Fostair - side effects, indications, use, contraindications

Fostair is a medication that contains two active substances, beclometasone and formoterol. Beclometasone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands, and they have many important functions, including controlling inflammatory responses. Beclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs.

Formoterol, on the other hand, is a type of medicine known as a long-acting beta 2 agonist. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. When formoterol stimulates these receptors, it causes the muscles in the airways to relax. This allows the airways to open and makes it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs.

As a result, Fostair works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and relaxing the muscles of the airways. This helps to prevent symptoms such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, making it easier for individuals with respiratory conditions to breathe.

Fostair is a medication that's primarily used as a maintenance treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's a prescription-only medication, which means it's available only on the recommendation of a healthcare professional.

Indications for the use of Fostair include:

• Asthma: Fostair is used for the regular treatment of individuals aged 18 years and above with severe asthma. It's particularly effective in patients whose asthma is not adequately controlled by high dose inhaled corticosteroids and short-acting beta agonists.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Fostair is used in the management of COPD, particularly in people with severe COPD who have repeated exacerbations and significant symptoms despite regular therapy with long-acting bronchodilators.

It's essential that Fostair is used as directed by a healthcare professional and not as a relief medication. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Patients should consult their healthcare professional if they have any questions or concerns about the indications for Fostair.

Fostair, a medication used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is not suitable for everyone and has several contraindications that should be carefully considered before starting treatment.

Firstly, Fostair is contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity to the active substances, beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate, or any of the excipients used in the formulation. This includes lactose, which may cause problems for people with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance.

Secondly, Fostair should not be used in patients with cardiac tachyarrhythmias, a condition characterized by an abnormally high heart rate. The drug may also be contraindicated in patients with unstable or life-threatening asthma, or severe cardiovascular disorders, such as heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, or high blood pressure.

In addition, Fostair should not be used to relieve acute symptoms of asthma or COPD. It is a preventative medicine and should not be used for immediate relief of breathing problems.

Lastly, Fostair should not be used in children under the age of 12, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus or child.

It's vital that all potential contraindications are carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Fostair.

Just like any other medication, Fostair can cause some side effects. Not everyone who uses this medication will experience these side effects. In most cases, they are minor and temporary. However, if they persist or become bothersome, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.

Common side effects of Fostair include:

• Thrush in the mouth and throat
• Hoarseness
• Headache

If you experience these side effects, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose to help prevent thrush. If you are experiencing persistent headaches, it may be necessary to consult your healthcare provider.

Uncommon side effects may include:

• Palpitations
• Muscle cramps
• Restless feeling

Rare side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you experience any of these rare side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.

It is important to note that this is not a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed here, it is crucial to report them to your healthcare provider.

The dosage of Fostair will depend on the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, the patient's age, and their overall health and response to treatment. However, some general guidelines can be followed for the usual dosages.

For adults suffering from Asthma, the recommended starting dose is usually one inhalation twice a day. This may be increased up to two inhalations twice a day if necessary. For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the usual dose is one inhalation twice a day.

It's important to note that Fostair should not be used more than twice a day, and the maximum daily dose should not exceed four inhalations. The dosage for children and adolescents may be lower and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Fostair comes in an inhaler form, and the correct technique for using the inhaler should be followed to ensure the medication is effectively delivered to the lungs. If you are unsure about how to use the inhaler, consult your healthcare provider for a demonstration.

Always use Fostair exactly as your doctor has told you. The dosage may be adjusted over time based on your symptoms and response to the medication. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Fostair is used primarily for the treatment and management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a combination medicine with two active ingredients, beclometasone and formoterol, that work together to help control and prevent the symptoms of these respiratory conditions.

Beclometasone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation in the lungs, making it easier for air to get in and out. Formoterol, on the other hand, is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps keep the airways open.

Fostair is available as an inhaler and should be used regularly, even if you don't have any symptoms. The usual dose for adults is one or two inhalations twice a day. For children aged 12-17 years, it's one inhalation twice a day. However, it's important to follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist. They will help you understand how to use the inhaler properly and how often to use it.

Do not use Fostair to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness. It won’t work quickly enough. Use a 'reliever' inhaler instead. Also, do not stop using Fostair, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to. It’s important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit.

When used correctly, Fostair can help reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks and improve your ability to carry out everyday activities. However, it doesn't cure asthma and COPD and you should continue to avoid anything that triggers your symptoms.

While using Fostair, there are several precautions that patients need to observe to ensure their safety and the drug's effectiveness. First and foremost, Fostair should be used exactly as advised by a healthcare professional. Do not use it in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Before starting treatment, patients should inform their doctor if they have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid problems, tuberculosis (TB), liver problems, or a history of adrenal gland problems. As Fostair can affect the heart, it's very important to disclose any heart conditions before starting the treatment.

Patients should also be aware that Fostair can cause a decrease in bone mineral density if used for a long time. Therefore, it's recommended to have regular check-ups and to follow healthy lifestyle habits to maintain bone health.

Moreover, patients should avoid contact with people who have infectious diseases such as chickenpox or measles, as Fostair can lower the body's ability to fight infections. In the event of an infection, the treatment might need to be interrupted.

If a patient is due to have surgery, including dental surgery, they should inform their doctor that they are using Fostair. The medicine might need to be stopped temporarily.

Last but not least, Fostair can cause blurred vision and other vision problems. If a patient experiences these symptoms, they should contact their doctor immediately.

Interactions refer to the way in which a medicine affects the activity of other drugs when both are administered together. It's crucial to be aware of potential interactions of Fostair with other drugs, as it could alter the performance of the medicine or increase the risk of side effects.

Firstly, Fostair should not be used in conjunction with other medicines containing long-acting beta-2-agonists or corticosteroids, as it may increase the risk of overdose and adverse effects.

Moreover, Fostair may interact with medicines such as beta-blockers, which are typically used for conditions like high blood pressure and heart diseases. This interaction could lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of both medicines, and therefore, should be avoided unless it's absolutely necessary.

Fostair may also interact with diuretics, which can exacerbate the hypokalemia effect (low potassium levels in blood). Therefore, it's important to monitor potassium levels if you are taking these medicines together.

Lastly, the interaction of Fostair with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants can lead to an increase in the systemic effects of salmeterol, one of the active substances in Fostair. Hence, caution should be exercised when using these medicines together.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This will help to identify any potential drug interactions and prevent adverse effects.

The price of Fostair inhaler can vary depending on the dosage and the location where it is purchased. The cost for a Fostair inhaler typically ranges from $50 to $100 per inhaler in the United States. However, it is important to note that these prices can fluctuate and may not include potential discounts or insurance coverage.

Some pharmacies may offer a lower price if the medication is purchased in larger quantities. It's also advisable to check if the manufacturer offers a patient assistance program, which can help offset the cost of the medication for those who qualify.

In countries with national health services, such as the UK, the cost of Fostair may be covered for patients who meet certain eligibility criteria. Always check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for your specific situation.

When it comes to managing asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Fostair is a commonly prescribed medication. However, there may be instances where a substitute for Fostair is necessary, whether due to allergies, side effects, or other personal health considerations.

In such scenarios, several alternative medications can serve a similar purpose. These include:

• Symbicort: Contains budesonide and formoterol. It's used to control and prevent the symptoms caused by asthma or COPD.
• Seretide: Contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. It's another combination medication used in the treatment of asthma and COPD.
• DuoResp Spiromax: Contains budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Another substitute option for treating asthma and COPD.

It's important to remember that while these medications can serve as substitutes for Fostair, they should not be used interchangeably without consultation with a healthcare provider. Each of these medications may have their own set of indications, side effects, and dosing recommendations.

Additionally, patients may respond differently to different medications, so what works best will depend on individual health profiles and specific symptoms.