fluticasone propionate HFA
Flovent (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used in people 4 years and older with asthma. It helps keep lung inflammation low and the airways open. This inhaler is used twice per day. When used every day, Flovent (fluticasone) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. It's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started.
What is Flovent (fluticasone)?
What is Flovent (fluticasone) used for?
- Maintenance treatment of asthma
How Flovent (fluticasone) works
Flovent (fluticasone) is a corticosteroid. It works like cortisol, which is a natural hormone your body makes. When you breathe in Flovent (fluticasone), it works directly in your lungs to lower inflammation and open up your airways. This helps control asthma and prevents asthma attacks.
Drug facts
Side effects of Flovent (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
In general, common side effects for Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are very similar:
- Throat irritation
- Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold)
- Sinus infection or swelling
- Headache
- Cough
- Voice hoarseness or difficulty speaking
Less Common Side Effects
- Oral thrush (fungal infection)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Fever
- Bronchitis
- Muscle pain
Flovent (fluticasone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough
- Changes to stress hormone levels: weight gain around your gut, puffiness of the face, muscle weakness in arms or legs, easy bruising, stretch marks around the belly, tiredness, mood changes, irregular menstrual periods, nausea, vomiting
The following Flovent (fluticasone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
- Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, fatigue, dizziness
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
- Thrush—white patches in the mouth
- Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in taste
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
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Pros and cons of Flovent (fluticasone)
Pros
- Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
- Has few side effects since the medication is directly inhaled into the lungs
- Available as two different types of inhalers (HFA inhaler and Diskus inhaler)
- Lower-cost generic available for Flovent HFA
Cons
- Need to use twice per day
- Need to rinse your mouth after each use to prevent fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
- Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
- Can't use Flovent Diskus if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
Pharmacist tips for Flovent (fluticasone)
- Use Flovent (fluticasone) twice per day (about 12 hours apart) at the same times every day. This medication works best if it's taken consistently every day. If you have sudden shortness of breath, use your rescue inhaler.
- Make sure you know how to use your Flovent (fluticasone) HFA or Diskus inhaler. Doing so helps make sure it's working as best as possible to control your asthma. Carefully read the instructions on how to use your HFA inhaler or Diskus inhaler. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- After each time you use either the HFA or Diskus inhaler, hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can. This allows time for the medication to reach deep into your lungs.
- Make sure to rinse your mouth with water and spit after each time you use Flovent (fluticasone). This helps prevent fungal infections in your mouth and throat (thrush).
- Before starting any new medications, check with your pharmacist or provider to make sure they don't interact with Flovent (fluticasone).
- Call your provider if your breathing or peak flow meter results worsen. Also do so if your rescue inhaler isn't working as well for you. Speak with your provider if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, especially if you need to use more than three inhalations in a 24-hour period for at least 2 days in a row or use one whole canister of your rescue inhaler in about 2 months. These could be signs that your Flovent (fluticasone) dose is too low. You also might need another long-acting inhaled medication to help manage your asthma.
More tips for the Flovent Diskus inhaler:
- Once you take out the Diskus inhaler from the foil pouch, write the date you opened it on the first blank line on the label. Then, write the "use by" (expiration) date on the second blank line. The 50 mcg strength of the Diskus expires 6 weeks after opening. The 100 mcg and 250 mcg strengths expire 2 months after opening.
- There's a dose counter on the front face of the Diskus inhaler. It should say "60" for a new inhaler. Use this counter to keep track of when you need to get a refill.
- Don't open and close the cover of the Diskus inhaler if you aren't using it for your dose. You're losing doses of the medication by doing this.
- Don't wash the Diskus inhaler. 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.
More tips for the Flovent HFA inhaler:
- You need to prime your HFA inhaler if you're using a new inhaler for the first time, if you haven't used it in more than 7 days, or if you drop it. To prime the inhaler, shake it for 5 seconds, and spray once into the air away from your face. For a new inhaler, shake and spray three more times to finish priming.
- There's a dose counter on the back of the inhaler that'll read "124" when you first use a new inhaler. After priming the inhaler, the dose counter should read "120". Use the dose counter to track how many doses you have left so you know when to get a refill.
- Before each time you use the HFA inhaler, shake it well for 5 seconds. This mixes the medication in the canister so you receive the right dose every time.
- Clean the mouthpiece of the inhaler at least once per week after your evening dose. Use clean cotton swabs and tissues, both dampened with water, and let the inhaler air-dry overnight.
Common questions about Flovent
Both the Flovent HFA and Diskus inhaler contain the same active ingredient, fluticasone propionate. They work just as well as each other to treat asthma. The main difference is the actual inhaler that delivers the medication and how you should use each device. The HFA inhaler works by using a propellant to push the aerosolized medication out of the inhaler and into your lungs. As you push down on the canister for a dose, you'll need to take a slow, long, deep breath to allow the medication to reach your lungs. In contrast, the medication in the Diskus inhaler is a dry powder. The medication reaches your lungs using the force of your inhalation. That's why you need to breathe in quickly and deeply when you're using the Diskus inhaler.
No, Flovent should never be used as needed nor as a rescue inhaler to treat an asthma attack. Flovent is a long-acting corticosteroid medication that works over time to lower inflammation in your lungs, which keeps your airways open. Short-acting inhalers like albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) are rescue inhalers that open your airways quickly. Always make sure to have your albuterol or other rescue inhaler with you at all times, even if you're taking Flovent.
There isn't a set amount of time you'll need to use Flovent to manage your asthma. Some people need the inhaler for their whole life, while others only need it for just a short amount of time. Flovent is a long-acting medication that's meant to be taken every day on a scheduled basis. Its purpose is to keep lung inflammation low and your airways open so you don't have asthma attacks. This should help lower your need to use your rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin)). After a certain time of using Flovent with no asthma attacks, your provider might slowly lower your dose and see how well your asthma is managed. The goal is to reach the lowest effective dose of the medication possible. It's important you take Flovent exactly as prescribed; don't stop using it until you talk to your provider. This will make sure the medication works as best as possible for you.
Unlike short-acting rescue inhalers, you can't directly feel the effects of long-acting inhaled medications like Flovent. You'll know if it's working for you or not based on how often you have asthma attacks and need your rescue inhaler. It can take about 1 to 2 weeks to get the most benefit from Flovent. If you're having asthma attacks after using Flovent every day for a while, this could mean that your dose is too low and you'll likely need a dose adjustment. It could also mean that you need to use another long-acting inhaled medication on top of Flovent. But if you haven't had an asthma attack for some time while consistently using Flovent, your provider will discuss with you whether it's possible to lower your dose or stop the medication altogether.
If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of using Flovent with your provider. There isn't much information about the safety of Flovent during pregnancy. But experts do know that poorly controlled asthma carries many risks for you and your unborn baby. Current guidelines for treating asthma recommend using inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent to help manage asthma during pregnancy.
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Risks and warnings for Flovent (fluticasone)
Flovent (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.
Fungal infection in the mouth
- Risk factor: Not rinsing and spitting after using Flovent (fluticasone) | Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications
Flovent (fluticasone) is a steroid medication. When inhaled through the mouth, it can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat called thrush. To lower your risk for thrush, make sure to rinse your mouth with water and spit after each inhalation of Flovent (fluticasone). 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, contact your provider. You might need to take an antifungal for treatment.
Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
Inhaled medications, including Flovent (fluticasone), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs (bronchospasm). This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you become short of breath after using Flovent (fluticasone), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.
Severe allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions to Flovent (fluticasone) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like 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 using Flovent (fluticasone).
Altered stress hormone levels
- Risk factors: Using Flovent (fluticasone) for a long time | Using too much Flovent (fluticasone)
Using Flovent (fluticasone) for long periods of time or using too much of it can cause more medication to be absorbed into the body. This can affect your body in different ways since the medication acts similar to cortisol (a natural stress hormone made by your body). You might experience symptoms of too much cortisol (called Cushing's disease), such as weight gain around your gut, puffiness of your face, and muscle weakness in the arms and legs. On the other hand, Flovent (fluticasone) can also cause your body to make less natural cortisol. Symptoms of low cortisol include long-lasting fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If either problem is severe enough, you might need additional medical treatment. Use Flovent (fluticasone) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time.
Delayed growth in children
It's possible for children to experience a delay in growth during treatment with Flovent (fluticasone). Growth rate typically goes back to normal within a few years after stopping the medication. But there isn't enough information available to know what the long-term effects of Flovent (fluticasone) are on children's growth. Children should use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time needed. If you're concerned about how Flovent (fluticasone) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's provider to see if this medication is right for them.
Eye and vision problems
- Risk factors: History of glaucoma or cataracts | Long-term use of Flovent (fluticasone)
People taking Flovent (fluticasone) for a long time have reported having higher pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to your eye provider before using Flovent (fluticasone) if you have glaucoma or cataracts. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication.
Flovent (fluticasone) dosage
Hfa inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44mcg | 1 hfa inhaler | $132.39 | $132.39 |
| 110mcg | 1 hfa inhaler | $164.89 | $164.89 |
| 220mcg | 1 hfa inhaler | $246.42 | $246.42 |
Typical dosage for Flovent (fluticasone)
Flovent HFA and its generic come as inhalers with either 44 mcg, 110 mcg, or 220 mcg of fluticasone propionate per inhalation. You'll typically need to take 2 inhalations each time you use the inhaler.
- People age 12 years and older: The typical starting dose is 88 mcg (or two inhalations of 44 mcg strength) inhaled through the mouth twice per day. The maximum dose is 880 mcg twice per day.
- Children age 4 to 11 years: The typical dose is 88 mcg (or two inhalations of 44 mcg strength) inhaled through the mouth twice per day.
Flovent Diskus is available as an inhaler containing either 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 250 mcg of fluticasone propionate per inhalation. Depending on the strength you have, you'll typically need to take 1 or 2 inhalations each time you use the inhaler.
- People age 12 years and older: The typical starting dose is 100 mcg inhaled through the mouth twice per day. The maximum dose is 1,000 mcg twice per day.
- Children age 4 to 11 years: The typical starting dose is 50 mcg inhaled through the mouth twice per day. The maximum dose is 100 mcg twice per day.
Your provider will adjust your dose based on if you've previously been on an inhaled corticosteroid before and are switching to Flovent (fluticasone), how well the medication is controlling your asthma symptoms, and if you're having side effects.
How much does Flovent (fluticasone) cost?
$121.05
Flovent (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 Flovent (fluticasone) will not be safe for you to take.
- Treatment of sudden asthma attack
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