Formoterol/ beclometasone extrafine inhaler now an option for COPD

By Chloe Harman on the 25 November 2015

The dry powder inhaler Fostair NEXThaler (formoterol/beclometasone) has been approved to treat severe COPD, in addition to asthma.

Fostair NEXThaler is licensed for use in patients with severe COPD (FEV1 less than 50% of predicted normal). | SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Like the Fostair metered-dose inhaler, Fostair NEXThaler is suitable for COPD patients with an FEV₁ less than 50% of predicted normal and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular therapy with long-acting bronchodilators.

The recommended adult dose is two inhalations twice daily.

Further information
View Fostair NEXThaler drug record
Summary of Product Characteristics
Manufacturer: Chiesi

The NEXThaler device is a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler which delivers formoterol and beclometasone as extrafine particles to improve lung deposition.

Prescribers should note that the beclometasone doses in Fostair products are not equivalent to those delivered by non-extrafine formulations. Owing to the difference in particle sizes, 250 microgram beclometasone administered via a standard inhaler is therapeutically equivalent to 100 microgram beclometasone in a Fostair product when given via the NEXThaler device or the Fostair metered dose inhaler.

Fostair NEXThaler was developed to be 'intuitive to use', according to the manufacturer, and utilises a dose counter that decreases only when a dose has been correctly inhaled.