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Flovent Consumer Information

FLOVENT

Generic Name: fluticasone inhalation (flew TIH cah sewn)

Brand Names: Flovent, Flovent Rotadisk

What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone inhalation?

• Fluticasone inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks.
• Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several weeks before you see the effects of fluticasone. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• It is very important that you use your fluticasone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into the lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.
• Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What is fluticasone inhalation?

• Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
• Fluticasone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks.
• Fluticasone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone inhalation?

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a serious viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The absorption of this drug into the system can inhibit the body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use fluticasone inhalation if you have an infection.
• Fluticasone inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use fluticasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical attention.
• Fluticasone inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether fluticasone inhalation will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether fluticasone passes into breast milk. Do not use fluticasone inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use fluticasone inhalation?

• Use fluticasone inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with the inhaler. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), bitolterol (Tornalate), or another, use the bronchodilator first, then use the fluticasone inhaler. Using the medications in this order will allow more fluticasone to reach the lungs.
• Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. Hold the inhaler, mouthpiece down, 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or place the mouthpiece in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. If directed by your doctor, attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer mouthpiece in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.
• If you are using the ROTADISK, follow the instructions to load the DISKHALER with one ROTADISK foil pack. Uncap the mouthpiece and check to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean and free of foreign objects. Keeping the DISKHALER level, lift up the back of the lid as far as it will go until it is fully upright. This will pierce the top and bottom of the blister. Then close the lid. When you are ready to take a dose, breathe out fully and put the mouthpiece into your mouth, being sure to keep the inhaler level so that the medicine does not spill out. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, being sure not to cover the small holes on either side of it. Take in a steady, deep breath. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. Turn the disk to the next number and repeat this process if directed by your doctor to take more than one inhalation with each dose. Replace the cover on the mouthpiece after each dose.
• To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse the mouth with water without swallowing after using fluticasone inhalation.
• It is very important that you use the fluticasone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.
• Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several weeks before you see the effects of fluticasone. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Fluticasone will not stop an attack after it has started. It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat attacks.
• Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
• Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your doctor has prescribed. Fluticasone inhalation is not a substitute for an oral steroid.
• If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to fluticasone inhalation, carry or wear identification that will let others know that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral steroid.
• Rinse the inhaler in warm water as often as once a day to keep it clean and unclogged.
• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control left.

What should I avoid while using fluticasone inhalation?

• Avoid items or activities that you know are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate asthma or allergies.
• Avoid exposure to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. The immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while using fluticasone inhalation.