A Guide to COPD Inhalers
COPD inhalers may contain short- or long-acting medication, and there are a variety of devices on the market. Compare the best COPD inhalers with this guide.
fluticasone propionate HFA
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma
Fluticasone propionate HFA (also known as Flovent HFA) is a steroid inhaler. Vets often prescribe it off-label for cats and dogs to treat inflammatory airway problems. This includes breathing or lung problems like asthma. The dosage depends on your pet’s weight and how severe their lung condition is. It’s usually used twice every day with a spacer and face mask made for pets. Side effects are rare but can include a sore throat or being more thirsty or hungry. Fluticasone propionate HFA isn’t used as a rescue inhaler.
What is Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets?
What is Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets used for?
How Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets works
Fluticasone propionate HFA is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). It helps stop the body from releasing chemicals that cause inflammation (swelling). This helps lower inflammation.
Since this steroid gets breathed in, it mainly works to control inflammation in the lungs. This helps open up the airways and makes it easier for your pet to breathe.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Flovent HFA |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Fluticasone propionate HFA essentials
Side effects of Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets
The following side effects might get better over time as your pet gets used to the medication. Let your veterinarian know immediately if your pet continues to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Side effects aren't common. See “Other Side Effects.”
Less Common Side Effects
- Sore throat
- Being more thirsty
- Being more hungry
- Urinating more
- Panting
- Sleeping more than usual
Fluticasone propionate HFA serious side effects
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences any of the following.
- Changes to stress hormone levels (typically with long-term use): changes in appetite and thirst, panting, dull coat, fur loss, weight gain around the belly
- Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth): white or yellow patches in the mouth, gums, or inner cheeks; redness in the mouth; a lot of drooling
The following Fluticasone propionate HFA 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
Get your GoodRx coupon
$221.99
GoodRx discount
$123.68
Pros and cons of Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets
Pros
- Generally fewer side effects than steroid pills like prednisone
- Helps make it easier for your pet to breathe in the long run
Cons
- Doesn’t help relieve sudden trouble breathing
- Takes about 2 weeks to start working
- Can sometimes be hard to give to pets using the inhaler and mask
Pharmacist tips for Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets
- Your cat or dog will need a spacer and mask that fits well around their mouth and nose. Without this, pets can't close their mouth well around the fluticasone propionate HFA inhaler to get the full dose. Don’t use homemade masks or ones made for people. Ask your vet about how to fit and use the spacer and mask the right way for your pet.
- For the best results, give your pet fluticasone propionate HFA usually twice a day at around the same times. This helps prevent breathing problems from getting worse.
- Use the fluticasone propionate HFA inhaler as part of a long-term plan to help manage ongoing lung problems in pets. It’s not for emergency relief because it doesn’t work fast enough.
- Your pet might get oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth, while using fluticasone propionate HFA. To help prevent this, wipe their tongue with a wet cloth or give them water each time after using the inhaler. This helps wash away the medication. Tell your vet if you see white or yellow patches on your pet’s tongue, gums, or inner cheeks or if their mouth looks red. These can be signs of oral thrush.
Tips on how to use the fluticasone propionate HFA inhaler
- Before using a new fluticasone propionate HFA inhaler for the first time: Prime the inhaler by giving 4 test sprays into the air. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each spray. This makes sure your pet gets their full dose when they need the medication. Aim the sprays away from your face to avoid irritation.
- How to give your pet fluticasone propionate HFA: Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds before using each time to mix the medication inside well. Hold the mask snugly over your pet’s snout. Press down on the canister to spray the medication out into the spacer. Hold the mask in place as your pet takes about 7 to 10 breaths to make sure all the medication gets inhaled. Then, remove the mask.
- Follow your vet’s instructions on how to clean the spacer and mask.
- If you haven’t used the fluticasone propionate HFA inhaler for more than 7 days or if you’ve dropped it: Re-prime the inhaler. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds and give 1 spray into the air. Spray away from your eyes and face.
- The fluticasone propionate HFA inhaler has a dose counter that shows how many puffs are left. When it shows “000,” it means there’s no medication left. Even if you see a small puff when you press down on the inhaler, your pet might not be getting the full dose. Ask your pharmacist for a refill if the counter says “000.”
Risks and warnings for Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets
Fluticasone propionate HFA can cause some serious health issues. This risk might be even higher for certain pets. If this worries you, talk to your veterinarian about other options.
Changes in stress hormone levels
- Risk factors: Using fluticasone propionate HFA for a long time | Taking a high dose of fluticasone propionate HFA
If your pet needs to use fluticasone propionate HFA for a long time or if you give them too much, it can possibly affect your pet’s cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that the body makes to handle physical stress.
Fluticasone propionate HFA works like cortisol. When there’s too much cortisol in your pet’s body, it can cause a condition called Cushing’s disease. Signs include being more hungry and thirsty, urinating more, and panting. Your pet might also get a dull coat, lose fur, or gain weight around the belly. If you see any of these signs, call your veterinarian right away.
Weakened immune system
- Risk factors: Using fluticasone propionate HFA for a long time
Fluticasone propionate HFA can sometimes weaken your pet’s immune system. This can make it easier for them to get sick. It’s more likely to happen when your pet needs to take fluticasone propionate HFA for a long time.
Some infections have included a mite infection around a dog’s nose or a mouth infection called oral thrush. To help prevent thrush, wipe your pet’s mouth with a wet cloth or have them drink water each time after using the inhaler. Talk to a vet if you think your dog has an infection while using fluticasone propionate HFA.
Fluticasone propionate HFA dosage forms for pets
The average cost for 1 hfa inhaler of 110mcg of Fluticasone propionate HFA is $165.09 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 44.41% off the average retail price of $297.00. 
Hfa inhaler
Hfa inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44mcg | 1 hfa inhaler | $136.10 | $136.10 |
| 110mcg | 1 hfa inhaler | $165.09 | $165.09 |
| 220mcg | 1 hfa inhaler | $251.43 | $251.43 |
Typical dosage for Fluticasone propionate HFA
The dose depends on how much your pet weighs and how severe their lung problem is. Pets breathe in the medication through their mouth.
In general, the dose is as follows.
-
Cats and dogs weighing 44 lbs or less: The typical dose is 110 mg (one puff of the 110 mcg inhaler) every 12 hours.
- For cats with more severe symptoms, the vet might raise the dose to 220 mcg every 12 hours.
-
Dogs weighing more than 44 lbs: The typical dose is 220 mcg (one puff of the 220 mcg inhaler) every 12 hours.
How much does Fluticasone propionate HFA cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Fluticasone propionate HFA (generic)
$123.68
What are alternatives to Fluticasone propionate HFA for pets?
There might be medications that your veterinarian can prescribe in place of Fluticasone propionate HFA. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Fluticasone propionate HFA
Long-Acting Maintenance Asthma Inhalers: Know Your Options
If you’re shopping around for asthma inhalers, you’ll have seemingly too many options to count. Here’s a list of inhaler brands to help you choose the best one for you.
Flovent: How It Works, How to Take It, and Side Effects
This inhaled corticosteroid helps reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
Flovent vs. Arnuity Ellipta: 5 Differences Between These Asthma Inhalers
Arnuity Ellipta and Flovent are both inhalers used for asthma. Learn the differences between Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta you should know.
How Much Is Flovent Without Insurance?
Several factors determine the cost of generic Flovent without insurance. Learn how much generic Flovent costs without insurance and how to save with GoodRx.
9 Medications That Cause Joint and Muscle Pain
If you have achy joints and muscles, your medications may be to blame. Statins, some antibiotics, and even acne medications may cause joint and muscle pain.
9 Effects of Long-Term Corticosteroids and Prednisone You Should Know About
Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are a type of anti-inflammatory medication. Learn more about prednisone and corticosteroids side effects, here.
Budesonide, Fluticasone, and More: How to Save on 5 Common Inhaled Steroids for Asthma
Inhaled steroids like budesonide are the primary treatment option for asthma, but they can be costly. Compare popular steroid inhalers and learn how you can save.
10 Medication Side Effects That Can Affect Your Mouth
Have you started taking a new medication and noticed something different about your mouth? Some medications can cause a range of mouth-related side effects, like dry tongue and burning mouth syndrome. Here are 10 common issues and medications that may cause them.
Dry Powder Inhalers: How to Use Them, Choose the Right Brand, and More
Dry powder inhalers (DPI) deliver powdered medication deep into your lungs — when used correctly. Here’s how to use a dry powder inhaler and pick the right device for you.
Fluticasone propionate HFA images
