Flohale (Fluticasone Propionate 2mg/2ml) Respules

Flohale general information

What is Flohale used for?

Flohale respules 2mg/2ml are an inhaled medication used for treatment and prophylactic management of severe asthma, which is when a high dose of inhaled or oral corticosteroid therapy is needed, in adults and adolescents over 16 years of age; also for treatment of mild to moderate acute exacerbations of asthma in children and adolescents from 4 to 16 years of age.  Flohale respules 2mg/2ml are a “preventer” asthma medication and although it may be used in conjunction with a “reliever” or “rescue” medication such as a bronchodilator, Flohale respules help reduce the need for other rescue medication by improving symptomatic control of asthma and may also reduce the risk of a progressive decline in lung function.  Flohale respules 2mg/2ml controls underlying inflammation of the airways and reduces sensitivity to allergens or irritants in the air, improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma, including, wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. 

How does Flohale work?

Flohale respules 2mg/2ml contain 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).  Flohale respules 2mg/2ml 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 Flohale contain?

Flohale respules 2mg/2ml contain active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication used to treat severe asthma to relieve symptoms.  

Treating asthma with Flohale

Flohale respules 2mg/2ml contain fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat asthma.  Flohale respules 2mg/2ml are used for prophylactic management of severe asthma, which is needing a high dose of inhaled or oral corticosteroid therapy, in adults and adolescents over 16 years of age; also for treatment of mild to moderate acute exacerbations of asthma in children and adolescents from 4 to 16 years of age.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways).  Flohale respules 2mg/2ml works directly on the airway walls to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air.  This action of fluticasone in Flohale respules 2mg/2ml helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. 

Should you use Flohale with other asthma inhalers?

Flohale respules 2mg/2ml 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).  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 Flohale?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Flohale include pharyngitis, nasal congestion, sinusitis, rhinitis, a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness (dysphonia) or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).

What are the health risks of Flohale?

Flohale respules 2mg/2ml 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.  Flohale respules 2mg/2ml 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 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.

When should Flohale not be used?

You should not use Flohale respules 2mg/2ml if you:

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

How should Flohale be taken?

You should inhale your Flohale respules 2mg/2ml as an aerosol produced by a jet nebuliser and using a mouthpiece.  An ultrasonic nebuliser is not recommended.  You should inhale your respules 2mg/2ml twice daily and the dose you take should be as recommended by your doctor and may be adjusted.  You should feel an effect within 4 to 7 days after starting treatment and you should continue to take your respules 2mg/2ml for as long as recommended by your doctor as it is intended for long term daily use.

How long should you take Flohale?

You should continue to take your respules 2mg/2ml for as long as recommended by your doctor as it is intended for long term daily use.

Missed dose of Flohale

If you miss a dose of Flohale respules 2mg/2ml 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 Flohale be stored?

You should store your Flohale respules 2mg/2ml below 25°C in a cool dry place.