Fluticasone inhalation aerosol
What is fluticasone inhalation aerosol?
FLUTICASONE inhalation (Flovent®) is a corticosteroid for treating respiratory problems due to asthma. Fluticasone is intended for regular use. It will not cure your condition, but can help to reduce asthmatic symptoms. Fluticasone will not relieve an acute asthma attack. Fluticasone can be used along with other inhaled or oral asthma medications. A generic fluticasone inhalation powder is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use fluticasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an asthmatic attack
- infection, especially fungal infection
- an unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone, other corticosteroids, tetrafluoroethane, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
If you are also using a bronchodilator aerosol (such as albuterol) use that inhaler first. Wait a few minutes before using fluticasone.
If you are using the Flovent® HFA inhalation aerosol, prime the inhaler by spraying four times into the air, away from the eyes, face, and other people. Do this before using for the first time. If your Flovent® HFA inhaler has not been used for 7 days or more, prime the inhaler by releasing 1 spray into the air, away from the eyes, face, and other people.
Fluticasone is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the canister well before use. Breathe out completely. Place the mouthpiece between the open lips, past the teeth. Close lips firmly around the mouthpiece, or you may place the mouthpiece close to your mouth. Press down on the canister one time while breathing in deeply and slowly. Remove the canister from the mouth. Hold your breath for a count of 10 and then breathe out slowly. If you are using more than one dose, wait a minute between inhalations, shake the inhaler again and repeat the above procedure. Gargle or rinse your mouth with water after the last dose; do not swallow the water. Clean the inhaler daily. Remove the canister and cap from the inhaler. Rinse the inhaler with warm water and dry thoroughly. Do not use more than the recommended dose.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Children of ages 4 and up have used fluticasone inhalations for the treatment of asthma.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with fluticasone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using fluticasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- coughing, hoarseness
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- fever or chills
- skin rash and itching (hives)
- sore mouth, with white curd-like patches in the mouth or throat
- troubled breathing or wheezing
- unusual swelling
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation
- dry mouth
- flushing
- loss of taste, or unpleasant taste
What should I watch for while taking fluticasone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of corticosteroid you are taking, and your prescriber’s name and address. It can take up to 2 weeks before you see the full effect of fluticasone.
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve with fluticasone inhalation, or if they get worse. If you find that you are using your short-acting inhalers (such as albuterol) more than normal or they are not as effective in treating your symptoms, you should contact your health care professional as soon as possible. You may need a change of therapy or may be having an increase in your asthma. Do not stop using fluticasone except on your prescriber’s advice.
If you are transferred from steroid tablets taken by mouth to steroid inhalations, you may need additional doses of steroid tablets during periods of stress. Do not use extra fluticasone inhalations unless instructed to do so by your prescriber. Always follow your prescriber’s advice.
Using your inhalers regularly as prescribed will help control your symptoms; try not to run out of your medications. It is recommended that you keep an extra refill of your fluticasone inhaler and other inhalers on hand in case you need them.
Avoid becoming exposed to the measles or chickenpox. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
People who are taking certain dosages of fluticasone may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking fluticasone before receiving any vaccine.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using fluticasone.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). The effect of aerosol medications is decreased when the canister is cold. Do not puncture the canister or throw on a fire or incinerator. Throw away after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 1/7/2006 9:21:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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