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Is Long Term Usage Of Foracort Inhaler Harmful?

Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015

Question: My brother is suffering from Asthma from his childhood. I have even seen him getting hospitalized for this several times during childhood days. He has been told that the Asthma might go when he grow up. He is now 28 years old and from past few years I have never seen any Asthma attack. But the only concern is he has to take the foracort 200 2 puffs everyday.

I told him to stop talking it and see if he can manage without it. He tried doing it couple of times but complain about uncomfortness at night if he don't take it.

My question is, is it safe to take this preventive medicine continuously for years. I think it is almost more than 10 years he started taking two puffs every day before he sleeps. Since it is a steroid, I am worried about the long term side effects. I always ask him to do gargling after inhaling it but he always forget to do it.

Considering his present condition and based on the fact that he didn't had a recent attack, can he try to stop talking the inhaler? or is there any test to check the need for it now? Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Don't stop immediately, he should taper down gradually.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Asthma is chronic allergic inflammatory disease of airways.
With maturity in immunity, asthma can subside with age in some individuals.
So in your brother's case, I think he should not stop foracort suddenly.
He should gradually taper down.
Foracort is having formoterol and budesonide.
So he can taper down to plain budesonide inhaler 200 micrograms twice daily.
Then if he is still asymptomatic after 3 months then taper down to budesonide 100micrograms twice daily.
Then after 3 months with out symptoms, taper down to 100micrograms once daily.
Then after 3 months as and when required.
Periodically PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) testing is must to see any worsening if present.
If PFT is stable then he can definitely taper down inhalers in 9-12 months time.
No need to worry for long term side effects of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). These are very safe drugs. But rinsing of mouth is very important and should be followed strictly after inhaler use. So tell your brother to do gargles after Inhaler use.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wishing good health to your brother. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (9 hours later)

Hi Dr XXXXXXX

Thanks for your detailed answer.

I have couple of queries.

1. Right now he is taking foracort 200 only at night(once daily). After switching to plain budesonide, should he take it daily once or twice(as mentioned by you)?

2. Please suggest me the plain budesonide inhaler name.

Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take plain budesonide twice daily.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
I can understand your concern.
Budesonide is available in the brand name of budecort (Cipla) and budate (lupin).
So whichever you get, both contains same budesonide.
Better to start with plain budesonide (200) twice daily initially then gradually taper down to budesonide (100) twice daily and then budesonide (100) once daily and then as and when needed.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on XXXX
Wishing good health to your brother. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar