Description

Fostair Inhaler – Beclometasone/Formoterol Combination Treatment (RapidMeds UK)

Key Benefits

• Dual-action control: reduces airway inflammation and opens the airways for easier breathing
• Suitable for adults with asthma not adequately controlled by ICS alone
• Licensed for severe COPD symptom management
• Available as Fostair 100/6, Fostair 200/6, and Fostair NEXThaler (dry powder version)
• GPhC-regulated, UK-based next-day delivery available
• Supports both maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) in eligible patients

What This Treatment Is For

Fostair is prescribed for adults with:

Asthma

Fostair is used for people whose asthma is:

• not adequately managed with an inhaled corticosteroid and a short-acting bronchodilator, or
• responding well to a combination of corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator therapy.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Fostair is licensed for severe COPD to reduce breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and flare-ups.

How This Product Works

Fostair contains two active ingredients:

1. Beclometasone Dipropionate (ICS)

A corticosteroid that reduces swelling and irritation in the lungs, lowering inflammation and preventing worsening symptoms.

2. Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate (LABA)

A long-acting bronchodilator that helps to relax airway muscles, improving airflow and reducing symptoms such as wheezing or breathlessness.

Together, they work to prevent symptoms and improve long-term breathing control.

Who Is Suitable for This Treatment?

Fostair may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have been diagnosed with asthma requiring ICS/LABA combination therapy
• Experience ongoing symptoms despite using a standard preventer inhaler
• Have severe COPD requiring dual therapy
• Need maintenance therapy or maintenance-and-reliever therapy (MART), depending on prescriber advice

RapidMeds clinicians will assess your suitability through a secure online questionnaire before issuing a prescription.

Who Should NOT Use This Product?

You must NOT use Fostair if you:

• Are allergic to beclometasone, formoterol, or any of the inhaler ingredients
• Have been advised not to use LABA inhalers
• Are a child or adolescent under 18 (Fostair is not licensed for this group)
  fostair

Use with caution (seek medical advice before use) if you have:

• Heart disease or arrhythmias
• High blood pressure or arteriosclerosis
• Thyroid disorders
• Low potassium levels
• Diabetes (formoterol may raise blood glucose)
• Liver or kidney disease
• A history of tuberculosis or chest infections

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should only use Fostair under direct medical supervision.

Side Effects

Like all medications, not everyone will experience side effects. However, the following are known:

Common Side Effects (affect <1 in 10)

• Fungal infections of the mouth/throat
• Headache
• Hoarseness, sore throat
  

COPD-specific Risks

• Increased risk of pneumonia (fever, chills, breathing difficulties, changes in sputum)

Uncommon Side Effects

• Reduced cortisol levels
• Irregular heartbeat
  

Rare / Very Rare Side Effects

• Paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening wheeze immediately after use)
• Allergic reactions (swelling, rash, breathing difficulties)
• Eye problems: glaucoma or cataracts
• Bone density reduction with long-term high-dose use

Seek emergency medical help if:

• Symptoms suddenly worsen
• You develop swelling of the face, lips, throat
• You experience chest tightness or severe wheezing after inhalation

Ingredients

Each actuation contains:

• 100 micrograms beclometasone dipropionate
• 6 micrograms formoterol fumarate dihydrate
  Delivered dose is slightly lower due to inhaler mechanics.
  

Other ingredients include ethanol, hydrochloric acid, and the propellant HFC-134a.

Important Information (Safety Notes)

• Fostair should not be used as a rescue inhaler unless prescribed as MART.
• You must rinse your mouth after each use to reduce the risk of thrush.
• Do not exceed the prescribed daily dose.
• Do not stop using Fostair suddenly; symptoms may worsen.
• If stored in a double pack, unused inhalers must be refrigerated before first use.
  (Storage details from page 5)
  fostair

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Fostair 100/6 and 200/6?

The strengths differ in the amount of corticosteroid delivered. 200/6 is typically used when higher anti-inflammatory control is needed.

2. Is Fostair a preventer or reliever?

It is primarily a preventer inhaler, but may also be used as a reliever in MART regimens if your prescriber advises.

3. Can I buy Fostair online in the UK?

Yes. RapidMeds UK provides online prescribing for Fostair, following a clinical assessment.

4. Does Fostair treat flare-ups?

It helps prevent flare-ups and may relieve symptoms in MART therapy, but does NOT replace emergency inhalers unless specifically directed by your clinician.

5. What if I miss a dose?

Take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double dose.

6. Can I use Fostair with a spacer?

Yes – AeroChamber Plus™ may be used if recommended.

Disclaimer (Legal Compliance)

This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Fostair is a prescription-only medicine and will only be supplied following a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and follow your clinician’s instructions.

Related Products / Alternative Treatments

• Clenil Modulite (ICS inhaler)
• Seretide Accuhaler (ICS/LABA)
• Symbicort Turbohaler
• Ventolin Evohaler (SABA reliever)

Patient Information Leaflet

Download the official MHRA leaflet here:

Fostair Patient Information Leaflet (PDF)