Flovent inhaler is a medicine used in children (12 months and older) and adolescents and adults (16 years and older) to treat breathing problems such as asthma. This medication contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate which belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It has anti-inflammatory action and helps to reduce swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs and thus ease breathing problems. It also prevents attacks of asthma. Other alternative inhalers may also include
Ventolin,
Albuterol,
Symbicort inhaler.
In a study (
Efficacy and safety of inhaled corticosteroids: new developments), PJ Barnes, S Pedersen, WW Busse, found that "inhaled corticosteroids are highly effective and have a good margin of safety."
In a clinical trial (
Efficacy in asthma of once-daily treatment with fluticasone furoate: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 6 Oct 2011), A Woodcock…found that “inhaled FF is an effective and well tolerated once-daily treatment for mild-to-moderate asthma.”
Flovent HFA is prescribed by vets for dogs and cats that suffer from bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma. Administering Flovent HFA is easier and more effective when you use an aerosol mask designed specifically for dogs and cats.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Flovent HFA is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and comes from Canada, New Zealand, Turkey and United Kingdom. It may come from other international countries. Flovent is available in dosage forms of 50 mcg/120 dose, 125 mcg/120 dose, and 250 mcg/120 dose. Flovent inhaler is a pressurized metered dose inhaler containing 50, 125, or 250 mcg of fluticasone propionate per inhalation. Flovent is also available in a dry powder form of fluticasone, known as
Flovent diskus.
Stop taking Flovent and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Thrush (yeast infection of mouth or throat);
• Allergic reaction;
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome; (A flu-like illness, rash, pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs, severe sinusitis and worsening lung or breathing problems)
• Esophageal candidiasis;
• Bone fractures or osteoporosis;
• Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes);
• Cataract;
• Decreased adrenal function;
• Bronchospasm;
• Hyperglycemia;
• Decreased ability to fight infections;
• Persistent pain and/or limited range of motion of a joint or a limb
Less serious side effects of Flovent inhaler may include cough, fever, sore throat or irritation, headache, anxiety, sleep disturbance, behavioural changes, hoarseness and voice changes, increased bruising, upper respiratory tract infection, viral infections and stuffy or runny nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Flovent Inhaler should be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. It is very important that you use 2 puffs of Flovent inhaler every day, twice a day (even if you have no symptoms), unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. This will help you to keep free of symptoms throughout the day and night. The medicine in Flovent inhaler must not be swallowed and only inhaled. It may take several days for this medicine to work and it is very important that you use it regularly every day. If your shortness of breath or wheeze does not get better in 7 days, tell your doctor. Do not stop using this medication suddenly, even feel you feel better. If you or someone you are with inhaler overdose, call the local emergency number (such as 911) or your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Do not use this medicine to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Do not use Flovent inhaler, if you are allergic to fluticasone or any ingredients in this medication or if you have the following conditions such as:
• active tuberculosis;
• an infection due to a parasite;
• decreased calcification or density of bone;
• herpes simplex infection of the eye;
• insufficiency of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
• osteoporosis;
• thrush;
• wide-angle glaucoma or cataracts
Before you are taking Flovent, tell your doctor about any prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you are using, especially:
• an antibiotic;
• antifungal medicine;
• antiviral medicine to treat HIV or AIDS;
• steroid medicine.