Fluticasone is the active medicinal ingredient in both FLOVENT HFA and FLOVENT DISKUS inhalers.

FLOVENT is a corticosteroid, which means that it simulates the effects of hormones that your adrenal gland generates so that it can be used to greatly reduce inflammation in people who suffer from asthma. It also prevents inflammation in the body that causes asthma attacks from happening in the first place.

FLOVENT is not a rescue inhaler so it cannot be used as a treatment for an asthma attack once it has begun.

FLOVENT HFA uses a mechanism that spreads out the medication on release, allowing it to propel the particles down to your lungs.

For people above the age of 4 years old, FLOVENT may be prescribed to be taken with oral steroid medication.

It is important to use Flovent the way that your prescribing doctor instructed. Read the label on your prescription and do not take more or less than the amount you were prescribed for.

The effects of Flovent do not act quickly enough for an asthma attack. Consult with your doctor if you believe that your asthma medications are not quite as effective in relieving your symptoms, or if you notice these symptoms worsening.

Inform your doctor of any surgeries, illnesses, stressful events, or asthma attacks you have experienced or may experience, as your doctor may find it necessary to change your dose. Take the exact dose while following the same schedule unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Flovent is not to be used by a child without the assistance of an adult.

There is a risk of a yeast infection developing on the insides of your mouth. To reduce this risk, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water without swallowing after using Flovent. Be extra vigilant with your oral hygiene routine as fluticasone has been known to discolor your teeth and cause cavities.

If prior to using Flovent, you were taking oral steroid medication, it is extremely important to continue taking it until your doctor instructs you on how to reduce your dose in a safe way. In some cases, you may need to start taking your steroid medicine again if you are showing symptoms of heavy stress or if you have an asthma attack. Carrying around a medical information tag that outlines your need for an oral steroid in an emergency could save your life.

Routine checks with your doctor on your progress and your vision are necessary while using Flovent.

If your symptoms seem to be worsening or not improving after the first two weeks, let your doctor know. Also, inform your doctor if the numbers on your peak flow meter are less than normal, if applicable. Even if your symptoms seem to be improving, do not suddenly stop the use of Flovent as this may actually make your condition worse. Keep Flovent away from young children and pets in a cool, dry, and dark place.

If you are using the Flovent HFA, it is important to keep the mouthpiece of the inhaler facing down when not being used. Make sure the canister does not come in a range of an open flame or extreme heat conditions as it may cause the canister to explode. Even if the canister is or appears to be empty, do not attempt to tamper with or burn an empty canister.

Do not use Flovent if you are allergic to the active medicinal ingredient, fluticasone. 

Flovent is only for the user prior to an asthma attack and should not be used once an attack has already begun.

Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced any infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal. In addition, any history of glaucoma, cataracts, parasitic infections, tuberculosis, ocular herpes, liver disease, low bone mineral density, or weakened immune system should be reported as well.

There are several factors that could lead to osteoporosis caused by long-term use of steroids such as, smoking, lack of exercise, vitamin D or calcium deficiency, or a family history of osteoporosis. If you have concerns about your risk of developing osteoporosis, consult with your doctor.

If you are pregnant, inform your doctor at once, as there is not enough clear evidence whether fluticasone is harmful to your unborn child. On the contrary, leaving your asthma untreated during your pregnancy may increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely, low birth weight, or eclampsia (alarmingly high blood pressure). A risk analysis consultation with your doctor, weighing the benefits and risks to your child, is encouraged.

There is also not enough clear evidence to whether fluticasone passes through breast milk so it may be unsafe to breastfeed while you are using Flovent.

Seek out emergency medical assistance if you have an allergic reaction to Flovent where you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Hives
• Breathing difficulties
• Face swelling
• Lips swelling
• Tongue swelling
• Throat swelling

It is important for you to notify your doctor of your medical history and if you are showing symptoms of:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling of fainting
• Wheezing
• Choking
• Breathing difficulty
• Blurry vision
• Tunnel vision
• Eye pain

Fluticasone in Flovent can stunt the growth of your children, so if you notice the growing rate of your child is abnormal or unusual, inform your doctor immediately.

More common side effects that may occur with the use of Flovent are low fever, coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, hoarse voice, white patches or sore in the mouth or on the lips, headache, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach. You may also experience cold symptoms such as the stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and sinus pain.

Keep in mind, this is not an absolute list comprised of every side effects that may occur. Others not listed here may occur and you should consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Is there anything that I should avoid while taking Flovent?

Yes. Try not to be around people who are ill or have any type of infections. If you may have come into contact with anyone with chickenpox or measles, discuss with your doctor on your options to prevent these conditions, as they can cause severe complications or even death in people who use steroid medication.

If I miss a dose, should I just take it as soon as I remember?

No, do not try to make up for missing a dose of Flovent. Just skip the dose that you missed and use the medication the next time you are scheduled to take it.