Flovent HFA

Fluticasone is an anti-inflammatory steroid that reduces swelling in the airways and lungs to prevent asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. When taken regularly, Flovent HFA works as a long-term asthma preventative but should not be taken in place of your emergency inhaler (albuterol HFA) during an asthma attack.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Flovent HFA. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Flovent HFA:

• Children should be assisted when using the inhaler
• Flovent HFA should not be used in place of an emergency inhaler during an asthma attack
• Hold the inhaler by placing your middle or index finger on the canister and your thumb underneath the mouthpiece
• Hold your breath for at least 5 seconds, then breathe out
• If you are prescribed multiple doses, wait 30 seconds between each puff and repeat the same process
• If you miss a dose, skip it and wait for your next dose, do not double-dose the medication
• If given a spacer to use with your inhaler, attach the spacer to the mouthpiece and follow the same usage instructions
• If your Flovent HFA inhaler is dropped or has not been used for several weeks, you can prime the inhaler by removing the cap, shaking for at least 5 seconds, and spraying away from yourself three times
• To clean the inhaler, wipe the mouthpiece (inside and out) with a damp tissue and let it dry

The most common side effects of Flovent HFA seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Cold symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat, or sinus pain
• Voice hoarseness or throat irritation
• Headache
• Fungal infection of the mouth (thrush) with symptoms including white patches, cotton mouth, or loss of taste

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Flovent HFA. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis or hives
• Liver problems, including stomach pain, dark stool or urine, or Jaundice
• Breathing problems or worsening asthma symptoms such as wheezing or choking (bronchospasm) during use
• Upper respiratory tract infection (bronchitis)
• Glaucoma, eye pressure, or cataracts over long-term use
• Bone density loss (osteoporosis) over long-term use
• Adrenal insufficiency or adrenal gland problems
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flovent HFA. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Flovent HFA, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Allergies to fluticasone
• Allergies to milk proteins
• Using powder inhalers (such as Flovent Diskus) for the treatment of asthma
• Using other oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) for asthma control
• Weak immune system
• Low cortisol levels
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• Herpes infection
• Previously had chicken pox
• Liver disease
• Weak bone density or osteoporosis
• Previously had a parasitic infection
• Using antifungal drugs

Consult your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medications for asthma.

Avoid taking Flovent HFA if you have a known allergy to fluticasone propionate or any other corticosteroid.

It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks of regular use to start noticing improvements in asthma control. Some people may start feeling better sooner, but it’s important to keep using it as prescribed, even if you're feeling fine, to help prevent asthma attacks and manage symptoms over the long term.

Flovent is meant for ongoing, long-term control of asthma, not for quick relief during an acute asthma attack. A rescue inhaler (like albuterol) is typically used for immediate relief during an asthma flare-up.

When Flovent HFA is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Apalutamide
• Chloramphenicol
• Ketoconazole
• Ritonavir
• Nefazodone

The Flovent HFA oral inhaler contains 120 metered actuations (inhalations) that can dispense doses of 44, 110, or 220 mcg (micrograms) of fluticasone propionate to your lungs. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an additional steroid as an oral tablet.

Ensure you store your Flovent HFA inhaler in its foil pouch at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) with the mouthpiece facing down. Do not puncture the canister or place it near high heat as it is pressurized. Safely dispose of the inhaler once the canister reads 000. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Flovent HFA is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK).

There is a generic version of Flovent HFA.

Talk to your healthcare provider to stop taking Flovent HFA, as they can help you create a plan to stop safely.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.