Brand Name

Flovent Inhaler {GlaxoSmithKline}

Generic Name

fluticasone, pronounced flue-TIK-a-sone

 

What is Flovent Inhaler?

Flovent Inhaler can help to prevent or reduce both the severity and frequency of bronchial asthma attacks. Flovent Inhaler works by reducing inflammation in the airways which may be in response to allergens or irritants in the air.

Flovent Inhaler may also be used for conditions not described in this medication guide.

 

Key Facts About Flovent Inhaler

Flovent is a corticosteroid, and it helps to prevent the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. By reducing the inflammation in your airways Flovent Inhaler can help prevent or control your asthma symptoms.

Do not take Flovent Inhaler if you are having an asthma attack. Flovent Inhaler should not be used to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat an acute asthma attack. Your doctor can help you obtain the right fast-acting inhaler to treat your individual symptoms

Flovent Inhaler is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Flovent Inhaler can be harmful to an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Flovent Inhaler. Do not use Flovent Inhaler if you are breast-feeding as it is not known if this medication passes into breast milk.

Tell your doctor if you have been sick or had any of kind infection before starting Flovent Inhaler. Your doctor may advise you to wait until you are completely well before you start treatment with Flovent.

You should contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using Flovent for 2 weeks.

Flovent should not be given to children under age 4. Because Flovent can affect growth in children you should talk to your doctor if your child is taking Flovent Inhaler and is not growing at a normal rate.

The long-term use of steroids, like Flovent Inhaler, can lead to osteoporosis, or bone loss. This risk is greater for people who have a family history of osteoporosis, smoke, do not exercise, or do not get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet. Talk to your doctor if you believe you have any of these risk factors for potential bone loss while taking Flovent Inhaler.

 

Before You Take Flovent Inhaler

You should not use Flovent Inhaler if you are allergic to fluticasone.

Do not take Flovent if you are allergic to milk or milk proteins.

You should avoid being near people who are sick or have infections while you are taking Flovent. You should be well and free of infection before starting Flovent Inhaler. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles contact your doctor immediately, as these illnesses can potentially be serious or even fatal if you are using Flovent.

Be aware that when you are being treated with Flovent Inhaler an overdose of Flovent is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, the long term use of high steroid doses can lead to adverse symptoms like easy bruising, thinning skin, changes in the shape or location of body fat, increased facial hair, increased acne, menstrual problems, loss of interest in sex or impotence. Discuss your treatment with Flovent Inhaler with your doctor to assess your concerns regarding these possible effects.

You should be aware that Flovent Inhaler is not for the treatment of a sudden asthma attack. Flovent Inhaler is not a rescue inhaler. Ask your doctor about prescribing a separate rescue inhaler, like albuterol (salbutamol), to quickly relieve an asthma attack.

If you are being switched from an oral steroid (taken by mouth) to Flovent, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you have an asthma attack, another medical emergency or are under great stress. Be sure to carry a medical alert ID or carry a medical ID card to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

 

Flovent Inhaler Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antibiotics clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), and telithromycin (Ketek)
• antifungal medications itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Oravig), and voriconazole (Vfend)
• atazanavir (Reyataz)
• conivaptan (Vaprisol)
• delavirdine (Rescriptor)
• diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac)
• fosamprenavir (Lexiva)
• imatinib (Gleevec)
• indinavir (Crixivan)
• isoniazid (tuberculosis treatment)
• nefazodone (antidepressant)
• nelfinavir (Viracept)
• nicardipine (Cardene)
• ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra)
• quinidine (Quin-G)
• saquinavir (Invirase)
• verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
• saquinavir (Invirase)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Flovent Inhaler. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Flovent Inhaler

Flovent Inhaler contains a liquid form of fluticasone that is used with an inhaler device. This device creates a spray that you inhale through your mouth and lungs. Flovent comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow the directions carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help learning how to use the inhaler.

Flovent Diskus is a powder form of fluticasone, which comes with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs. These blister packs contain measured doses of fluticasone. The device opens and loads a blister of fluticasone every time you use the inhaler. You should not use this disk device with a spacer. Follow the patient instructions provided with the Flovent Diskus, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for help using this device.

You should rinse your mouth with water after using Flovent Inhaler or Flovent Diskus, to help prevent a potential yeast infection, or thrush mouth. Do not swallow Flovent.

Take care to monitor your dental hygiene while taking Flovent Inhaler. This medication may cause tooth discoloration or cavities. Tell your dentist you take Flovent.

Use Flovent Inhaler as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use Flovent in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label exactly.

Store Flovent Inhaler at room temperature away from moisture and direct sunlight, at about 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is alright. Be sure to store the canister with mouthpiece face down. Never puncture, burn or break the canister even if it seems empty. Keep Flovent HFA Aerosol Inhaler out of the reach of both children and pets.

Use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Improvement may be noticeable within the first 1 or 2 days of starting Flovent HFA Aerosol Inhaler. However, you may need to use Flovent HFA Aerosol Inhaler for 1 to 2 weeks before the full benefit is achieved.

If you miss a dose of Flovent Inhaler you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

You should seek medical attention if you feel like Flovent Inhaler or your other asthma medications are not working as well as they usually do. Sometimes an increased need for asthma medication could be an early warning sign of a future serious asthma attack. You should check your numbers with a peak flow meter at home, and let your doctor know immediately if your numbers are lower than normal.

 

Flovent Inhaler Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Flovent Inhaler and seek medical help immediately:
allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue

• blurred vision
• bruising
• exhaustion
• eye problems such as eye pain or seeing halos around lights
• feeling faint
• flu symptoms
• infection signs such as fever, chills, sore throat or ear pain
• nausea
• muscle weakness
• skin rash or tingling
• vomiting
• wheezing or breathing problems
• worsening asthma symptoms

Less serious side effects of Flovent Inhaler may include:

• cough
• dry mouth, nose or throat
• headache
• hoarseness or deepened voice
• sinus pain
• stuffy nose
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Flovent Inhaler. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Flovent Inhaler Description and Dosing

In the United States Flovent is available in the following dosages:

Flovent HFA 44 mcg (fluticasone propionate 44 mcg) Inhalation Aerosol

Flovent HFA 110 mcg (fluticasone propionate 110 mcg) Inhalation Aerosol

Flovent HFA 220 mcg (fluticasone propionate 220 mcg) Inhalation Aerosol

The Flovent Diskus is offered in the U.S. in the following dosages:

Flovent Diskus 50 mcg (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder, 50 mcg)

Flovent Diskus 100 mcg (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder, 100 mcg)

Flovent Diskus 250 mcg (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder, 250 mcg)

Your doctor will prescribe a dose that is right for you. Be sure to follow your individualized prescription and medication instructions.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with the Flovent Inhaler, or the Flovent Diskus you should seek emergency help immediately.

 

Ingredients in Flovent Inhaler

The active ingredient is fluticasone propionate (micronized) and the inactive ingredient is propellant HFA-134a. For Flovent Diskus the active ingredient is fluticasone propionate (microfine) and the inactive ingredient is lactose (contains milk proteins).

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