Fostair NEXThaler

Fostair NEXThaler is a medicine that is used to treat severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

When treating asthma, Fostair NEXThaler helps to prevent attacks of breathlessness, and when treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it works to reduce the number of flare-ups.

The active ingredients in the medication help to relax the muscles in the airways, helping the lungs to stay open, and making it easier for air to get in and out. The medication also contains corticosteroids which reduce swelling and irritation, making it easier for the person to breathe normally.

Asthma and COPD can be debilitating illnesses that hinder daily life, while onset attacks of pain or breathlessness can be painful as well as worrying.

Taking Fostair NEXThaler will help to manage these conditions, with effects of the active ingredients lasting for at least 12 hours.

Although this medication is a long-term preventative measure, it can also act as a “rescue” inhaler. This means that in the case of an attack of breathlessness, it can work as a quick fix. You can however, use it only for its long-term benefits and use a separate “rescue” inhaler, should you wish.

Fostair NEXThaler is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Your doctor or nurse should show you how to properly use your inhaler before starting on this medication. A slightly different shape to most inhalers, the Fostair NEXThaler has the mouthpiece on the top, with a cover for when it’s not in use. To administer a dose, start by holding the inhaler upright and open the cover fully. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then bring the inhaler up to your mouth and close your lips around it. Breathe in through your mouth as hard as you can and hold that breath for 10 seconds. Then remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out gently, closing the cover after use.

You should not open the cover when you are not using it (as the dose indicator will count this as a dose and you may end up not realising when you need a new inhaler). After use, it’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth, as leftover residue from the medication can leave you with a strange taste, and can also lead to thrush of the mouth or hoarseness.

Fostair NEXThaler contains the active ingredients beclometasone dipropionate anhydrous and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, available in strengths of 100/6 micrograms or 200/6 micrograms respectively, per dose.

The recommended dose differs depending on whether you’re using it to treat COPD or asthma, and whether it’s your only inhaler or you are using it alongside a “rescue” one. If you are using it to treat COPD then the recommended dose is 2 inhalations twice a day (suitably spaced apart). If you are using it only as a long-term asthma reliever then the recommended dose is 1 or 2 inhalations twice a day, although your doctor could increase this to 4 inhalations twice a day if they think you need it.

If you are using Fostair NEXThaler as a dual inhaler (for both long-term relief and as a fast-acting solution to an attack of breathlessness), then the recommended dose is 1 inhalation in the morning and 1 in the evening.

In the event of an asthma attack, take 1 inhalation and then wait a few minutes to see if this relieves the pain. If it does not, then take another, however you should never take more than 6 reliever inhalations in one day. You should also never exceed 8 inhalations in one day; if the maximum dose is not working then you should consult your doctor.

Each time you use your inhaler, the dose indicator will count down so that you know when to see your doctor to get a new one.

If you forget to use your Fostair NEXThaler then you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one.

If you take more Fostair NEXThaler than you should, then contact your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects of overdose include your heart beating faster than usual, feeling shaky, dizzy or weak, or developing a headache.

You can safely buy Fostair NEXThaler online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Fostair NEXThaler is the right medication for your medical condition.