Flixotide (Fluticasone) Accuhaler 50mcg

Flixotide general information

What is Flixotide used for?

Flixotide accuhaler (also known as Flovent Diskus) is an inhaled asthma medication used to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to prevent but not treat asthma attack, to improve lung function. Flixotide accuhaler is known as a “preventer” asthma medication and is used regularly as part of a long-term asthma management plan, which may also include a “reliever” or “rescue” medication, for use when needed. Flixotide accuhaler blocks the inflammatory process, which causes swelling in the airways of the lungs, and reduces symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

How does Flixotide work?

Flixotide accuhaler (also known as Flovent Diskus) contains fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air. Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways). Flixotide accuhaler works directly on the airway walls to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. It does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack and needs a “reliever” medication to open the airways.

What does Flixotide contain?

Flixotide accuhaler contains a foil strip with 60 blisters (or pockets) which contain the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory, used as an asthma prevention medication, as a dry inhalation powder. It also contains lactose (which contains milk protein). Each blister delivers 50mcg/acutation into your lungs when you inhale and one accuhaler contains at least 60 actuations.

What Flixotide inhalers are available?

Flixotide Inhaler: Delivers your medication as an aerosol and contains 120 doses. There are 3 doses of Flixotide Inhaler available:

• 50 mcg/actuation (inhalation)
• 125 mcg/actuation (inhalation)
• 250 mcg/actuation (inhalation)

Flixotide Accuhaler: Delivers your medication as a dry powder and contains 60 doses. There are 3 doses of Flixotide Accuhaler available:

• 50 mcg/actuation (inhalation)
• 100 mcg/actuation (inhalation)
• 250 mcg/actuation (inhalation)

Treating asthma with Flixotide

Flixotide accuhaler contains fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air. Flixotide accuhaler is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function. Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways). You should not use Flixotide accuhaler as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication for bronchospasm or if you are having an asthma attack, for this you need a fast acting bronchodilator.

Should you use Flixotide with other asthma accuhalers?

Flixotide accuhaler is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function. Your asthma management plan may also include a long-acting bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways). Both are intended to be taken together, only if recommended by your doctor. You may also be prescribed a short-acting bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm during an asthma attack, to be used as needed.

What are the side effects of Flixotide?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Flixotide accuhaler include a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).

When should Flixotide not be used?

You should not use Flixotide if you:

• are allergic to fluticasone or any of the ingredients in Flixotide accuhaler
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the fluticasone in Flixotide accuhaler may increase your glucose levels
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• are taking other medications that may interact with Flixotide accuhaler, like ritonavir for HIV infection, and the antifungal drug ketoconazole.

What are the health risks of Flixotide?

Long term use of Flixotide accuhaler may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently. This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring. Flixotide accuhaler may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

All inhaled asthma medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve or prevent bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. If this happens you should inform your doctor and take their advice.

How should Flixotide be taken?

The dose of Flixotide accuhaler you use (number of inhalations) and how often take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor. You will usually take one inhalation twice a day, morning and evening. Flixotide accuhaler does not work immediately, but is intended as a long-term medication which may take up to a week to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit. You should not stop taking your Flixotide accuhaler, even if you feel better.

How to use your Flixotide inhaler

Follow the instruction provided with your Flixotide accuhaler:

1. Push open the outer case with your thumb and slide the lever until it clicks to release a dose of fluticasone.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth and inhale through your mouth.
3. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe normally. Never breathe into your Accuhaler and only slide the lever when you are ready to take a dose. The dose counter will indicate how many doses you have left in you accuhaler.
4. Close the outer case.
5. Rinse your mouth after use.

How many puffs to take from your Flixotide accuhaler?

How many inhalations you take from your Flixotide accuhaler and how often depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor. You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening.

How long should you take Flixotide?

You should use for Flixotide accuhaler continually for as long as recommended by your doctor. You should not stop taking your Flixotide accuhaler, even if you feel better.

Missed dose of Flixotide

If you miss a dose of Flixotide accuhaler take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Flixotide be stored?

Your Flixotide Accuhaler should be stored below 30°C, and keep away from direct sunlight. Keep it closed when not in use