Description
Same active ingredient (budesonide/formoterol) as Symbicort®, the US brand. Foracort Forte Rotacaps is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India. Compare all Generic Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) options.
About Foracort Forte Rotacaps
Foracort Forte Rotacaps are prescription dry powder inhalation capsules containing budesonide 400 mcg and formoterol fumarate 12 mcg per capsule, made by Cipla Limited, used for severe asthma and for COPD in adults. They carry the highest doses in the Foracort capsule range: the same steroid as Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg, with twice the formoterol. Check your carton to confirm the strength, and use the capsules only in a compatible inhaler device.
How does it work?
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, so the airways gradually become calmer, less swollen and less reactive. Formoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist, opens narrowed airways within a few minutes and keeps them open for about 12 hours. The 12 mcg formoterol dose means one capsule gives the full twice-daily bronchodilator dose that would otherwise need two capsules of a lower strength.
Who is it for?
Forte is meant for adults, and sometimes adolescents aged 12 and over, whose asthma needs both a high steroid dose and a full bronchodilator dose, and for adults with COPD who have repeated flare-ups. It is not a starting treatment and is not used for maintenance and reliever plans, because the per-capsule doses are too high for frequent extra use.
How to take Foracort Forte Rotacaps
- Asthma: one capsule twice daily is typical; adults may be prescribed up to two capsules twice daily for a limited time.
- COPD: one capsule twice daily.
- Daily limit: four capsules in 24 hours (48 mcg of formoterol) is the ceiling, and only if your doctor has prescribed it.
- Keep the device upright while loading, pierce the capsule, breathe out away from it, then inhale briskly and deeply.
- Rinse your mouth and gargle after each dose.
For sudden symptoms, use a separate short-acting reliever, and see your doctor if you need it more often than usual.
What are the side effects?
- Formoterol-related: shaking, headache, palpitations, nervousness and cramps, a little more often than with lower strengths.
- Budesonide-related: thrush, hoarseness and throat irritation; with prolonged high doses, effects on bones, eyes, skin and adrenal glands.
- Metabolic: low potassium and higher blood sugar, mainly relevant with heart disease or diabetes.
- COPD: a small increase in pneumonia risk, so report fever or a change in your phlegm.
Seek emergency treatment if you become more breathless immediately after a capsule, or if you notice swelling of the mouth or throat, chest pain, or an erratic heartbeat.
Who should not use them?
Do not use Forte Rotacaps if you are allergic to either ingredient or to milk protein in the lactose carrier. They are not for children under 12. Special care is needed with ischemic heart disease, rhythm disorders, a prolonged QT interval, very high blood pressure, thyroid overactivity, pheochromocytoma, diabetes, osteoporosis, glaucoma or untreated lung infection. Avoid combining them with salmeterol or other LABAs, and report any beta-blocker or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, such as itraconazole or ritonavir. In pregnancy, your doctor will weigh the benefits of good asthma control against the high dose.
Pack sizes and storage
Available as 30, 60 or 90 capsules, from $12. At one capsule twice a day, a 60-capsule pack lasts a month. Store below 86°F (30°C), protected from humidity, and keep each capsule in its strip until needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pressurized Forte inhaler?
Yes, the Foracort Forte Inhaler is the spray version.
What if my doctor wants less formoterol?
Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg keep the steroid dose with 6 mcg of formoterol.
Is there a budesonide-only capsule at 400 mcg?
Yes, Budecort Rotacap 400 mcg. See more in the asthma category.
For information only; always read the leaflet that comes with your capsules. Foracort Forte Rotacaps are a prescription medicine for use under medical supervision.
Helpful guides
- Asthma vs COPD: What’s the Difference? Causes, Tests and TreatmentAsthma often starts in childhood and its airway narrowing largely reverses with treatment, while COPD usually follows years of smoking and causes…
- Foracort vs Symbicort: How These Budesonide/Formoterol Inhalers CompareForacort and Symbicort both combine budesonide with formoterol. Compare makers, strengths, devices, dosing, reliever (SMART) use and side effects.
- Types of Asthma Inhalers: Relievers, Preventers and How to Use Them CorrectlyLearn the types of asthma inhalers (relievers, preventers and combination inhalers), how each one works, and step-by-step tips for correct inhaler technique.