"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.)
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