Fostair Nexthaler problem?

[Dilbertian]

Yesterday I was switched to Fostair Nexthaler from Symbicort Turbohaler. I'm finding it a bit tricky. Firstly, I get what feels like gritty crumbs in my mouth from the Fostair, and, secondly, I can't seem to inhale as deeply as I did with the Symbicort.

The grittiness of the Fostair also triggers me to cough, so I can't hold my breath for 5-10s afterwards.

Is the grittiness normal with Fostair and I just have to get used to it? Or is there something wrong with my inhaler?

I used to be on a combination of Fostair (preventer) twice a day plus Ventolin as needed (reliever). About 2 years ago I was switched to just using Fostair. The new scheme was described to me as MART (Maintenance And Reliever Therapy). I use Fostair 100/6 twice in the morning and twice in the evening (maintenance/prevention part), plus using it as needed (reliever) if I start to wheeze up to a total of 8 a day altogether. If I were to go over 8 in a day for more than a couple of days I would contact my asthma nurse, but that has never happened.

I definitely noticed a taste in my mouth the first time I used Fostair, I'm used to it now. I wouldn't describe it as a gritty feeling though. Did you get guidance on how to use the inhaler? You don't want it angled so it squirts onto your tongue, rather point it a bit upwards and it is tricky at first to time the inward breath to match the moment you press down on the canister.

I have found that Fostair really works well for me, and I have not had any exacerbations for a couple of years. I do get a bit wheezy when there is a lot of pollen around, or when near a very busy road on a hot day. Also barbecue smoke is unpleasant.

These remarks are from a patient, not a doctor!! I think for your peace of mind you should speak to your asthma nurse and/or doctor who prescribed it.

I would note that I get prescribed 2 inhalers at a time, so if you got 2 from the chemist, try the other one maybe?

Symbicort literally got rid of my asthma and I had the same situation with being put onto a Fobumix 'easyhaler' which gives me the same gritty feeling. I had managed to be asthma free for about 5 years and have recently started having to use it again last month. It is gritty and tastes horrid.

It felt weird and gritty the first few times for me too. I now position it /my tongue differently so it doesn't go on my tongue. It's been fantastic for my asthma.

I am on Fostair and find it good for asthma management (MART regine as per pp) but I use the MDI rather than the nexthaler as I too found it gritty and I need something I can take through an aerochamber when wheezy. I also find that I get more side effects with the nexthaler - hand tremor etc is worse.

I made the same switch a couple of years ago but was given a spacer at the same time. I have no problems. Are you using a spacer?

I didn't address the bit in the OP about Fostair making you want to cough. Sometimes when I get a wheezy cough it brings up a little blob of stuff into my mouth which I usually just swallow. It's white if choose to see it. Then I can breathe more freely again. If it is a bit worse than usual, and I'm coughing with nothing coming up, or trying to, but not quite managing it, Fostair helps it to happen.

I can't say this loudly enough: asthma is not something to fool around with, or take guesses over, or rely on med advice from Mumsnet! It can kill. If you have any concerns or queries about your meds or their effects, SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

I was given a Volumatic Spacer Device which I keep handy at home and if there is pollen around I will use it for the first 2 puffs in the morning. It needs rinsing out and drying every few weeks.

The new Fostair Nexthaler is a powder which does not use an aerosol propellant, so is better for the environment. My gp switched me to this from my usual " Ventolin style" Fostair. You have to inhale sharply and deeply, rather than in a more gentle, sustained inhalation. That should reduce the grittiness. I got oral thrush when I started using it, so I have to rinse my mouth thoroughly after use. I prefer the old style inhaler, but there is a drive nationally to switch to the more environmentally friendly inhalers.

The Nexthaler is a powder inhaler, very easy to use, no coordinating buttons with breathing. I'm used to the sharp, fast inhalation with Symbicort. I'll try different positioning of the inhaler.

Yes, of course I should be talking with HCPs. I have an appointment booked for next week to assess how the new inhaler is working for me.

I only have one at the moment. If it works for me I will be issued two at a time.

It does work in that when I was struggling earlier this morning I took another puff and it helped. It's just the grittiness that is t the issue.

I was switched a few months ago and hated it at first but my asthma is so much better on the NEXT than the old aerosol Fostair. You have to suck your breath in hard though. Rinse and gargle after taking it. I keep mine in the bathroom so I do it before my teeth morning and night. It's so much better not having to use a spacer anymore.

I swapped a few months ago, I hated it at first but my asthma is better controlled on it

I just have to do a really hard deep inhale with it, I only got the grittiness when I first started with it and I wasn't breathing right

It might be worth seeing the asthma inhaler to talk you through the process because it does feel different to a "normal" inhaler

No one told me but you have to be really careful to rinse your mouth out when you use it. It can give you oral/tracheal/stomach thrush, which is absolutely wretched. I found that out the hard way.

I know this is an old thread.

@Thisisbollocksmark, I've been using a Fostair inhaler for a month, and whilst it's been good for my asthma/COPD I'm having problems with sores around my lips, what did you use to treat your problem?