To use your inhaler, you should either stand or sit in an upright position, then follow the instructions below:
- Remove the protective cap from the mouthpiece. Check the mouthpiece is clean and free from foreign objects including dust and dirt.
- Breathe out slowly and deeply.
- Hold the canister vertically so the body is pointing upwards.
- Place lips around the mouthpiece – do not bite it.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
- Just after you start to breathe, press down firmly on the top of the inhaler to release one puff, while continuing to take a deep breath in.
- Hold your breath for as long as possible and remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out slowly.
- Do not breathe into the inhaler.
If you need to take another puff, keep the inhaler in the vertical position and wait for 30 seconds before repeating.
When should I use my inhaler?
You should use your inhaler how and when your doctor has advised you to.
If you are using the Fostair inhaler along with a reliever inhaler, you should follow the dosage advised by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 puff twice daily.
You should also take one puff if you have asthma symptoms. It may take a few minutes for the medication to work. If they do not improve, take another puff.
How long does a Fostair inhaler take to work?
If you are using Fostair to prevent your asthma symptoms, you should notice them getting better after a few days of using it. After a few weeks, the inhaler should have reduced the inflammation in your airways and you should start to feel the benefit.
If you are using the Fostair inhaler as a reliever, it can take several minutes for it to work. You should wait a few minutes before taking another puff to see if your symptoms improve.
How often can I use my Fostair inhaler?
If you use Fostair with a separate reliever inhaler the maximum daily dose is 2 or 4 puffs, depending on why you were prescribed Fostair. Remember, you should always carry your reliever inhaler with you to treat a sudden asthma attack or symptoms getting worse.
If Fostair is your only inhaler, the maximum reliever puffs per day is 6. The maximum daily dose of the Fostair inhaler in this case is 8 puffs.
How many puffs of Fostair is safe?
If you use Fostair with a separate reliever inhaler, it is likely you will be advised to use 1 to 2 puffs twice daily. The maximum dose is 4 puffs per day.
If Fostair is your only asthma inhaler, then the recommended dose is 1 puff in the morning and 1 puff in the evening. If you have asthma symptoms, take 1 puff of the Fostair inhaler, and wait a few minutes to allow the medication to work. If you do not feel better, take another puff. The maximum reliever puffs per day is 6. In total, you should not exceed 8 puffs per day.
How long does my Fostair inhaler last?
Each Fostair pressurised inhaler contains 120 puffs.
If you use another reliever inhaler and use 2 puffs of Fostair per day, the inhaler should last you 60 days. If you use 4 puffs per day, it will last 30 days.
When the counter on the back of the inhaler shows the number 20, you should get a replacement.
Do not use the inhaler when the counter displays 0 as the device will not give you a full dose.
How to maintain your Fostair inhaler
To keep your Fostair inhaler clean and well maintained, you should clean it once per week. You should not remove the canister from the actuator or use liquid (including water) to keep it clean.
To clean your inhaler:
- remove the protective cover from the mouthpiece
- wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece using a clean, dry cloth or tissue
- replace the protective mouthpiece cover
How to store your Fostair inhaler
Before using the inhaler, store it in the fridge (2 to 8oC) until you want to use it.
After you have used the inhaler for the first time, do not store it in temperatures above 25oC. If it has been exposed to severe cold, warm it in your hands for a few minutes. Do not use man made heat sources. Always keep the inhaler out of sight and reach of children.
Back to top
