Drug Name

Flovent (Fluticasone Propionate oral inhaler)

Drug Uses

Flovent is a corticosteroid that works directly in the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the swelling and inflammation of the airways. This medication must be used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath, caused by asthma, bronchitis, or some types of emphysema. This medication does not work immediately. Therefore, it is not used to relieve an acute asthma attack. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol, salbutamol) as prescribed.

How Taken

Read the Patient Information Leaflet which contains instructions for a proper use of this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Shake the canister well before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a canister for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or more. Avoid spraying the medication in your eyes. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is properly working. Inhale this medication by mouth usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is recommended that you use a spacer device with this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Follow the detailed instructions for a proper use of the inhaler and cleaning of the mouthpiece. If two inhalations/puffs are prescribed, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait several minutes between the use of each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last. To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle and rinse your mouth after each use. Do not swallow the rinse solution. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used consistently at even intervals. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Keep track of the number of inhalations used from each canister. Discard the canister after you have used the number of inhalations, specified on the manufacturer's package. It may take up to 2 weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Flovent propionate is a man-made steroid of the glucocorticoid family which is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an inhaler, flovent propionate goes directly to the airways of the lung. In asthmatic patients, the suppression of inflammation within the airways reduces the spasm that narrows the airways and makes getting air into and out of the lungs difficult. When used in lower doses, very little flovent is absorbed into the body. When higher doses are used, flovent is absorbed and may cause side effects elsewhere in the body.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store the US product at room temperature between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C). Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store the medication away from light and moisture. Avoid freezing. Do not puncture or expose this medication to high heat or open flame. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking flovent, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to peanuts, soybean, or soya lecithin; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, untreated or active infections, herpes infection of the eye, eye disease (glaucoma), decreased adrenal gland function. If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery or injury. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience unusual weakness, weight loss, or dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. This medication may mask signs of infection or put you at a greater risk of developing them. Report any signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/fever/cough) that occur during treatment. Avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles infection while taking this medication. If you are exposed to these infections, seek immediate medical attention. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids (flovent), this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Dry or irritated throat, stuffy nose, hoarseness, or coughing may occur as your body adjusts to this drug. A bad taste in the mouth or flu-like symptoms may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: white patches in your mouth or on your tongue, persistent coughing, increased wheezing/trouble breathing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: vision changes, increased thirst or urination, unusual or persistent headaches, chest pain or discomfort, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medication with others. Learn to use a peak flow meter. Use it daily and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow or red range, or increased use of quick-relief inhalers). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you need to use 4 or more puffs daily for 2 or more consecutive days or more than 1 inhaler (200 puff canister) every 8 weeks of your quick-relief inhaler. Make sure all of your doctors know that you are using this medication or have used it in the past. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., cortisol levels, lung function, eye exam) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.