never change it I feel like an new man on it I’ve gone from not getting about very well to running around every where ( not quite but almost lol) I'm now considering going on lower dose so I can do the mart regime.
I’d say give it a try give it a few weeks to kick in if you don’t get on with it go back to GP. You don’t need a spacer with it which is a bonus. Also when ordering a new one give the chemist plenty of time to order it in before you run out, I normally order when I got 10 puffs left. Hope this helps you and good luck 😀
thankyou Andy, it is interesting to read about your experience and very encouraging to hear that you are doing so well on Fobumix. I have to give it a try, but as the pharmacist never spoke to me - i have no idea if i am getting a MART regime or straight puffs like you have got. Do you need any Ventolin or Salamol whilst on Fobumix eg if you are trying to run up a hill?
Our pharmacy want a week preorder of meds - so important to plan ahead. Im wondering if Fobumix has got a counter on it - as that is pretty crucial? Thanks again - hope you keep on your toes - it sounds like its brought you a new lease of life
I think the one that’s strength is 120/6 is the one for mart regime where you take a puff am/pm then can have extra puffs through the day/night. The 320/9 I’m on I cant do mart. I still have Ventolin i have a few to hand just in case and can still order more, to be honest I’ve not felt the need to use it since the Fobumix kicked in. The Fobumix does have a counter on it, it starts at 60 then counts down,
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