Fostair is a combination inhaler used to manage asthma, and is also known as ‘the pink inhaler’. It is available as a pressurised inhaler, also called a ‘puffer’. Fostair contains 2 active ingredients which work together to relax the airway muscles, making it easier to breathe and reducing inflammation and irritation in your lungs.

You can request the low-dose Fostair inhaler that contains 100 micrograms (mcg) of beclometasone dipropionate and 6mcg of formoterol fumarate per metered dose.

Fostair contains 2 active ingredients that work to manage asthma:

• beclometasone dipropionate: a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory actions to reduce swelling
• formoterol fumarate: a long-acting bronchodilator which relaxes the muscles in your airways making it easier to breathe

The Fostair inhaler is used daily to prevent asthma symptoms such as:

• coughing
• wheezing
• breathlessness
• chest tightness

It can also be used to relieve these asthma symptoms during a sudden asthma attack. Sometimes Fostair is used alongside a separate reliever inhaler to treat sudden, worsening asthma symptoms.

How long does Fostair take to work?

If Fostair is being used to prevent your asthma symptoms, you should notice an improvement within a few days but it can take a few weeks before you fully feel the benefit.

When used to relieve asthma symptoms, the Fostair inhaler can work within 1 to 3 minutes and last for 12 hours.

How effective is Fostair?

Studies show that when used as both a preventer and reliever inhaler compared to being paired with a salbutamol reliever, Fostair reduces the number of asthma exacerbations by 66%.

A 24-week study found that a combination of beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol was well tolerated and effective for moderate to severe asthma. The combined inhaler was the first to show improved asthma control when compared with using separate inhalers.

Further research has shown that Fostair can provide rapid relief from breathing difficulties when used for its asthma-relieving properties, similar to salbutamol inhalers.

The Fostair inhaler is for inhalation use only and you should use it exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Before you use Fostair for the first time you should test the inhaler to make sure it is working correctly:

1. Remove the cap that protects the mouthpiece.
2. Hold the inhaler upright between your thumb and forefinger with the mouthpiece situated at the bottom.
3. Direct the inhaler away from you and press the canister to release 1 puff.
4. Check the counter, if this is the first puff released from the unit it should read 120.

How to use the Fostair inhaler:

1. Remove the protective mouthpiece cover and check it is free from any obstructions or debris.
2. Breathe out as slowly and as deeply as you can.
3. Hold the inhaler upright between your thumb and forefinger, with the mouthpiece at the bottom.
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and try to completely surround it so no medication can escape but do not bite down.
5. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Just after you begin to breathe in, press down firmly on the top of the inhaler to release 1 puff.
6. Hold your breath for as long as you can (up to 10 seconds), remove the inhaler from your mouth, and slowly breathe out. Never breathe into the inhaler.
7. If you need to take further puffs, repeat steps 2 to 6.

Clean your inhaler weekly using a clean dry cloth. You can find a full list of instructions for using and keeping your inhaler clean in the patient information leaflet.

When to use Fostair

The Fostair inhaler can be used in 2 different ways depending on what your doctor has prescribed it for:

1. Use Fostair every day to prevent asthma symptoms and use it to treat an asthma attack.
2. You can use Fostair every day to treat asthma symptoms with a separate reliever inhaler to treat sudden worsening symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

A Fostair inhaler can also be used in adults and the elderly to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

How often to take Fostair

Using Fostair with a separate reliever inhaler

Take 1 or 2 puffs twice a day. The maximum dose is 4 puffs per day. You will need to carry a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler with you at all times.

Using Fostair as your only inhaler

Use 1 puff in the morning and 1 puff in the evening, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. When using Fostair as a reliever inhaler, take 1 puff when you get asthma symptoms and wait a few minutes. If you do not feel better, take another puff. Do not take more than 6 Fostair reliever puffs in a day.

To manage COPD

2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

As there are multiple ways to take Fostair, it’s best to read your patient information leaflet and follow your doctor’s instructions to make sure you’re taking it correctly.

How long do you need to use Fostair for?

Most people will need to use their asthma inhaler for many years. If your breathing improves, you may find you need to use the Fostair inhaler less as a reliever, but you should carry it with you at all times. You’ll need to take Fostair for as long as it is required but under the direction of your doctor.

How long will Fostair last?

Each dose of Fostair will last up to 8 hours.

The pink Fostair inhaler contains 120 metered doses or puffs of 100/6 of beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate.

Fostair is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a doctor’s approval to obtain it. It is available to request from reputable online services like Superdrug Online Doctor or on the NHS.

Can I buy Fostair online?

Yes, you can request a Fostair inhaler from Superdrug Online Doctor. However, before we can prescribe this medication to you, you will need to have:

• already been diagnosed with asthma
• been prescribed Fostair by a GP before
• been using Fostair for at least 3 months

If you meet this criteria, then requesting Fostair is a quick and simple process.

1. Fill in a brief questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Order your preferred choice of treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. If your order is approved, your treatment will be posted directly to your address or made available for collection at a Superdrug Pharmacy.
5. If your order is not right for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other suitable options.

Can I buy Fostair over the counter?

No, Fostair is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a doctor's approval before you can obtain it.

Can I get Fostair on the NHS?

You can get Fostair on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your GP to get a prescription. Once it’s been prescribed and you’ve been using it for 3 months, you can get a repeat prescription with us if you’d prefer.

As with all medications, there is a risk of side effects if you use Fostair, however not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects affecting less than 1 in 10 people include:

• fungal infections in the mouth or throat
• headaches
• sore throat
• hoarseness

Pneumonia in COPD patients – tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms as they could be signs of lung infection:

• change in the colour of mucus
• increase in the production of mucus
• increased coughing or breathing difficulties
• fever or chills

Uncommon side effects affecting less than 1 in 100 people include:

• throat irritation
• cough and productive cough (a cough that produces mucus)
• feeling sick (nausea)
• abnormal sense of taste
• burning of the lips
• dry mouth
• swallowing difficulties
• indigestion
• upset stomach
• diarrhoea
• muscle pain or cramp
• reddening of the face
• excessive sweating
• unusually fast heartbeat
• disorders of heart rhythm
• asthma attack
• trembling
• restlessness
• dizziness
• palpitations
• flu-like symptoms
• fungal infections of the vagina
• inflamed sinuses
• inflammation of the ear
• increased blood flow to some tissues in the body
• rhinitis
• increased blood sugar
• nettle rash or hives

Rare side effects affecting less than 1 in 1000 people include:

• tightness in the chest
• sensation of a missed heartbeat
• increase or decrease in blood pressure
• inflammation of the kidney
• swelling of skin and mucous membrane persisting for several days

Very rare side effects affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people include:

• worsening of asthma
• shortness of breath
• a fall in the number of blood platelets
• swollen hands and feet

You can find a full list of side effects in the patient information leaflet supplied with the inhaler.

How long do Fostair side effects last?

Most Fostair side effects are mild and temporary. If you experience side effects that are long-lasting or difficult to manage, you should speak to your doctor.

What to do if you get Fostair side effects

If you experience any side effects, even those that are not listed in the patient leaflet, you should talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you experience any serious side effects, tell your doctor straight away or contact 111 if out of hours.

In an emergency, call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E.

The active ingredients in a Fostair inhaler may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use a Fostair inhaler if you:

• are or think you may be allergic to any of the ingredients
• have had an allergic reaction to other asthma inhalers, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swallowing, hives, swelling in the face, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
• take beta blockers
• are or think you might be pregnant

Talk to your doctor before you use Fostair if you:

• have any heart problems including, angina, coronary heart disease, heart failure, or have recently had a heart attack
• have high blood pressure
• have a fast or irregular heartbeat
• have an overactive thyroid
• have low blood potassium levels
• have liver or kidney disease
• are diabetic
• have an adrenal gland tumour
• are due to have anaesthetic
• have ever been treated for tuberculosis (TB)
• must avoid alcohol for any reason
• are taking any other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications
• are a woman trying for a baby

Fostair inhaler and pregnancy

Fostair should not be used if you are, think you might be, or are trying to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if any of these apply to you, they will be able to advise a more suitable treatment.

Can a Fostair inhaler be used for COPD?

Yes, Fostair can be used to manage COPD under a doctor’s supervision. You shouldn’t take an inhaler for a condition that your doctor hasn’t prescribed it for.

Does Fostair cause weight gain?

Inhaled corticosteroids, like those found in inhalers such as Fostair, rarely cause weight gain because there is very little absorption into the rest of the body outside of the lungs. However, there is some evidence that oral corticosteroids used to treat asthma can lead to weight gain due to increases in appetite and metabolism changes.

If you are concerned about weight gain while using Fostair, speak to your doctor.

Is Fostair a strong inhaler?

Fostair is considered a strong inhaler because of the 2 active ingredients it contains. At Superdrug Online Doctor we only offer Fostair 100/6 and not the stronger 200/6 version.

Does Fostair need to be kept in the fridge?

Yes, you should store your Fostair medication in the fridge before you first use it at 2-8°C.

Once you dispense (start) your Fostair medication you do not need to keep it refrigerated.

Can Fostair cause high blood pressure?

High or low blood pressure are listed as side effects of Fostair. However, it is rare, affecting less than 1 in 1000 people. Let your doctor know straight away if you get symptoms like fatigue, severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, confusion, or chest pains. Call 999 in an emergency and let them know you’re taking Fostair.

Can you use a spacer with Fostair?

Yes, you can use a spacer with Fostair to reduce the risk of side effects and to make the inhaler easier to use.