fluticasone propionate HFA

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.

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.

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.