Flovent Diskus

Question 1

How to use this information

Answer

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your medical provider. If you have any questions, go to your patient dashboard and request a callback for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Question 2

Medication Name

Answer

FLUTICASONE DISK INHALER - ORAL INHALATION\ (floo-TIK-a-sone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flovent Rotadisk

Question 3

What you should know about Fluticasone Disk Inhaler

Answer

Fluticasone is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. 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.
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.

Question 4

Other uses for Fluticasone Disk Inhaler

Answer

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 medical provider. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your medical provider.
Fluticasone may also be used with other medications to control symptoms of ongoing lung disease (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or COPD). It may also be used for a certain esophagus problem (eosinophilic esophagitis).

Question 5

How to take Fluticasone Disk Inhaler

Answer

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this product before you start using Fluticasone and each time you get a refill. Read the patient instructions on how to use this inhaler properly. If you have any questions, go to your patient dashboard and request a callback from your medical provider or ask your pharmacist.
Hold this device in a level, flat position. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your medical provider, usually twice a day (in the morning and evening). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
It is important to inhale each dose deeply to get the right amount of drug into your lungs. You may or may not taste/feel the drug when you inhale. Either is normal. Do not breathe out (exhale) into the inhaler device.
If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 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 and rinse your mouth with water, then spit it out after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.
Do not take the inhaler apart or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Close the device after each use.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often or stop using it without first consulting your medical provider.
If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid by mouth (such as Prednisone), you should not stop taking it unless directed by your medical provider. Some conditions (such as asthma or 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 or dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your medical provider may slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using Fluticasone. Tell your medical provider or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. See also “Precautions to be aware of” section.
It may take up to 2 weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Request a callback from your medical provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
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 medical provider 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.

Question 6

Potential side effects

Answer

Hoarseness, throat irritation or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider or tell your pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Request a callback from your medical provider right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- White patches in your mouth/on your tongue
- Signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills or cough)
- Vision problems
- Increased thirst or urination
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings or agitation)
- Bone pain
Rarely, this medication may cause sudden severe wheezing/trouble breathing immediately after you use it. If this occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help right away.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Sudden trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Question 7

Precautions to be aware of

Answer

Before using Fluticasone, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as lactose or milk proteins), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- Current/past infections (such as tuberculosis or herpes)
- Certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma or herpes infection of the eye)
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
- Liver disease
- Decreased adrenal gland function
This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles or flu). Request a callback from your medical provider if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as Prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used a corticosteroid taken by mouth within the past 12 months. Request a callback from your medical provider right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid medications.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
This medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. However, poorly controlled asthma can also slow down growth. See your child’s pediatrician regularly so your child's height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your OB/GYN.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your OB/GYN or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.

Question 8

Drug interactions

Answer

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of Fluticasone from your body, which may affect how Fluticasone works. Examples include some azole antifungals (such as Ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (such as Lopinavir) and Ritonavir, among others.

Question 9

What to do in the event of an overdose

Answer

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Question 10

Additional notes

Answer

Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as lung function, eye exams, bone density tests and cortisol levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.
Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily and promptly report signs of worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow/red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).
Avoid allergens/irritants such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust or molds that may worsen asthma.
Because the flu virus can also worsen breathing problems, ask your medical provider or pharmacist if you should have a flu shot every year.
In adults, this medication can increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Talk with your medical provider about your risk and about available treatments for osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of bone loss include doing weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol. To help prevent osteoporosis later in life, encourage children to exercise and eat a healthy diet (including calcium).

Question 11

What to do if you miss a dose

Answer

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Question 12

How to store this medication

Answer

Store the US product at room temperature. Store the Canadian product between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C). Do not freeze.
Store the medication in a dry place away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom. Discard this product according to the package instructions. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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