Drug
Fluticasone
Pronounced
"floo-TIK-a-sone"
Uses
Fluticasone is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier.
This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to control symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It may also be used for a certain esophagus problem (eosinophilic esophagitis).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the product directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Make sure the cap is closed before you start using your inhaler. Hold the inhaler upright and open the cap until it "clicks." Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening, 12 hours apart). Inhale each dose deeply to get the drug into your lungs. You may or may not taste/feel the drug when you inhale. Either is normal. Do not breathe out into the device. Close the cap firmly after each use.
Do not take the inhaler apart or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Do not open the cap unless you are ready for your next dose.
If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least one minute between the use of each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle, rinse your mouth with water and spit out after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this drug more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.
If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop taking it unless directed by your doctor. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. 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. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. See also Precautions section.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.