What is Flovent HFA?
Flovent HFA is a prescription inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medicine used for the long-term treatment of asthma in people aged 4 years and older.
- ICS medicines such as fluticasone propionate help to decrease inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation in the lungs can lead to breathing problems.
- Flovent HFA is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace a rescue inhaler.
- It is not known if Flovent HFA is safe and effective in children younger than 4 years of age.
Who should not use Flovent HFA?
Do not use Flovent HFA:
- to relieve sudden breathing problems.
- as a rescue inhaler.
- if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in Flovent HFA. See the end of this guide for a complete list of ingredients in Flovent HFA.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Flovent HFA?
Before using Flovent HFA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have liver problems.
- have weak bones (osteoporosis).
- have an immune system problem.
- have or have had eye problems such as glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, or other changes in vision.
- have any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
- are exposed to chickenpox or measles.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Flovent HFA may harm your unborn baby.
- are breastfeeding. It is not known if the medicine in Flovent HFA passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Flovent HFA and certain other medicines may interact with each other. This may cause serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take antifungal or anti-HIV medicines.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I use Flovent HFA?
Read the step-by-step instructions for using Flovent HFA at the end of this Patient Information.
- Do not use Flovent HFA unless your healthcare provider has taught you how to use the inhaler and you understand how to use it correctly.
- Children should use Flovent HFA with an adult’s help, as instructed by the child’s healthcare provider.
- Flovent HFA comes in 3 different strengths. Your healthcare provider prescribed the strength that is best for you.
- Use Flovent HFA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it. Do not use Flovent HFA more often than prescribed.
- It may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer after you start Flovent HFA for your asthma symptoms to get better. You must use Flovent HFA regularly.
- Do not stop using Flovent HFA, even if you are feeling better, unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
- If you miss a dose of Flovent HFA, just skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at 1 time.
- Flovent HFA does not relieve sudden breathing problems. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, call your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for you.
- Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each dose of Flovent HFA. This will help lessen the chance of getting a yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth and throat.
- Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if:
- your breathing problems get worse.
- you need to use your rescue inhaler more often than usual.
- your rescue inhaler does not work as well to relieve your symptoms.
- you need to use 4 or more inhalations of your rescue inhaler in 24 hours for 2 or more days in a row.
- you use 1 whole canister of your rescue inhaler in 8 weeks.
- your peak flow meter results decrease. Your healthcare provider will tell you the numbers that are right for you.
What are the possible side effects of Flovent HFA?
Flovent HFA can cause serious side effects, including:
- fungal infection in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using Flovent HFA to help reduce your chance of getting thrush.
- weakened immune system and increased chance of getting infections (immunosuppression).
- reduced adrenal function (adrenal insufficiency). Adrenal insufficiency is a condition where the adrenal glands do not make enough steroid hormones. This can happen when you stop taking oral corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) and start taking a medicine containing an inhaled steroid (such as Flovent HFA). During this transition period, when your body is under stress such as from fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery, adrenal insufficiency can get worse and may cause death. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:
- feeling tired
- nausea and vomiting
- lack of energy
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- weakness
- serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- rash
- swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue
- hives
- breathing problems
- bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis).
- slowed growth in children. Your child’s growth should be checked regularly by the healthcare provider while using Flovent HFA.
- eye problems including glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, or other changes in vision. You should have regular eye exams while using Flovent HFA.
- increased wheezing (bronchospasm). Increased wheezing can happen right away after using Flovent HFA. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden wheezing.
Common side effects of Flovent HFA include:
- upper respiratory tract infection
- diarrhea
- cough
- throat irritation
- difficulty speaking
- persistent cough
- headache
- sinus irritation
These are not all the possible side effects of Flovent HFA.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of Flovent HFA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Flovent HFA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Flovent HFA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about Flovent HFA that was written for health professionals.
How should I store Flovent HFA?
- Store Flovent HFA at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) with the mouthpiece down.
- The contents of your Flovent HFA inhaler are under pressure. Do not puncture. Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Temperatures above 120°F may cause the canister to burst.
- Do not throw into fire or an incinerator.
- Safely throw away Flovent HFA in the trash when the counter reads 000.
Keep Flovent HFA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
What are the ingredients in Flovent HFA?
Active ingredient: fluticasone propionate
Inactive ingredient: propellant HFA-134a
For more information about Flovent HFA, call 1-888-825-5249.
Instructions for use for Flovent HFA
Flovent (FLO vent) HFA
(fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol)
for oral inhalation use
Your Flovent HFA inhaler
- The metal canister holds the medicine. See Figure A.
- The metal canister has a counter to show how many sprays of medicine you have left. The number shows through a window in the back of the dark orange plastic actuator. See Figure A.
Figure A
- The counter starts at 124. The number will count down by 1 each time you spray the inhaler. The counter will stop counting at 000.
- Do not try to change the numbers or take the counter off the metal canister. The counter cannot be reset, and it is permanently attached to the metal canister.
- The dark orange plastic actuator sprays the medicine from the metal canister. The plastic actuator has a peach protective cap that covers the mouthpiece. See Figure A. Keep the protective cap on the mouthpiece when the metal canister is not in use.
- Do not use the plastic actuator with a canister of medicine from any other inhaler.
- Do not use a Flovent HFA metal canister with an actuator from any other inhaler.
Before using your Flovent HFA inhaler
- The inhaler should be at room temperature before you use it.
- If a child needs help using the inhaler, an adult should help the child use the inhaler with or without a valved holding chamber, which may also be attached to a mask. The adult should follow the instructions that came with the valved holding chamber. An adult should watch a child use the inhaler to be sure it is used correctly.
Priming your Flovent HFA inhaler
Before you use Flovent HFA for the first time, you must prime the inhaler so that you will get the right amount of medicine when you use it.
- To take the cap off the mouthpiece, squeeze the sides of the cap and pull it straight out. See Figure B.
Figure B
- Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds.
- Spray the inhaler 1 time into the air away from your face. Avoid spraying in eyes. See Figure C.
Figure C
- Shake and spray the inhaler like this 3 more times to finish priming it. The counter should now read 120. See Figure D.
Figure D
- You must prime your inhaler again if you have not used it in more than 7 days or if you have dropped it. To take the cap off the mouthpiece, squeeze the sides of the cap and pull it straight out. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds. Then spray it 1 time into the air away from your face.
How to use your Flovent HFA inhaler
Follow these steps every time you use Flovent HFA.
Step 1. Make sure the metal canister fits firmly in the plastic actuator. The counter should show through the window in the plastic actuator.
- To take the cap off the mouthpiece, squeeze the sides of the cap and pull it straight out.
- Look inside the mouthpiece for foreign objects and take out any you see.
Step 2. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down and shake it well for 5 seconds . See Figure E.
Figure E
Step 3. Breathe out through your mouth and push as much air from your lungs as you can. See Figure F.
Figure F
Step 4. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Push the top of the metal canister firmly all the way down while you breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth. See Figure G.
Figure G
Step 5. After the spray comes out, take your finger off the metal canister. After you have breathed in all the way, take the inhaler out of your mouth and close your mouth.
Step 6. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable. Breathe out slowly as long as you can.
Wait about 30 seconds and shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds. Repeat Step 2 through Step 6.
Step 7. Rinse your mouth with water after breathing in the medicine. Spit out the water. Do not swallow it. See Figure H.
Figure H
Step 8. Put the cap back on the mouthpiece after you finish using the inhaler. Make sure it snaps firmly into place.
Cleaning your Flovent HFA inhaler
Clean your inhaler at least 1 time each week after your evening dose. You may not see any medicine build-up on the inhaler, but it is important to keep it clean so medicine build-up will not block the spray. See Figure I.
Figure I
Step 9. Take the cap off the mouthpiece by squeezing the sides of the cap and pulling it straight out. Do not take the metal canister out of the plastic actuator.
Step 10. Use a clean cotton swab dampened with water to clean the small circular opening where the medicine sprays out of the metal canister. Gently twist the swab in a circular motion to take off any medicine. See Figure J. Repeat with a new swab dampened with water to take off any medicine still at the opening.
Figure J
Step 11. Wipe the inside of the mouthpiece with a clean tissue dampened with water. Let the plastic actuator air-dry overnight.
Step 12. Put the cap back on the mouthpiece after the plastic actuator has dried.
Replacing your Flovent HFA inhaler
- When the counter reads 020, you should refill your prescription or ask your healthcare provider if you need another prescription for Flovent HFA.
- When the counter reads 000, throw the inhaler away. You should not keep using the inhaler when the counter reads 000 because you may not receive the right amount of medicine.
- Do not use the inhaler after the expiration date, which is on the packaging it comes in.
For correct use of your Flovent HFA inhaler, remember:
- The metal canister should always fit firmly in the plastic actuator.
- Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each spray.
- Breathe in deeply and slowly to make sure you get all the medicine.
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds after breathing in the medicine. Then breathe out fully.
- After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the water.
- Do not take the inhaler apart.
- Always keep the protective cap on the mouthpiece when your inhaler is not in use.
- Always store your inhaler with the mouthpiece pointing down.
- Clean your inhaler at least 1 time each week.
For more information about Flovent HFA or how to use your inhaler, call 1-888-825-5249.
Instructions for use revised 08/2021.
Source: National Library of Medicine. Last updated April 30, 2020.
FAQs
What are the rare side effects of Flovent? ›
Rare instances of glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts have been reported following the inhaled administration of corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate.
Is Flovent safe to use? ›While Flovent is considered safe with relatively few intolerable side effects, it can cause problems with long-term use. Some may relate to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, bone mineral loss, or adrenal dysfunction that can occur, albeit uncommonly, in Flovent users.
What happens if you suddenly stop taking Flovent? ›If you suddenly stop taking the drug, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using fluticasone.
Does Flovent affect blood pressure? ›Fluticasone has a strong affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor. This means it is less likely to cause salt and water retention, and therefore less likely to cause high blood pressure, low potassium levels, or high sodium levels.
Does Flovent cause blood clots? ›Regular use doubles the risk. Starting inhaled corticosteroids (found in drugs such as Advair, Flovent, Pulmicort and Symbicort) roughly doubled the risk of blood clots.
What can I use instead of Flovent? ›- Symbicort.
- Singulair.
- Montelukast.
- ProAir HFA.
- Xolair.
- Ventolin HFA.
Fluticasone propionate (FP) is a potent inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for the treatment of asthma. It is currently marketed in both the United States (as Flovent) and Europe (as Flixotide).
Should I take Flovent every day? ›In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor. Gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth.
Should I take Flovent morning or night? ›With over 1200 subjects, the conclusion was once daily evening dosing resulted in mild improvements in lung function. Adverse events and use of rescue medicine was the same between morning and evening dosing times. The authors therefore recommend once daily evening administration.
When should I stop using Flovent? ›Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if symptoms get worse. If you use a peak flow meter at home, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal. You should not stop using Flovent suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
Can you drink water after Flovent? ›
Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking the medicine. You may rinse your mouth and spit out the water or brush your teeth after you swallow the medicine, but do not swallow the water.
How long does Flovent stay in your system? ›How long do they stay in your system? Most inhaled steroids have a beneficial effect for 12 hours.
What happens if you don't rinse after Flovent? ›It's important to rinse your mouth out after using a steroid inhaler, such as your preventer inhaler. This is so that any medicine that is stuck in your mouth or throat is cleaned away. This will prevent side effects such as oral thrush.
Can I use Flovent once a day? ›For inhalation dosage form (Flovent® Diskus® inhalation powder): Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 100 mcg two times a day (about 12 hours apart). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mcg two times per day.
Do inhalers affect the heart? ›Side effects of albuterol include nervousness or shakiness, headache, throat or nasal irritation, and muscle aches. More-serious — though less common — side effects include a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or feelings of fluttering or a pounding heart (palpitations).
Does Flovent raise eye pressure? ›Inhaled corticosteroids can lead to a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). Fluticasone propionate is a relatively new inhalational corticosteroid which has an excellent safety profile. Glaucoma is not reported with use of this corticosteroid.
Does Flovent raise blood sugar? ›Diabetes: Fluticasone may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.
What problems can steroid inhalers cause? ›- a sore mouth or throat.
- a hoarse or croaky voice.
- a cough.
- oral thrush – a fungal infection that causes white patches, redness and soreness in the mouth.
Like every drug, salbutamol can have some systemic effects other than its primary therapeutic effect. One known side effect of this drug is tachycardia.
Do steroid inhalers weaken your lungs? ›Those who take inhaled steroids for long-term management have an increased risk of developing pneumonia . Generally, inhaled steroids have very few side effects because the medicine goes directly into the lungs.
What medicine is equal to Flovent? ›
Similar to Flovent, the Advair HFA and Diskus inhalers can be used to treat asthma. Both of the Flovent inhalers and the Advair Diskus inhaler can be used by people ages 4 and up.
Is Flovent better than prednisone? ›In conclusion, high-dose inhaled fluticasone appears to have a faster and stronger effect in reducing airway inflammation than oral prednisone and to be at least as effective as prednisone in reducing plasma exudation, bronchial obstruction and symptoms in moderate exacerbations of asthma.
What is the new drug for asthma? ›A new asthma drug, Airsupra, combines the short-acting β 2-adrenergic agonist albuterol with the corticosteroid budesonide to treat acute asthma attacks. Patients should not stop their asthma maintenance therapy when albuterol–budesonide is prescribed.
Can I drink water after using an inhaler? ›If you are using a corticosteroid inhaler, gargle and rinse out your mouth with water after use. Do not swallow the water. Swallowing the water will increase the chance that the medicine will get into your bloodstream. This may make it more likely that you will have side effects.
How much Flovent is safe? ›The maximum recommended dosage for patients aged 12 years and older is 880 mcg twice daily. The recommended dosage for patients aged 4 to 11 years is 88 mcg twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
Can you take Tylenol with Flovent? ›No interactions were found between Flovent and Tylenol.
Do you brush your teeth before or after Flovent? ›Beta 2 agonists are bronchodilators delivered via inhaler or nebulizer that can reduce the flow of saliva. A solution to this is brushing your teeth immediately after using your inhaler. If brushing your teeth every time seems unrealistic, you could also do a quick mouth rinse with just water.
How long should you wait to eat or drink after using an inhaler? ›6) Tips if you are breathless at mealtimes
Clear airways one hour before eating. Take your inhaler before you eat. Eat while sitting up to ease the pressure on your lungs and help them expand more easily. Eat more slowly.
The usual dose for the fluticasone inhaler is 1 or 2 puffs, taken twice a day. It's important to use your fluticasone inhaler or nebuliser regularly to manage your symptoms. Use it regularly, even if you do not have any symptoms. After using your inhaler, always put the lid back on to keep it clean.
Can Flovent cause anxiety? ›Agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, and restlessness. Behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and irritability, have been reported very rarely and primarily in children.
Does Flovent prevent coughing? ›
In conclusion, anti-inflammatory treatment with the inhaled steroid fluticasone propionate reduces cough in otherwise healthy adults who do not smoke.
What are the side effects of taking fluticasone long term? ›Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. Talk to your doctor right away if you have darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.
What happens if you don t rinse after using a steroid inhaler? ›When you breathe in your steroid inhaler medication, a small amount of steroid can stick to your mouth and throat as it makes its way into your lungs to help you breathe. If this small amount of steroid is not rinsed out from the inside of your mouth or throat, it can cause a fungal infection known as thrush.
How quickly does Flovent work? ›Conclusion: In patients with asthma, the onset of significant benefit of FP on PEF, symptoms, and rescue albuterol use occurred within 1 day of the start of therapy. FEV1 improved within 1 week of the start of therapy (the first measurement after randomization).
Should you rinse your mouth after using an inhaler? ›It is very important to rinse out the mouth after using asthma inhalers that contain corticosteroids. Alvesco does contain corticosteroid. Rinsing will prevent irritation and inflammation in the mouth that can be caused by the corticosteroid. It will also help to prevent the development of thrush.
What do steroids do to your body? ›Steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation). This can help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema. Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against illness and infection.
Why is Flovent not covered by insurance? ›However, as a brand-name-only drug, some insurance companies may require prior authorization and Flovent is likely to be a high-tier drug, meaning that you'll pay a higher copay than other medications covered by your insurance plan.
How do you wean off inhaled steroids? ›Consider reducing in two steps of 25% rather than a single 50% reduction. For example, if the patient is taking two puffs twice a day, suggest they drop one of the evening puffs. If they remain stable after one month, drop the other evening dose so they would then be taking two puffs once a day.
What should you do after taking Flovent? ›Breathe in through your mouth quickly and deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Close the green cap after each inhalation. Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each inhalation.
When should I stop taking Flovent? ›Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if symptoms get worse. If you use a peak flow meter at home, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal. You should not stop using Flovent suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
What should you not do after using an inhaler? ›
Not rinsing your mouth after using a steroid inhaler
This is so that any medicine that is stuck in your mouth or throat is cleaned away. This will prevent side effects such as oral thrush.
Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking the medicine. You may rinse your mouth and spit out the water or brush your teeth after you swallow the medicine, but do not swallow the water.
How long does Flovent last in your system? ›How long do they stay in your system? Most inhaled steroids have a beneficial effect for 12 hours. The exceptions are Arnuity Ellipta, Asmanex, and Trelegy Ellipa, which last for 24 hours.
Is Flovent a steroid? ›Flovent HFA is a steroid that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children. This medicine is sometimes used together with steroid medicine taken by mouth. Flovent brands of fluticasone inhalation may be used in children as young as 4 years old.
Why does Flovent make me cough? ›There's a simple reason why some people have the side effects of hoarseness, cough, and sore throat from using an inhaler. It's because the inhaled steroid isn't fully inhaled. Instead, some of the medicine sits in the mouth and throat, causing irritation. Inhaled steroids aren't designed to go into your mouth.
Is Flovent inhaler better than prednisone? ›In conclusion, high-dose inhaled fluticasone appears to have a faster and stronger effect in reducing airway inflammation than oral prednisone and to be at least as effective as prednisone in reducing plasma exudation, bronchial obstruction and symptoms in moderate exacerbations of asthma.
What medications should be avoided with asthma? ›- Aspirin.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve® or Naprosyn®)
- Beta-blockers, which are usually used for heart conditions, high blood pressure and migraines.
You can use your inhaler before bed but keep it beside you if you have an attack. When you take your inhaler, sit up first so the medication can easily enter your throat and lungs. Wait a little bit before lying down and going back to sleep to ensure the medicine is working.
What happens if you don't rinse mouth after inhaler? ›Gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth.
Is it okay to take my inhaler before bed? ›Yes, you can use your inhaler before you go to bed to help control asthma at night. You should also keep it near your bed in case you have an asthma attack during the night. If that occurs, sit up before using your inhaler, as that helps the medication get into your throat and lungs more easily.