Product introduction
Foracort Forte Inhaler is a higher-strength metered-dose inhaler used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It combines budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, with formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that helps keep the airway muscles relaxed. This Forte version delivers a stronger dose per puff than the standard inhaler and is meant for patients whose condition needs a higher level of control. It is a prescription-only medicine and should be used as directed by a physician.
Storage: Store below 30°C
Uses of Foracort Forte Inhaler
- Asthma control and prevention
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management
- Relief from wheezing and breathlessness
- Long-term control of airway inflammation
Benefits of Foracort Forte Inhaler
Used consistently, this inhaler helps reduce chronic airway inflammation and keeps the air passages wider, which can lower how often breathlessness, wheezing, or coughing episodes occur. Better long-term control of these symptoms can support steadier sleep and greater ease with everyday physical activity for people with more persistent asthma or COPD.
Side effects of Foracort Forte Inhaler
Most side effects do not require medical attention and go away as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if they persist.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach discomfort
- Cough
- Tremors
How to use Foracort Forte Inhaler
Shake the inhaler thoroughly before each use and breathe out fully away from the mouthpiece. Seal the lips around the mouthpiece, begin inhaling slowly through the mouth, and press down on the canister once to release a dose while continuing to breathe in deeply. Hold the breath for around 10 seconds before exhaling slowly, and rinse the mouth with water afterward.
How Foracort Forte Inhaler works
Budesonide works as an inhaled corticosteroid, reducing swelling and irritation within the airway lining so the airways become less reactive to triggers over time. Formoterol acts on beta-2 receptors in the airway muscles, causing them to relax and open up the air passages for easier airflow. Together, at this higher strength, the two components provide stronger control over both the inflammatory and constrictive components of narrowed airways.
Substitutes for Foracort Forte Inhaler
These medicines have the same composition (Budesonide (400mcg) + Formoterol (12mcg)) and can generally be used as alternatives. Always confirm with your doctor or our pharmacist before switching.
Safety advice
Alcohol should be consumed cautiously while using this inhaler, as its combined effect with the medicine is not fully predictable.
This medicine is considered unsafe in pregnancy and should be used only if a doctor judges the benefit clearly outweighs the risk to the baby.
Use during breastfeeding may carry some risk, so it should be discussed with a doctor before starting.
This medicine may reduce alertness or affect vision or cause sleepiness in some people, so caution is advised before driving or operating machinery.
No significant interaction with kidney function has been established for this medicine.
No significant interaction with liver function has been established for this medicine.
Quick tips
- Use the inhaler daily as prescribed, even during symptom-free periods, since it works preventively rather than as an immediate rescue dose.
- Keep a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler on hand for sudden breathlessness, as this Forte inhaler is not for immediate relief.
- Rinse the mouth with water and spit it out after every use to help lower the risk of oral thrush and hoarseness.
- Shake the canister well before each puff so the medicine is evenly distributed.
- Store the inhaler below 30°C, away from heat, and avoid puncturing or exposing the canister to flame.
Fact box
| Chemical class | Not specified |
|---|---|
| Habit forming | No |
| Therapeutic class | Respiratory |
| Action class | Not specified |
Frequently asked questions
How is Foracort Forte Inhaler different from the regular Foracort 200 Inhaler?
It contains a higher dose of budesonide and formoterol per puff, making it suited to patients who need stronger control of their asthma or COPD symptoms.
Can this inhaler be used during a sudden asthma attack?
No, it is intended for regular preventive use to control airway inflammation over time and should not be relied on for immediate relief.
How soon does this inhaler start helping with symptoms?
Some easing of breathing may be noticed within days, but the full anti-inflammatory benefit typically develops over a few weeks of regular use.
Why is mouth rinsing recommended after each dose?
The inhaled corticosteroid can settle in the mouth and throat, and rinsing helps reduce the chance of fungal infection and voice changes.
Is a prescription needed to purchase this inhaler?
Yes, this is a prescription-only medicine and should be used exactly as advised by a treating doctor.