Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Fluticasone is utilized for the management and prevention of symptoms associated with asthma, including wheezing and shortness of breath. Its mechanism of action involves reducing inflammation in the airways of the lungs, thereby facilitating easier breathing. By effectively controlling asthma symptoms, this medication enables individuals to maintain their regular activities and reduces absenteeism from work or school. Fluticasone falls under the category of corticosteroids.
Uses and Dosage
Hold the device in a level, flat position. Follow your doctor’s instructions to inhale this medication orally, typically twice a day (in the morning and evening). The dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To ensure the correct amount of drug reaches your lungs, inhale each dose deeply. It is normal to taste or feel the drug during inhalation.
If your doctor has prescribed two inhalations, wait at least one minute between them. In case you are using other inhalers simultaneously, maintain a minimum one-minute interval between each medication, and use the corticosteroid inhaler last.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use, then spit it out. Do not swallow the rinse water.
Avoid disassembling the inhaler or washing the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Always close the device after each use.
Consistent use of this medication is vital to achieve the maximum benefits. It works best when used at evenly spaced intervals, so try to use it at the same times each day. Do not alter your dosage, increase the frequency of use, or discontinue usage without consulting your doctor first.
If you are currently taking another corticosteroid orally (e.g., prednisone), do not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. Abruptly stopping certain medications may worsen certain conditions and lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, and dizziness. To avoid withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce the dosage of your previous medication after you start using fluticasone. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
The full effect of this drug may take up to two weeks or longer to manifest. If your condition does not improve or worsens, inform your doctor.
Familiarize yourself with which inhalers you should use regularly as controller drugs and which to use in case of sudden worsened breathing (quick-relief drugs). Learn when you can manage sudden breathing problems independently and when immediate medical assistance is necessary.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- cough
- general aches and pains or general feeling of illness
- greenish-yellow mucus in the nose
- headache
- hoarseness or other voice changes
- runny, sore, or stuffy nose
- eye irritation
- headache, severe and throbbing
- irregular or painful menstrual periods
- joint pain
- mouth irritation
- muscle soreness, sprain, or strain
- sneezing
- stomach pain
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- white patches in the mouth and throat
- bone pain
- diarrhea
- ear ache
- fever
- lower abdominal or stomach pain
- nausea
- pain on passing urine
- redness or discharge of the eye, eyelid, or lining of the eye
- sore throat
- trouble swallowing
- vaginal discharge (creamy white) and itching
- excessive vomiting
Caution
Prior to using fluticasone, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies to this medication or other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients, such as lactose and milk proteins, which could trigger allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
Before commencing this medication, provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have or had current or past infections, specific eye conditions, bone loss (osteoporosis), or liver disease.
Please be aware that this medication may mask signs of infection, potentially making you more susceptible to acquiring new infections or exacerbating existing ones. Refrain from close contact with individuals who have contagious infections that may easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or flu. Should you suspect exposure to an infection or require further details, consult your doctor.
If you have recently switched from an orally administered corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months or have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses for an extended period, your body may have reduced responsiveness to physical stress. You must inform your doctor or dentist before undergoing surgery or emergency treatment, or if you experience a serious illness or injury, to disclose your use of this medication or past use of orally administered corticosteroids within the last 12 months. Inform your doctor immediately if you encounter unusual or extreme fatigue or unexplained weight loss. Consider carrying a warning card or medical ID bracelet indicating your use or past use of corticosteroid medications.
For pediatric patients, prolonged use of this medication may temporarily slow down growth. Asthma can also impede growth. Regularly consult the doctor to monitor your child’s height during treatment.
During pregnancy, the use of this medication should be limited to cases where it is clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
The passage of this drug into breast milk is currently unknown. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before continuing or starting this medication.
Form and Strength
Flovent Diskus is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Flovent Diskus powder inhaler:
- 50mcg
- 100mcg
- 250mcg
FAQ
How many days does Flovent Diskus last?
Discard FLOVENT DISKUS 6 weeks (50-mcg strength) or 2 months (100- and 250-mcg strengths) after opening the foil pouch or when the counter reads “0”, whichever comes first.
Is Flovent Diskus safe for long-term use?
This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis.
Resources
- https://www.rxlist.com/flovent-diskus-drug.htm
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=001f22f8-a83d-495f-9196-d0264ef4d76e&audience=consumer
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/flovent
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluticasone-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20067663?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148436/flovent-diskus-inhalation/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/flovent-diskus.html
