Flovent HFA

Brand Name:Cutivate, Flonase, Flovent Diskus

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs called “corticosteroids” and is used most commonly for medical conditions of the nose and lungs that involve inflammation.

This medication is available in many different forms:

  • When used inside of an inhaler, fluticasone is used to prevent wheezing and breathing difficulties caused by asthma and other lung diseases.
  • As a nasal spray, it is used to prevent and decrease, sneezing, congestion, irritation (itchy, runny) and swelling in the nose caused by allergic rhinitis.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to it or if you have had certain respiratory infections. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • previous nasal surgery
  • nosebleeds or ulcers of the nose
  • sinus or any other infection
  • glaucoma or cataracts
  • herpes eye infection or shingles (herpes zoster infection)
  • tuberculosis or any bacterial or fungal respiratory infection

What about possible side effects?

The side effects to this type of corticosteroid is usually limited to the site where the medication is being applied (e.g. nose or mouth). However, with high doses and long-term use, other side effects are possible.

Nasal spray:

  • feeling of burning or dryness in the nose
  • headache

Oral inhalation:

  • headache
  • dry mouth, hoarseness, changes in taste
  • white patches in the throat, mouth, or nose
  • sore throat
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • coughing

Of note, with high doses and long-term use, other side effects typically seen with oral medications are possible. These include osteoporosis, a decrease in your body’s ability to produce its own cortisone hormone, vision problems such as glaucoma or cataracts and decreased growth rate in children

Sore throat or mouth and/or mouth infection is a common side effect of the inhaled form of this drug and can be relieved by gargling with water, rinsing after each dose and using a spacer device. Other than this and nasal irritation, the side effects listed are uncommon. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The possibility of drug interactions with this medication is lower since it is being applied directly to the nose or lungs. However, it is still possible for some of the medication to get inside the rest of the body. It is always a good idea to let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the medications that you are taking so that he/she can check for possible interactions.

In the case of fluticasone, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking Ritonavir or other similar medications for HIV infection or AIDS. These medications may increase the amount of fluticasone in the body and increase the chances of side effects.

Other information:

Onset of effect: It will take a few days for this medicine to begin relieving your symptoms and a few days to weeks to see the maximum response. If symptoms are still present after three weeks of regular use, tell your doctor.

Special Instructions:

  • You need to be careful when switching from an oral corticosteroid (e.g. prednisone) to one that is inhaled. Depending how much and how long you have been taking the oral medication, it may need to be decreased slowly over time to prevent you from having any side effects of withdrawal. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience confusion, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, vomiting or weakness. Extra doses of oral steroids may be required if you have an infection or undergo surgery.
  • If you need to take this medication for a long period of time, you may be at risk for osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking calcium (1000mg-1500mg/day) and vitamin D (400-800 IU/day). As well, your doctor may prescribe a different medication to prevent this side effect from happening.
  • This medication does not work immediately to stop an asthma attack or symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It must be taken on a daily basis to decrease or prevent the symptoms from occurring.

Lab and Other Tests: Your doctor may send you for periodic bone mineral.

Children: The lowest dose that works should be used to decrease the chances for long term side effects.

Seniors: No known problems.

Pregnancy: Although very little is known or has been studied in pregnant women, the risk of not treating asthma in a pregnant women is greater than the possible effects of the medication on the baby.

Women who are nursing: Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage over time, talk to your doctor.

Stopping the drug: If you stop taking this drug, underlying symptoms may recur. This could be serious if you are taking this medication for asthma since an asthma attack can be life threatening. In some cases, your doctor may want to wean you off the drug gradually.

If you miss a dose: Take your scheduled dose as soon as you remember. If you are unsure of what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Dietary Precautions: None