Foster NEXthaler 200/6mcg Inhaler

Beclomethasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate are two medicines in one inhaler that work together to keep the airways open.

• Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid. It reduces swelling and irritation in the airways.
• Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. It relaxes the airway muscles for many hours.

It is used by adults for regular treatment of asthma when a steroid inhaler alone is not enough, and for some strengths, for symptoms of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Use it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, and ask them to check your inhaler technique.

• Use it every day, even when you feel well.
• Your doctor will tell you whether this inhaler can also be your reliever or whether you need a separate quick-acting reliever. Always keep your reliever with you.
• After each use, rinse your mouth, gargle with water or brush your teeth to lower the risk of mouth thrush.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Do not double up.
• Do not stop or reduce the dose without talking to your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• thrush in the mouth or throat
• hoarse voice or sore throat
• headache
• shaking, a fast or pounding heartbeat (less common)

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• worse wheezing or breathlessness just after using it: stop, use your reliever and see a doctor
• a rash, itching or swelling of the face, lips or throat
• with COPD: fever, chills, more or discoloured mucus, or worse cough (possible pneumonia)
• blurred vision or other eyesight changes

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you:

• have heart disease, high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat
• have an overactive thyroid, diabetes or low potassium
• have liver or kidney disease
• have or have had tuberculosis (TB) or a chest infection
• take beta-blockers, including eye drops such as timolol
• take water tablets, heart rhythm medicines, theophylline or some antidepressants
• are having an operation with an anaesthetic

Storage depends on the type of inhaler, so follow your pack. One approved leaflet says to keep the inhaler below 25°C and use it within 3 months of supply. Never puncture or heat an aerosol canister. Keep out of the reach of children.

Asthma getting worse: see a doctor quickly if you need your reliever more often or it helps less.

Adults only: not for children or teenagers under 18.

Steroid effects: long-term high doses can rarely affect the adrenal glands, eyes and bones.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: only use if your doctor advises it.

Driving: unlikely to affect driving, but take care if you feel dizzy or shaky.