Reliever inhalers have few side effects. Some people notice that they have a faster heartbeat or feel a bit shaky, and they may have a headache. These side effects usually settle quickly (20-30 minutes). They occur most often if you have to take more doses of the inhaler than usual. The best way to avoid these is to try and ensure your asthma symptoms are well controlled. So, by regular use of the steroid preventer inhalers you only need minimal use of your rescue/reliever inhaler.
When used at the standard doses, preventer (steroid) inhalers do not usually cause significant side effects provided your inhaler technique is appropriate. Some people can experience a sore/ irritated mouth, oral thrush or a hoarse voice. Brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after you use this type of inhaler can help prevent these side effects.
Very rarely, if you use these inhalers at very high doses for a very long time, then you can have more serious side effects such as problems producing natural steroid hormones in your body (this is most unusual for patients using this service, as we will be prescribing within the standard doses, but please speak with your doctor if you are concerned about this).
When using a combination inhaler, you can potentially experience side effects as described for the reliever and the preventer inhalers.
For full information about the potential side effects of your inhalers, please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with your inhaler.