"HFA" stands for hydrofluoroalkane, which is the propellant used in Flovent HFA inhalers. Because this inhaler uses hydrofluoroalkane, it is environmentally friendly. This has replaced the old Flovent ® inhaler, which contained substances that may deplete the ozone layer. The Flovent Diskus is a dry powder inhaler device.
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 this medication 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 it. In these studies, people already taking oral steroids for asthma were able to decrease or eliminate their oral steroid when they began taking Flovent. However, this medication is not an asthma cure.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Flovent HFA include the following:
- The medication comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI"). Flovent HFA is taken twice a day, every day. It is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat them.
- You should "test spray" an inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for a long time. To test spray the inhaler, spray it into the air by pressing on the top of the canister.
- Shake your asthma inhaler gently before each use. Wait at least one minute in between inhalations. Rinse out your mouth (without swallowing) after each dose, in order to prevent thrush.
- 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. It is important to learn exactly how to use your inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
- 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 and 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 HFA to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
How to Use the Flovent Diskus
Some general considerations for when and how to use the Flovent Diskus include the following:
- The Flovent Diskus is used twice daily, with about 12 hours between doses.
- The Flovent Diskus is used differently than older inhalers. It contains small foil pockets which contain the powder. These pockets are punctured (by sliding the lever until it clicks), and the powder is inhaled using your own breath.
- Rinse out your mouth (without swallowing) after each dose, in order to prevent thrush.
- Be sure to keep the Flovent Diskus horizontal while using (otherwise the powder can spill out). Never exhale into the inhaler, as this will also disrupt the powder.
- It is important to learn exactly how to use your Flovent Diskus. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
- Some people may not taste or feel the fine powder. Most of the taste is due to propellants (which are not used in the Flovent Diskus).
- Flovent Diskus should be used at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For this medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Flovent. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If 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 include but are not limited to:
(Click Flovent Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Flovent?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug 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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
In previous studies, high doses of Flovent did not cause serious problems. However, if you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Flovent Be Stored?
Flovent should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
The Flovent Diskus must be discarded six weeks after you remove it from the protective foil pouch.
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 a double dose.
Flovent inhalers are available in the following strengths:
Is There a Generic Version of Flovent?
Currently, no generic versions of Flovent are licensed for sale (see Generic Flovent for more information).
|
|
