Fluticasone Propionate Pressurized inhalatio... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Fluticasone Propionate Pressurized inhalation, suspension

Brand name(s):

Flovent, Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA, Flovent Rotadisk

What is this medicine?

FLUTICASONE (floo TIK a sone) inhalation is a corticosteroid. It helps decrease inflammation in your lungs. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of asthma. Never use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• infection, like tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection
• recent surgery or injury of mouth or throat
• taking corticosteroids by mouth
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, like albuterol, use that inhaler first. Wait 5 minutes or more before using this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• ketoconazole
• ritonavir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away.

Try not to come in contact with people who have chickenpox or the measles while you are taking this medicine. If you do, call your doctor right away.