Flovent HFA

Generic name: Fluticasone propionate

What is Flovent HFA?

Flovent HFA contains a medicine called fluticasone propionate, which is a synthetic corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are natural substances found in the body that help fight inflammation. Corticosteroids are used to treat asthma because they reduce airway inflammation.

Flovent HFA is used to treat asthma in patients 4 years of age and older. When inhaled regularly, Flovent HFA also helps to prevent symptoms of asthma.

Flovent HFA comes in 3 strengths. Your doctor has prescribed the one that is best for your condition.

What is the most important information I should know about Flovent HFA?

It may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer for this medicine to work. It's very important to keep taking Flovent HFA regularly — every day — even if you do not feel any symptoms.

Do not use Flovent HFA as a fast-acting inhaler for sudden relief of symptoms.

Flovent HFA is intended for patients 4 years of age and older. You should supervise your child when he or she uses Flovent HFA, following the instructions provided by your child's doctor.

People taking medications that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. For example, chickenpox and measles can have a more serious or even fatal course in children or adults using corticosteroids.

Fluticasone will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks. Therefore, you should always have a short-acting, "rescue" inhaler, such as an albuterol inhaler.

Who should not take Flovent HFA?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Flovent HFA or any of its ingredients, or any other orally inhaled corticosteroids.

Also, you should not take Flovent HFA if you have an acute asthma attack or status asthmaticus...

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Flovent HFA?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Flovent HFA. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: If you are currently using an inhaled bronchodilator, the recommended starting dose is 88 micrograms (mcg) twice a day. The maximum dose is 440 mcg twice a day.

If you are currently using another steroid inhaler, the starting dose ranges from 88 to 220 mcg twice daily. The maximum dose is 440 mcg twice a day.

If you are taking oral steroid tablets, the recommended starting dose is 440 mcg twice a day. The maximum dose is 880 mcg twice a day. Your doctor will slowly decrease your dose of steroid tablets, and then lower your dose of Flovent.

Children 4 to 11 years: The recommended starting dose is 88 mcg twice a day, regardless of prior therapy. The maximum daily dose is 88 mcg twice a day.

How should I take Flovent HFA?

Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds immediately before each use. Prime the inhaler before using it for the first time by releasing 4 test sprays into the air away from your face, shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray. In cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 7 days or when it has been dropped, prime the inhaler again by shaking well for 5 seconds and releasing 1 test spray into the air away from your face. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully through your mouth. While breathing in deeply and slowly through your mouth, fully depress the top of the metal canister with your index finger. Hold your breath as long as possible or up to 10 seconds, and then breathe normally. Wait about 30 seconds and shake the inhaler again. Repeat the steps. After you finish taking your dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. Do not swallow.

Clean the inhaler at least once a week after the evening dose

When the counter on the inhaler reads 020, you should refill your Flovent HFA or ask your doctor if you need another refill. When the counter reads 000, throw it out because you will not receive the right amount of medicine if you keep using it.

If you are using other inhaled medicines, ask your doctor for instructions on when to use it while using Flovent HFA

What should I avoid while taking Flovent HFA?

Do not inhale more doses or use your Flovent HFA more often than your doctor has prescribed.

Avoid activities or environments where you are exposed to allergens. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may make your asthma or allergies worse.

Avoid exposure 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 HFA

Avoid spraying the medication into your eyes. Never breathe into the inhalers. Avoid using expired medication because you will not receive the right amount of medicine if you keep using it.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Flovent HFA?

If Flovent HFA is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flovent HFA with other corticosteroids, ketoconazole, or ritonavir.

What are the possible side effects of Flovent HFA?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: cold, headache, throat irritation, thrush (fungal infection) in the mouth and throat, upper respiratory tract infection

Side effects more common in children may include: bronchitis, diarrhea, ear infection, fever, inflammation of the nose and throat, viral infection, vomiting

Can I receive Flovent HFA if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Flovent HFA during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Flovent HFA?

If you miss a dose, just take your next scheduled dose when it is due. Do not double the dose.

How should I store Flovent HFA?

Store at room temperature.