Flovent and Weight Gain

There are a number of possible side effects of Flovent, and weight gain may or may not be one of them. Although weight gain was not reported as a side effect of Flovent in clinical studies of the drug, there have been some reports of weight gain in people using Flovent in the time since the drug was put on the market. If you are using Flovent and weight gain occurs, notify your healthcare provider.

 

Does Flovent Cause Weight Gain?

There are a number of possible side effects with Flovent® HFA (fluticasone HFA). Weight gain may or may not be one of them.
 
This article will use the names "Flovent" and "Flovent HFA" interchangeably to refer to Flovent HFA.
 
In previous clinical trials, weight gain was not reported as a possible side effect of Flovent HFA. However, in the time since the inhaler was put on the market, there have been some reports of weight gain in people taking Flovent HFA. Given how common weight gain is within the general population, it is difficult to tell whether weight gain is caused by Flovent, other factors, or a combination of both.
 

Understanding Flovent and Weight Gain

Clinical trials are designed to factor out many possible variables in order to understand whether the medicine works and what its possible side effects are. During a study, some people are given the actual medication, while others are given a placebo (which looks like the actual medication but does not contain any of the active ingredients).
 
After a medication is approved and marketed, healthcare providers and patients can report suspected side effects of a medication. Because such reporting is voluntary, it is difficult to estimate how frequently the potential side effect occurs (or if it really is a side effect). This is the case with Flovent HFA and weight gain.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;