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Fostair NEXThaler
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Fostair NEXThaler is an advanced dry powder inhaler (DPI) containing beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. It is used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing airway inflammation and providing rapid, long-acting bronchodilation.
- Combines a potent inhaled corticosteroid to treat swelling
- NEXThaler technology ensures the dose is only released when you inhale deeply
- Engineered to reach the small airways of the lungs more effectively than traditional non-extrafine beclometasone inhalers
- Available in multiple strengths, supporting both regular maintenance and Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) regimes
More information
"Fostair NEXThaler is a highly effective combination treatment typically prescribed for adults whose asthma is not adequately controlled by steroid inhalers alone, or for those managing symptomatic COPD. It serves as both a preventer and, in specific 100/6 MART regimes, a reliever, offering patients the convenience of a single device that addresses both underlying inflammation and immediate breathlessness."
— Rachael Clarke MRCPharm MFRPSI FRSPH (GPHC Number: 2061366)
You can buy Fostair NEXThaler online through Mail my Meds following a convenient online consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. If your clinical assessment is approved, your medication is dispensed and shipped directly from our pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560) in discreet, unbranded packaging to ensure your privacy.
The cost of Fostair NEXThaler depends on the strength and quantity required. This price includes the cost of your private prescription and the clinical review by our healthcare team.
We offer several reliable delivery methods to suit your schedule, including tracked next-day delivery. All orders are dispatched in secure, plain packaging and you will receive a tracking number as soon as your treatment leaves our pharmacy.
Fostair NEXThaler is a prescription-only "combination inhaler" used to prevent and treat symptoms of asthma and COPD. It is designed for patients who require more than just a standard reliever inhaler to manage their breathing, helping to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and "flare-ups". Unlike the Fostair MDI (metered-dose inhaler), the NEXThaler is a dry powder device that does not use chemical propellants.
Fostair NEXThaler contains two primary active substances that work together to improve respiratory function:
- Beclometasone dipropionate (100mcg or 200mcg): A corticosteroid that settles inflammation and swelling in the lung tissues.
- Formoterol fumarate dihydrate (6mcg): A rapid-acting, long-lasting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways for up to 12 hours.
Many patients report that the Fostair NEXThaler is easier to use than traditional "press and breathe" inhalers because the "click" sound provides confirmation that the dose has been successfully delivered. Users often note an improvement in their ability to exercise and sleep without being woken by coughing or wheezing. However, some users may experience a mild powder-like taste in the mouth immediately after inhalation.
Every Fostair NEXThaler comes with a comprehensive Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) which you should read before your first use. It contains vital information on storage, device maintenance, and a full list of ingredients. You can also access the electronic version of the PIL via the Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc).
Fostair NEXThaler works by delivering extra-fine particles of medication deep into both the large and small airways of the lungs. The beclometasone acts as the "preventer," building up protection over time to stop the airways from reacting to triggers, while the formoterol starts working within 1 to 3 minutes to keep the airways open, providing both immediate relief and 12-hour maintenance.
To use the Fostair NEXThaler correctly, you must follow a "short, sharp, and deep" inhalation technique to trigger the dose release. Because it is breath-actuated, the device will not release medicine unless you inhale with sufficient force.
- Hold the inhaler upright and open the cover fully until you hear a click.
- Breathe out gently (away from the inhaler).
- Place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece, ensuring you do not block the air vents.
- Take a quick, deep breath through your mouth. You should hear a click when the dose is released.
- Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
- Close the cover and check that the dose counter has decreased by one.
The standard dosage for Fostair NEXThaler is usually one or two inhalations twice a day, in the morning and evening. For those on a MART (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) plan using the 100/6 strength, you may be advised to take additional puffs to relieve sudden symptoms, up to a maximum of 8 inhalations per day. Always follow the specific dose prescribed by your clinician.
Like all medicines, Fostair NEXThaler can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include:
- Hoarseness or a sore throat.
- Oral thrush (fungal infection). Rinsing your mouth with water after use significantly reduces this risk.
- Headaches or mild tremors.
- Palpitations (a faster or irregular heartbeat).
Fostair NEXThaler may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain pre-existing conditions. You should inform your prescriber if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, or low potassium levels in your blood. It contains a small amount of lactose. If you have a severe milk protein allergy, consult your doctor before use.
| Feature | Fostair NEXThaler | Seretide Accuhaler | Symbicort Turbohaler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Beclometasone + Formoterol | Fluticasone + Salmeterol | Budesonide + Formoterol |
| Onset of Action | Fast (1–3 minutes) | Slower (10–20 minutes) | Fast (1–3 minutes) |
| Device Type | Breath-actuated DPI | Dry Powder Inhaler | Dry Powder Inhaler |
| MART Capable | Yes (100/6 strength) | No | Yes |
Is Fostair NEXThaler a steroid inhaler?
Yes, Fostair NEXThaler is a combination inhaler that contains a corticosteroid called beclometasone, which serves as the "preventer" element of the medication.
Can I drink alcohol while using Fostair?
Yes, there are no known direct interactions between Fostair NEXThaler and alcohol, though maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always recommended for asthma management.
What should I do if my NEXThaler is not working?
If you do not hear a "click" or feel you aren't getting a dose, check that you are inhaling forcefully enough and that the air vents are not blocked. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical advice immediately.
Can I take Fostair NEXThaler and Flovent together?
No, you should not typically take two different steroid inhalers (like Fostair and Flovent) together unless specifically instructed by a respiratory specialist, as this can lead to an overdose of corticosteroids.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
At Mail my Meds, our clinical content is regularly reviewed by our team of medical experts and pharmacists to ensure that all information is accurate, up to date, and follows the latest NHS and NICE clinical guidelines.
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