Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children ages 5 years and older. Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) comes as an Ellipta inhaler, which is a type of dry powder inhaler. The dosage is typically 1 inhalation through the mouth once per day. Some common effects include the common cold and headaches.
Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 5 years and older
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid. It helps you breathe better by lessening inflammation and swelling in the lungs.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Only used once per day
Inhaling into the lungs has fewer side effects than taking a pill by mouth
Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
Must rinse mouth after each use to prevent thrush
Contains lactose; not for people allergic to milk proteins
Only available as a brand medication
Use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) once per day at the same time every day to prevent asthma attacks. You can take Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) at any time of the day.
If you have sudden trouble breathing during an asthma attack, use your rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol (Ventolin)). Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) won't treat an asthma attack as it's happening.
Call your pulmonologist if your breathing or peak flow meter results worsen. Also contact your pulmonologist if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. These could be signs that you need another long-acting medication to help manage your asthma.
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) expires in 6 weeks after you remove it from the foil tray. Write the expiration ("use by") date on the first blank line on the inhaler.
There's a dose counter on the front face of the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler. It should say "30" for a new inhaler. Use this counter to keep track of when you need to get a refill.
Store Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) at room temperature in a dry place away from heat or sunlight. Keep unused inhalers in the original foil pouch.
Tips for how to use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone):
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) comes in 3 different strengths: 50 mcg/inhalation, 100 mcg/inhalation, and 200 mcg/inhalation. Your prescriber will adjust your dose, or prescribe you a new strength, based on how you respond to the medication. Make sure you know which strength you have and what your dose of Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is.
You don't need to prime or shake the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler before using it.
Each time you open the cover of the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler, you're preparing 1 dose. Only open the cover of the inhaler if you're about to take a dose. Don't open and close the cover if you don't plan to take a dose of the medication. You will lose doses of the medication.
When you're ready to take your dose, slide the cover on the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler until it clicks and hold in a flat position, like a hamburger. Then, breathe out as long as you can. Then, without blocking the vent, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece and take a long, steady, and deep breath.
After you inhale from the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler, try to hold your breath for 3-4 seconds, or for as long as you comfortably can. This allows the medication to reach deep into your lungs.
After you're done using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), rinse your mouth with water and then spit. This helps lower the risk of thrush (fungal infection) in the mouth and throat.
Never wash the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler with water or any liquid. Instead, clean the mouthpiece every once in a while by wiping it with a dry cloth. Just make sure you don't get water or moisture on or near the inhaler. Moisture can make the dry powder medication clump together and clog the inhaler.
Arnuity Ellipta (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.
Don't use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) if you're experiencing an asthma attack because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.
If you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, let your pulmonologist know because this could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. Don't use more doses Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) than recommended because this won't improve your breathing. Rather, this can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as heart problems, tremors, and dizziness.
Risk factors: Not rinsing and spitting after using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) | Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), like all inhaled steroids, can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat called thrush. To lower your risk for thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit after each inhalation of Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone). If you develop thrush, your pulmonologist might prescribe you a medication to treat this condition and ask you to temporarily stop using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone). Let your pulmonologist know if you notice symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, cotton-like feeling in your mouth, pain while eating or swallowing, or loss of taste.
Inhaled medications, including Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you have a hard time breathing after inhaling Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.
Like all corticosteroid-containing medications, Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for infections, including upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. Your risk for infections is higher if you're also taking other medications that also weaken your immune system. If you're currently being treated for a serious infection, such as tuberculosis, let your pulmonologist know. They might need to consider a different medication for your condition until you get better. Let your pulmonologist or primary care provider know right away if you have symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, or body aches.
Risk factors: Using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) for a long time | Using too much Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
Use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Doing so can cause more steroid to be absorbed into the body and raise your risk for symptoms such as higher blood sugar or blood pressure.
On the other hand, if you're transitioning to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) from oral steroids, you might experience symptoms of low steroid hormone, such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. When you transition to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), your pulmonologist will work with you to lower your dose of oral steroids slowly over time to prevent these side effects.
Children who use inhaled steroids, like Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), might experience a delay in growth. To lower the risk of growth problems, your child's pulmonologist will only prescribe the lowest dose needed to help their condition. Your child's care team will check your child's growth regularly while your child is using this medication. If you're concerned about how Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's pulmonologist to see if this medication is right for them.
Risk factors: History of glaucoma or cataracts
Although rare, people using inhaled steroids over a long period of time have reported having higher pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to your optometrist before using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) if you have glaucoma or cataracts because they might ask you to come in more often for eye exams. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication.
Risk factors: Allergy to milk proteins (lactose)
Allergic reactions to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) are possible. These reactions can include life-threatening facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone).
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) comes in three different strengths. Each inhalation can contain 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 200 mcg of fluticasone furoate.
Ages 12 years and older: The typical starting dose is 100 mcg inhaled through the mouth once per day. After 2 weeks, your prescriber can raise the dose to 200 mcg once daily if you need a higher dose to help control your asthma.
Ages 5 to under 12 years: The typical dose is 50 mcg inhaled through the mouth once per day.
Treatment of sudden, severe asthma attack
Allergy to lactose or milk proteins
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