What is Fluticasone inhalation?
Inhalation is an asthma steroid used by adults and children to avoid attacks. Inhaling fluticasone is often used in conjunction with oral steroid medication. Fluticasone brands, such as Flovent, can be administered to children starting at age 4. ArmonAir and Arnuity Ellipta are not recommended for children under 12 years of age. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Fluticasone.
Side effects of Fluticasone inhalation
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Inhaling fluticasone can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Feeling weak, fatigued, or nauseated
- Fluticasone inhalation can cause wheezing or breathing difficulties.
- Blurred vision, pain in the eyes, or seeing halos around lights
- Asthma symptoms are getting worse.
- Weight loss; skin rash and numbness
- Liver problems: upper stomach pains, lack of appetite, black urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice
Fluticasone may affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking this medication, tell your doctor.
Fluticasone side effects may include:
- Symptoms of a cold, including sneezing and a stuffy nose. Symptoms such as a sore throat or sinus pain.
- Low fever with coughing and chest tightness
- Hoarseness, or a deepened voice
- White patches or sores on the lips or inside of your mouth;
- Headache;
- Nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice about side effects, always contact your physician first. You may also report these side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Inhaling fluticasone is not an asthma rescue medication. Consult a doctor if breathing issues worsen quickly or you feel your asthma medicines are not doing their job. If you have an allergy to milk protein, do not use inhalation powder.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to fluticasone, then it is best not to use the inhalation. If you have an allergy to milk proteins, do not use inhalation powders (ArmonAir RespiClick, ArnuityEllipta, and Flovent Diskus). Fluticasone should not be used to treat asthma attacks that have already started.
If you've ever:
- Any infection - be it bacterial, viral, or fungal;
- Glaucoma and cataracts are both eye diseases.
- An infection that is caused by parasites such as hookworms, leishmaniasis (malaria), toxoplasmosis, and others
- Tuberculosis;
- Herpes in the eye
- Liver Disease
- Low bone mineral density;
- A weak immune system.
If you use steroids for a long time, you may experience bone loss. This is especially true if your family has a history of osteoporosis, you are sedentary, you don't exercise enough, you eat too little calcium or vitamin D, and you smoke. Speak to your doctor about the risk. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant. Fluticasone isn't known to harm a baby. Untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can cause serious complications, such as premature birth or low birth weight. Treatment of asthma can be beneficial to both mother and baby. Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about the risks. Children should only take this medicine with prior consent from a healthcare provider.
How to take Fluticasone inhalation?
Please read and heed all instructions included with your medication, such as user guides.Follow the directions on your prescription label. Use the medication only as prescribed. Inhalation Fluticasone is not an asthma attack-rescue medication. Only use fast-acting medicine during an attack. If your breathing problem gets worse or you suspect that your asthma medication is not working, seek medical help. The liquid version of fluticasone is used in an inhaler. The device produces a spray, which you can inhale into your lungs through your mouth. ArmonAir and Arnuity are fluticasone powders that are preloaded in a device with blisters containing fluticasone-measured doses. Each time the device is used, it opens a fluticasone blister. Please read and heed all instructions that accompany your medication, if unsure seek advice from either your pharmacist or doctor. If unsure, speak directly with them for clarification.Never let a child under the age of 12 use this medication without adult supervision.
Rinse your mouth after taking this medication with water. Do not swallow. Be sure to maintain good dental hygiene. Fluticasone may cause tooth decay or discoloration. You may need to adjust your dose if you are having surgery, ill, under stress, or have recently experienced an asthma attack. You should not stop taking fluticasone or change the dose of your medication without consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking fluticasone, your asthma may worsen. You may have to reduce your dose of steroid medication gradually. You should follow your doctor's advice. Wear or carry a medical ID to alert others that you might need oral steroids in an emergency. You will be required to have your doctor check on you regularly. You may need your vision checked regularly. If your symptoms don't improve or worsen after two weeks of treatment, call your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you notice that your peak flow meters are not working as they should. Keep away from extremes of heat, cold, moisture, and light.
ArmonAir should be stored in the foil pouch. Use the medication immediately after it is opened. The empty foil pouch should be thrown away in an area where children or pets can't reach it. Keep it in a cool, dry area. When not in use, store the powders in their foil pouches or trays. When the counter for inhalations on your device reads "0", throw away all unused medication. Refill your prescription before you completely run out. The mouthpiece should be facing down when storing the HFA canister. Avoid storing the canister near open flames or heat sources, like in your car during a warm day. If the canister gets too warm, it may explode. You should not burn or puncture an empty inhaler.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the dose you missed. Use your next dose as usual. Use only one dose at a time. Use no more than one inhalation a day if you are using Arnuity Ellipta.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. A fluticasone overdose is unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms. Inhaled steroids can cause glaucoma and cataracts. They may also lead to increased facial hair or acne.
What should be avoided?
Stay away from people with infections or illnesses. If you have been exposed to measles or chickenpox, call your doctor immediately for treatment. The conditions are serious and can even be fatal for people taking steroid medication.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking.
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Anti-biotic
- Antifungal medicine;
- Antiviral medication to treat hiv and aids
- Steroids are a type of medicine.
The list below is not exhaustive. Fluticasone may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamins. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
