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Armonair

fluticasone propionate
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma

ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) is an inhaler that's good for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms in children and adults. When used every day, this medication can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks, but it's not a rescue inhaler and won't help an asthma attack that has already started.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 9, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)?

What is ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) used for?

  • Asthma

How ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) works

ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) is a corticosteroid. When inhaled, it lowers inflammation (swelling) in your lungs. This helps control asthma and prevent asthma attacks.

Are you looking for information on Flovent (fluticasone propionate) or Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsArmonair Digihaler
Drug ClassCorticosteroid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Upper respiratory tract infection (cough, stuffy nose; 5-6%)
  • Common cold (5-6%)
  • Oral thrush (oral candidiasis, 3-5%)
  • Headache (2-7%)
  • Cough (2-3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Mouth and throat pain
  • Throat irritation
  • Runny nose
  • Stuffy nose
  • Flu
  • Fever
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle spasm
  • Vomiting
  • High blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Status asthmaticus (when asthma attacks follow one another without pause) or other sudden episodes of asthma requiring immediate attention
  • Allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

White patches in the mouth and throat

Less common

Bone pain

diarrhea

ear ache

fever

lower abdominal or stomach pain

nausea

pain on passing urine

redness or discharge of the eye, eyelid, or lining of the eye

sore throat

trouble swallowing

vaginal discharge (creamy white) and itching

vomiting

Rare

Blindness, blurred vision, eye pain

bone fractures

excess facial hair in women

fullness or roundness of the face, neck, and trunk

growth reduction in children or teenagers

heart problems

high blood pressure

hives, skin rash

impotence in males

increased hunger, thirst, or urination

lack of menstrual periods

muscle wasting

numbness and weakness of the hands and feet

swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

weakness

Incidence not known

Dizziness

fast heartbeat

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Darkening of the skin

fainting

loss of appetite

mental depression

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Cough

general aches and pains or general feeling of illness

greenish-yellow mucus in the nose

headache

hoarseness or other voice changes

runny, sore, or stuffy nose

Less common

Bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds

eye irritation

headache, severe and throbbing

irregular or painful menstrual periods

joint pain

mouth irritation

muscle soreness, sprain, or strain

sneezing

stomach pain

Rare

Aggression

agitation

bruising

itching

restlessness

weight gain

Incidence not known

Decrease in height

dry mouth

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

loss of voice

pain in the back, ribs, arms or legs

sweating

trouble sitting still

unexplained weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)

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Pros

Good medication to prevent and lower asthma symptoms

Inhaling into the lungs can have fewer side effects than taking a pill by mouth.

Can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks

Has an optional, built-in electronic program that pairs with your inhaler that can give you information about your inhaler use patterns

thumbs-down

Cons

Must rinse your mouth after each use to prevent fungal infections in the mouth

Can take up to 2 weeks or longer to feel the full effects

Used only to maintain and prevent asthma; can't help an asthma attack that's actively happening

Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)

pharmacist

  • Carefully read the instructions to become familiar with your ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) inhaler and to use it properly.

    • ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) doesn't require priming (preparing your inhaler right before using).

      • Don't use ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) with a spacer or volume holding chamber.

        • To use the inhaler, hold it upright and open the green cap all the way back until you hear a “click”. Every time you open the green cap and it clicks, the inhaler is ready to give one dose of medication. Don't open the green cap until you're ready to take your dose. Otherwise, you will lose doses of the medication.

          • When you're ready for your dose, breathe out as much air as possible through your mouth away from the inhaler. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Then, breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth to inhale the medication into your lungs. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can.

            • Rinse your mouth after each inhalation of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) to prevent any fungal infections in your mouth and throat.

              • The inhaler has a dose counter. The number "60" is displayed (prior to first use) and will count down each time the mouthpiece is opened and closed.

                • Throw the inhaler away when the dose counter reads "0", 30 days after opening the foil pouch that the inhaler comes in, or after the expiration date on the inhaler, whichever comes first.

                  • ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) contains a built-in electronic module, which detects, records, and stores data on inhaler events for transfer to the mobile App. You're not required to use this App when taking the medication, but it gives you information about your inhaler use patterns.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)

                    Why do I have to rinse my mouth after using ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)?
                    When you use an inhaled steroid, such as ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone), you can develop oral thrush (oral candidiasis). This is a fungal infection in your mouth. By rinsing your mouth without swallowing, you can usually prevent this from happening.
                    What should I do if I forget to take a dose of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)?
                    If you miss a dose of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. For example, if you missed your morning dose, skip the morning dose and only take your evening dose. Don't inhale 2 puffs at the same time, since this can raise your risk of side effects.
                    How quickly does ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) work?
                    ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) works by lessening the inflammation and swelling of the airways in the lungs over time. It can take up to 2 weeks or longer before you can feel the full effects. ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) is not a rescue inhaler like albuterol.
                    Since ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) is a steroid, does it mean it weakens the immune system?
                    ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) does contain a steroid, which can weaken your immune system. But since you're inhaling the steroid rather than taking a steroid pill by mouth, side effects are usually limited to your mouth and respiratory tract (airways/lungs). It's important to note that long-term use of high-dose inhaled steroids can also lead to side effects similar to oral steroids. Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) is right for you.
                    Can I use ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) and albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil) together?
                    Yes, you can use both ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) and albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil), but they shouldn't be taken together often. Albuterol inhalers are usually only used as rescue inhalers. If you're using albuterol each time you are using ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone), this usually means your asthma isn't controlled. It can also put you at risk of heart side effects. If you find you've been using your albuterol inhaler more, talk to your healthcare provider.
                    What's the difference between ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) and Flovent (fluticasone)?
                    Both medications contain the ingredient fluticasone propionate. Flovent (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline) is available in two different versions, Flovent Diskus and Flovent HFA. The Diskus version works using the force of your own breath, while the Flovent HFA version works by using a propellant that pushes the medication out of the inhaler and into your lungs. ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)
                    (manufactured by Teva) will also require you to use your own breath to deliver the medication into your lungs. What makes ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) different is the electronic module that's built into the top of the inhaler. This program records and stores information about inhaler events.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)?

                    ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Fungal infections of the mouth and throat

                    • Risk factors: Not rinsing mouth after use | Higher dose of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)

                      ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) can cause a fungal infection in the mouth or throat called thrush. You can prevent this by rinsing your mouth, gargling with water, and spitting the water out after each use. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice white patches inside your mouth or throat or have trouble swallowing, since you might need additional treatment for this fungal infection.

                      risk-warning

                      Sudden-onset breathing problems

                      In rare cases, some people have trouble breathing right after using ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone). Your healthcare provider will treat this right away with a fast-acting (rescue) inhaler, like albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil), and have you stop taking ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone). If this happens, talk to your healthcare provider about switching to another medication for treating asthma.

                      risk-warning

                      Vision changes

                      • Risk factors: Long-term use of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) | History of glaucoma, high eye pressure, or cataracts

                        Using ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) for a long time can raise your eye pressure, worsen glaucoma, and cause cataracts (cloudiness in the eyes). Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you experience blurry vision, eye pain or discomfort, or other changes in your vision while using ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone).

                        risk-warning

                        Allergic reaction

                        • Risk factors: Severe allergy to milk proteins

                          Although rare, an allergic reaction can happen after taking ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone). This medication also contains lactose, which can have milk proteins in it. Don't use ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins. Stop taking this medication and let your provider know right away if you experience an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, or swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat.

                          dosage

                          ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) dosage forms

                          respiclick inhaler
                          Respiclick inhaler
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          113mcg1 respiclick inhaler$271.99$271.99

                          Typical dosing for ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)

                          The typical dose is 1 inhalation by mouth twice daily, about 12 hours apart. The starting dose is based on your prior asthma therapy and how severe your asthma is. Depending on the dose strength, each inhalation contains 55 mcg (low), 113 mcg (medium), or 232 mcg (high) of fluticasone propionate.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) and other drugs

                          ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          • Auranofin
                          contraindications-icon

                          ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) will not be safe for you to take.

                          • Treatment of sudden, severe episodes of asthma (status asthmaticus)

                          • Other sudden episodes of asthma requiring medical attention

                          • Severe allergy to milk proteins

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone)
                          Used for:

                          • Asthma

                          $271.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone)
                          Used for:

                          • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older

                          $261.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
                          Used for:

                          • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 5 years and older

                          $217.67 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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