Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition that can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Treatment aims to control symptoms, reduce inflammation in the airways and lower the risk of asthma attacks.
For some people, an inhaler containing both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator may be prescribed. Fostair is one such combination inhaler. Fostair 100/6 contains beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, two medicines that work in different ways to help manage asthma.
The way Fostair should be used depends on the treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare professional. Some patients may use it as regular maintenance treatment, while certain prescribed regimens allow the inhaler to be used as both maintenance and reliever therapy. This guide explains what Fostair is, how Fostair works, what Fostair 100/6 contains and the important things to know when using the inhaler.
What Is a Fostair Inhaler?
Fostair is a prescription inhaler containing two active ingredients:
- Beclometasone dipropionate – an inhaled corticosteroid
- Formoterol fumarate dihydrate – a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)
In Fostair 100/6, each metered dose contains 100 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate and 6 micrograms of formoterol fumarate dihydrate.
Beclometasone helps reduce inflammation in the airways, while formoterol relaxes the muscles around the airways, helping them remain open.
Fostair is indicated for regular treatment of asthma when an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-2 agonist combination is appropriate. This can include people whose asthma is not adequately controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid and an as-needed rapid-acting bronchodilator, or people who are already adequately controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-2 agonist.
Fostair is not intended to be started without an appropriate clinical assessment.
What Is Fostair Used For?
The main focus of Fostair for asthma is the regular management of asthma when combination treatment is considered appropriate.
Asthma involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can result in symptoms including:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Breathlessness
- Chest tightness
Fostair addresses two important aspects of asthma.
The corticosteroid component helps control airway inflammation, while formoterol provides bronchodilation by relaxing airway smooth muscle.
The exact Fostair regimen should be determined by your doctor or asthma healthcare professional. Your prescribed dose can depend on how well your asthma is controlled and the severity of your condition.
It is important not to change the number of inhalations you take without professional advice.
How Does Fostair Work?
The two medicines in Fostair have different but complementary effects.
Beclometasone
Beclometasone dipropionate is an inhaled corticosteroid. Asthma involves inflammation of the airways, and inhaled corticosteroids help reduce this inflammation.
The NHS describes beclometasone inhalers as preventer medicines because regular use helps reduce swelling in the airways and prevent asthma symptoms from developing.
Fostair contains an extrafine formulation of beclometasone. The product information explains that its particle-size distribution allows the medicine to have a potent effect in the lungs.
Formoterol
Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding the airways.
According to the Fostair product information, its bronchodilating effect begins within approximately 1–3 minutes after inhalation and can last for around 12 hours after a single dose.
The combination therefore provides both anti-inflammatory treatment and bronchodilation.
What Are the Active Ingredients in Fostair?
The two active ingredients in Fostair 100/6 are:
Beclometasone dipropionate 100 micrograms
This is the inhaled corticosteroid component. It helps reduce inflammation in the airways.
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate 6 micrograms
This is the long-acting bronchodilator component. It helps relax the airway muscles and improve airflow.
Together, they form an inhaled corticosteroid/LABA combination.
There are different Fostair strengths and formulations, including Fostair 200/6 and Fostair NEXThaler products. These should not be treated as interchangeable without professional advice because the device, dose and prescribed regimen can differ.
If your prescription specifically says Fostair 100/6, use the product and dose supplied to you rather than changing to another strength yourself.
Fostair as Part of Asthma Management
Asthma treatment is not simply about treating symptoms when they occur. Regular preventer treatment can help control the underlying airway inflammation and reduce the likelihood of symptoms and exacerbations.
The corticosteroid component of Fostair is therefore an important part of its role in asthma management.
The NHS explains that inhaled beclometasone needs to be used regularly to work effectively and should generally be taken even when you feel well, according to the treatment plan.
Depending on the regimen prescribed, Fostair can be used as a maintenance inhaler, or certain Fostair regimens can allow it to act as both maintenance and reliever treatment. The UK product information describes different asthma treatment approaches, so patients should follow the specific instructions given by their prescriber.
Do not assume that every Fostair inhaler should automatically be used as a reliever.
If you have been given a separate reliever inhaler, make sure you understand when you should use it.
How Is Fostair Used?
The exact dose and frequency depend on your prescribed asthma treatment plan.
The Fostair 100/6 product information provides different dosing approaches depending on whether the inhaler is being used as maintenance therapy or as part of a maintenance-and-reliever regimen.
This is why it is important to follow the instructions on your prescription rather than copying the dose used by another person.
Your doctor, asthma nurse or pharmacist should explain:
- How many inhalations to take
- How often to use Fostair
- Whether you need another reliever inhaler
- What to do if asthma symptoms suddenly worsen
- What to do if you miss a dose
- When your asthma treatment should be reviewed
Do not increase your Fostair dose because your symptoms have become worse unless your prescribed treatment plan specifically tells you to do so.
If your usual treatment is no longer controlling your asthma, arrange a review with your healthcare professional.
Important Inhaler Technique Considerations
Using the correct inhaler technique is just as important as taking the prescribed dose.
With a pressurised inhaler such as Fostair 100/6, the medicine needs to be inhaled correctly so that it reaches the lungs.
Your pharmacist, doctor or asthma nurse can demonstrate the correct technique and check how you use your inhaler.
If you find it difficult to coordinate pressing the inhaler and breathing in, ask whether a suitable spacer device could help. Do not assume that every inhaler is used in exactly the same way, as different inhaler devices have different techniques.
Rinse your mouth after use
Because Fostair contains an inhaled corticosteroid, it is important to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after using it, particularly when using it regularly.
The NHS recommends rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after using a steroid inhaler to help prevent problems such as oral thrush and a sore mouth.
If you develop persistent white patches, soreness or other mouth symptoms, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Fostair can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Because Fostair contains two active ingredients, side effects can relate to either the corticosteroid or formoterol component.
Possible effects can include:
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Oral thrush
- Tremor
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
- Changes in heart rate
The Fostair product information provides a comprehensive list of possible adverse reactions and their frequencies.
Using the inhaler correctly and rinsing your mouth after use can help reduce some local corticosteroid-related problems.
When to seek medical advice
If you experience persistent or troublesome side effects, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, severe allergic symptoms or a sudden worsening of breathing immediately after using the inhaler.
A sudden worsening of breathing after inhalation can, rarely, represent paradoxical bronchospasm and requires prompt medical assessment.
Fostair and Other Medicines
Before using Fostair inhaler from the UK, tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you take.
This includes prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies.
Some medicines can interact with formoterol or affect the way corticosteroids work. The Fostair product information highlights medicines such as beta-blockers, certain medicines affecting heart rhythm, some antidepressants, diuretics and other medicines that may influence potassium levels.
Do not stop another prescribed medicine simply because you have started Fostair.
Instead, tell your healthcare professional about your complete medication list so potential interactions can be assessed.
When Should You Speak to Your Doctor or Pharmacist?
Speak to your healthcare professional if:
- Your asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent
- You are needing your reliever more often than usual
- Your normal activities are becoming difficult because of asthma
- You are unsure how to use your inhaler
- You are experiencing persistent side effects
- You are unsure whether Fostair is your maintenance or reliever inhaler
- You have started another medicine
- You think your inhaler is not working properly
- You have questions about changing your dose
An asthma review can also provide an opportunity to check your inhaler technique and make sure your treatment remains appropriate.
If your asthma suddenly becomes much worse or you are having severe difficulty breathing, follow your personalised asthma action plan and seek urgent medical help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fostair
What is Fostair?
Fostair is a prescription inhaler containing the inhaled corticosteroid beclometasone dipropionate and the long-acting bronchodilator formoterol fumarate dihydrate. It is used in the regular treatment of asthma when an inhaled corticosteroid/LABA combination is appropriate.
What is Fostair 100/6?
Fostair 100/6 contains 100 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate and 6 micrograms of formoterol fumarate dihydrate per metered dose.
How does Fostair work?
Beclometasone reduces inflammation in the airways, while formoterol relaxes airway muscles to help improve airflow.
Is Fostair a preventer inhaler?
Fostair contains an inhaled corticosteroid and is used as part of regular asthma treatment. Depending on the regimen prescribed, certain Fostair products and doses may also be used as a reliever. Your healthcare professional should tell you exactly how your inhaler is intended to be used.
Does Fostair work immediately?
The formoterol component has a rapid bronchodilating effect, beginning within approximately 1–3 minutes according to the product information. However, the corticosteroid component works by controlling airway inflammation through regular treatment rather than providing an immediate steroid effect.
Should I rinse my mouth after using Fostair?
Yes. Because Fostair contains an inhaled corticosteroid, rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after use can help reduce the risk of oral thrush and other mouth problems.
Can I change from Fostair 100/6 to another strength?
Do not change your inhaler strength without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist. Different Fostair strengths and devices can have different dosing instructions.
What should I do if my asthma is getting worse while using Fostair?
If your asthma is becoming less controlled, speak to your doctor, asthma nurse or pharmacist. If you experience severe breathing difficulty or a serious asthma attack, follow your asthma action plan and seek urgent medical attention.
Understanding Fostair for Asthma
Fostair combines two medicines that have complementary roles in asthma treatment. Beclometasone dipropionate is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps control airway inflammation, while formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps relax the muscles around the airways.
Fostair 100/6 is one of the available Fostair formulations and contains 100 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate and 6 micrograms of formoterol per metered dose.
The most important point is that Fostair should be used according to the treatment plan prescribed for you. Depending on the specific regimen, it may be used as regular maintenance treatment or, when specifically prescribed, as part of a maintenance-and-reliever approach.
Correct inhaler technique, regular treatment where prescribed and appropriate asthma reviews can all contribute to effective asthma management.
If you are using a Fostair inhaler and are unsure about your dose, technique, side effects or whether you need a separate reliever, speak to your pharmacist, doctor or asthma nurse.
This article is intended for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Fostair is a prescription medicine. Always follow the instructions supplied with your inhaler and speak to a qualified healthcare professional about your individual asthma treatment.
