Common questions about Фостер (FAQ)
Q: When can the effect of Foster be noticed after starting use?
A: Foster contains two active components. One component, formoterol, is known to be rapid-acting, and official information indicates a quick onset of its bronchodilating effect.
However, the second component (beclometasone) is a corticosteroid designed to reduce underlying inflammation. The full anti-inflammatory effect develops gradually over a longer period, as its purpose is for daily maintenance control.
Q: How long can Foster be used continuously?
A: Foster is officially classified as a medication intended for long-term continuous use as maintenance therapy. The official product documentation does not specify a maximum time limit after which the use must be stopped. A healthcare professional determines the duration of the course of treatment based on the patient's chronic condition.
Q: Is it necessary to rinse the mouth after every use of Foster?
A: The official product information contains a specific instruction about the need to rinse the mouth or gargle with water without swallowing immediately following each inhalation. This action is recommended to reduce the risk of a local side effect, such as a fungal infection (candidiasis), in the mouth and throat.
Q: Is it true that Foster can affect growth in children?
A: Foster is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age because its safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established. Official documents warn about potential systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids, including the possible reduction of bone mineral density, which is a reason for caution. The primary restriction relates to the lack of established data for this age group.
Q: What happens if I suddenly stop using Foster?
A: Official information describes that the maintenance therapy dose should be gradually reduced by a healthcare professional. Abrupt cessation of inhaled corticosteroids may be associated with the risk of the disease symptoms suddenly worsening, as the chronic condition may become uncontrolled.
Q: Is the use of Foster associated with the risk of developing osteoporosis?
A: Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids at high doses is associated with a very rare potential risk of systemic effects, including the reduction of bone mineral density. This factor may be connected to the risk of osteoporosis, and official information indicates that this requires periodic medical monitoring.
Q: What is 'maintenance therapy' in the context of using Foster?
A: Maintenance therapy means that Foster must be used regularly every day (typically morning and evening), even when the patient feels well. The goal is to prevent the appearance of symptoms and keep the disease under continuous control, rather than treating an already existing attack.
Q: Is there a difference between Foster and other corticosteroid inhalers?
A: According to official sources, Foster is a fixed combination of two active substances (a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator). Furthermore, the product has a special extra-fine particle size formulation, which is described in the documentation as allowing deeper penetration of the active substances into the smaller airways.
Q: What should I do if I forget to use Foster at the scheduled time?
A: If a planned inhalation is missed, the official instruction advises administering it as soon as the patient remembers. However, if the time for the next scheduled dose is already near, the missed dose should simply be skipped. The patient must not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.
Q: Why do doctors prescribe Foster instead of two separate inhalers?
A: Foster is a fixed combination of two drugs, designed with the aim of simplifying the treatment regimen. Official recommendations support the use of combination products to ensure the simultaneous and coordinated delivery of the anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating components in a single device.
Q: Is dry mouth a common side effect of Foster?
A: Dry mouth (xerostomia) is not included in the list of Common side effects of Foster reported in official documentation. Local effects such as oral candidiasis, headache, and hoarseness are more frequently reported.
Q: Why might hoarseness occur when using Foster?
A: Hoarseness (dysphonia) is included in the list of Common local side effects. Official information indicates that this may be related to the irritating effect of the inhaled component on the vocal cords. Rinsing the mouth after inhalation is intended to help reduce this risk.
Q: What is special about the Foster inhaler device compared to others?
A: Foster is available as a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) or a dry powder inhaler (DPI). A specific feature is the presence of a dose counter to monitor the remaining medication. Additionally, the drug contains an extra-fine particle size formulation, which distinguishes it from standard particle inhalers.
Q: Does Foster contain lactose or other allergens?
A: Official documentation reports that depending on the type of device (e.g., the Foster Nexthaler dry powder inhaler), lactose monohydrate is listed among the excipients (inactive ingredients). Patients with lactose intolerance should be aware of this information.
Q: Does Foster affect blood pressure?
A: An increase or decrease in blood pressure was reported among the uncommon side effects of Foster. Official documents also note that cautious use is required in patients who have pre-existing severe cardiovascular disorders.
Q: Can the Foster inhaler be stored in the refrigerator?
A: According to the instructions, the unused inhaler must be stored in the refrigerator (at 2 C – 8 C) and must not be frozen. The inhaler currently in use must be stored at a temperature not above 25 C and must not be returned to the refrigerator. The in-use shelf life is limited.
Q: Can Foster be used before physical exertion?
A: Foster, as a maintenance therapy drug, is not intended for regular use directly before physical exertion with the aim of preventing exercise-induced attacks. Its primary purpose is the daily, continuous control of the chronic disease.
Q: Does Foster affect the immune system?
A: Official information warns about the potential risk of increased susceptibility to infections (including candidiasis) and the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects, which may include immunosuppression. This is primarily related to the inhaled corticosteroid component.
Q: What type of asthma is treated with Foster?
A: The official indications state that Foster is intended for the regular treatment of asthma where the use of a combined product is appropriate. Specifically, it is for adult patients whose disease is not adequately controlled by other inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' beta2-agonists.
Q: Can Foster cause headaches?
A: Yes, headache is included in the list of Common side effects of Foster that were reported in clinical studies. This is listed as one of the more frequently observed reactions to the product.
Q: What is the difference between Foster and Foster Nexthaler?
A: Foster is the pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) version containing a solution, while Foster Nexthaler is the dry powder inhaler (DPI) version. The difference also lies in the excipients; the Nexthaler, for example, contains lactose monohydrate.
Q: Can Foster cause mood changes?
A: Among the systemic side effects associated with inhaled corticosteroids, neuropsychiatric disorders such as restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are mentioned in the regulatory documentation as uncommon effects.
Q: Why is it necessary to check the number of doses in the Foster inhaler?
A: The inhaler is equipped with a dose counter that indicates the precise number of remaining inhalations. Checking this is necessary to ensure the device has enough medication to maintain continuous therapy and to obtain a new prescription in a timely manner.
Q: Can Foster affect vision?
A: Very rare systemic side effects associated with corticosteroids mentioned in official documents include the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). Blurred vision has also been reported.
Q: Does Foster interact with thyroid medications?
A: The official documents state that cautious use of Foster is required in patients with thyrotoxicosis (hyperactivity of the thyroid gland). While a direct interaction with thyroid medication is not explicitly listed, the presence of the co-existing thyroid condition necessitates medical monitoring.