Flixotide

Flixotide (Fluticasone) is a corticosteroid used to treat asthma. This medicine is also used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Synonyms: Flohale, Advair Diskus, Cutivate, Flixonase, Flixotide, Flonase, Flunase

* Do not use Flovent to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
* Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using Flovent for 2 weeks.
* Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
* Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing asthma attacks.
* If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to Flovent, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

What is Flovent?

* Flovent is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
* Flovent is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.
* Flovent may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Flovent?

* Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. You may not be able to use Flovent until you are well.
* FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
* It is not known whether Flovent passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Flovent without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
* Flovent can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
* Flovent can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
* Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old.
* Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.

How should I use Flovent?

* Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
* Do not use Flovent to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
* Flovent is a liquid form of Flovent that is used with an inhaler device. This device creates a spray that you inhale through your mouth and into your lungs. The inhaler device is sometimes used with a spacer tube. Your doctor or other healthcare provider can show you how to use a spacer.
* Flovent Rotadisk and Flovent Diskus are powder forms of Flovent that come with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs containing measured doses of Flovent. The device opens and loads a blister of Flovent each time you use the inhaler. The disk devices are not to be used with a spacer. Follow the patient instructions provided with the Rotadisk or Diskus.
* To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using Flovent products. Do not swallow.
* Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
* It is important to use Flovent regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
* Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using Flovent for 2 weeks.
* Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
* Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing asthma attacks.
* If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to Flovent, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.
* Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot.

What happens if I miss a dose?

* Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

* Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
* An overdose of Flovent is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using Flovent?

* Flovent can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor if you have been exposed to someone with measles or chicken pox.

What are the possible side effects of Flovent?

* Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
* Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
o weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;
o wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication;
o skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
o changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);
o worsening asthma symptoms.
* Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
o headache;
o dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
o white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
o stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough; or
o hoarseness or deepened voice.
* 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?

* If you are also using a bronchodilator (a drug that opens the airways to improve breathing), use it first before using the Flovent inhaler. This will allow more Flovent to reach your lungs. Bronchodilators include albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), bitolterol (Tornalate), and others.
* Before using Flovent, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
o amiodarone (Cordarone);
o HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept);
o certain antibiotics such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), or;
o medicines for depression such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox).
* If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Flovent, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
* There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Flovent. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.