"HFA" stands for hydrofluoroalkane, which is the propellant used in Flovent HFA inhalers. Because Flovent HFA uses hydrofluoroalkane, it is an environmentally-friendly inhaler. Flovent HFA has replaced the old Flovent® inhaler, which contained substances that may deplete the ozone layer.
This article uses the names "Flovent" and "Flovent HFA" interchangeably to refer to Flovent HFA.
(Click Flovent Uses for more information on what Flovent is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
Flovent is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. But, if you have
asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating
(see Asthma Triggers). When the airways react, a few things happen: the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and cells inside the airways produce more mucus. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe.
Flovent is an
asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids, or steroids for short. Inhaled steroids go directly into the lungs and help to decrease the inflammation of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Because Flovent does not work quickly, it should not be used for treating an asthma attack. Rather, it is used twice a day in order to prevent asthma attacks.
Because Flovent is inhaled directly into the lungs, the rest of the body is exposed to lower steroid levels, compared to steroids taken by mouth. This helps reduce or eliminate many of the side effects associated with long-term steroid use.
(Click Asthma Treatment for information about other medicines used for treating asthma.)
In clinical studies, people taking Flovent had improvements in breathing and
asthma symptoms, compared to those not taking Flovent. In these studies, people already taking oral steroids for
asthma were able to decrease or eliminate their oral steroid when they began taking Flovent.
Flovent is not an asthma cure.
When and How to Take Flovent
Some general considerations for when and how to take Flovent include the following:
- Flovent comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI").
- Flovent is taken twice a day every day. It is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat them.
- You should "test spray" a Flovent inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for a long period of time. To test spray the inhaler, spray it into the air by pressing on the top of the canister.
- Shake your Flovent asthma inhaler gently before each use.
- Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
- It is important to learn exactly how to use your Flovent inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
- The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
- Most people put the mouthpiece of the inhaler directly into their mouths. However, many healthcare professionals now recommend placing the inhaler an inch or two away from the mouth. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way for you to use the inhaler.
- Each inhaler contains 120 sprays. Each Flovent inhaler has a built-in dose counter that keeps track of how many inhalations have been dispensed. It starts at "120" and counts down to "000," at which point it should no longer be used.
- For Flovent to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Flovent will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Flovent your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The severity of your asthma
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your Flovent dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Flovent. However, not everyone who takes Flovent will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Flovent well. When Flovent side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Flovent include, but are not limited to:
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold
- Headaches
- Throat irritation
- Sinus infections.
(Click Flovent Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Flovent, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Flovent
Flovent can potentially interact with several other medicines.
Flovent: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Flovent if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
In previous studies, high doses of Flovent did not cause serious problems. However, if you happen to overdose on Flovent, seek medical attention immediately.
Flovent should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Keep Flovent and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Flovent: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Flovent as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take double the dose of Flovent.
Flovent inhalers are available in three strengths:
- Flovent HFA 44 mcg inhaler -- containing 120 inhalations, with 44 mcg per inhalation
- Flovent HFA 110 mcg inhaler -- containing 120 inhalations, with 110 mcg per inhalation
- Flovent HFA 220 mcg inhaler -- containing 120 inhalations, with 220 mcg per inhalation.
Is There a Generic Version of Flovent?
Currently, there is no generic Flovent licensed for sale.
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