Flovent

What is Flovent

Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Flovent is used to prevent asthma attacks.

Fluticasone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Flovent

Flovent will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects.

Use Flovent on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.

It is very important that you use your fluticasone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Who should not use Flovent

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit your body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use Flovent if you have an infection.

Flovent will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use Flovent to treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical attention.

Flovent is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether Flovent will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether fluticasone passes into breast milk. Do not use Flovent without first talking to your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should you use Flovent

Use Flovent exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your inhaler. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), bitolterol (Tornalate), or another, use the bronchodilator first, then use your fluticasone inhaler. Using the medications in this order will allow more fluticasone to reach your lungs.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler, mouthpiece down, 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place your inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use your inhaler directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.

If you are using the ROTADISK, follow the instructions to load the DISKHALER with one ROTADISK foil pack. Uncap the mouthpiece and check to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean and free of foreign objects. Keeping the DISKHALER level, lift up the back of the lid as far as it will go until it is fully upright. This will pierce the top and bottom of the blister. Then close the lid. When you are ready to take a dose, breathe out fully and put the mouthpiece into your mouth, being sure to keep the inhaler level so that the medicine does not spill out. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, being sure not to cover the small holes on either side of it. Take in a steady, deep breath. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. Turn the disk to the next number and repeat this process if directed by your doctor to take more than one inhalation with each dose. Replace the cover on the mouthpiece after each dose.

To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using Flovent.

It is very important that you use your fluticasone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several weeks before you see the effects of fluticasone. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Fluticasone will not stop an attack after it has started. It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat attacks.

Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your doctor has prescribed for you. Flovent is not a substitute for an oral steroid.

If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to Flovent, carry or wear identification that will let others know that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral steroid.

Rinse the inhaler in warm water as often as once a day to keep it clean and unclogged.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center.

What should you avoid while using Flovent

Avoid items or activities that you know are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.

Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while you are using Flovent.

Possible side effects of Flovent

Serious side effects from Flovent are not likely to occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Flovent and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- numbness, tingling, or pain;
- a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; or
- worsening respiratory symptoms.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Flovent and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dry mouth, nose, or throat after use;
- yeast (or another) infection in the mouth or throat (white patches);
- hoarseness or deepening of the voice, cough, or sore throat;
- wheezing;
- increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;
- headache or lightheadedness;
- unpleasant (or loss of) taste or smell;
- decreased growth in children taking large doses; or
- cataracts, which may develop after long-term use.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Flovent

Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral, nasal, or inhaled steroids may increase the chance of side effects or overdose.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Flovent or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.