Table of Contents

I. What is Flovent Used For?

II. Milk Allergies

III. Adrenal Insufficiency

IV. Cataracts

V. Glaucoma

VI. Bone Mineral Loss

VII. FAQ: What Should I Discuss With My Doctor Before Starting Flovent?

Flovent can help keep asthma symptoms under control, but there are a few things to understand before adding it to your daily routine. Unlike a rescue inhaler, Flovent works gradually by reducing inflammation in the lungs and must be used regularly to provide its full benefit. [1]

Your allergies, eye health, bone health, and previous steroid use may also affect how your doctor approaches treatment. Read on to learn what to know before taking Flovent and what you should discuss with your doctor.

What is Flovent Used For?

Flovent contains fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid that works locally in the lungs and helps decrease inflammation. By reducing inflammation, Flovent can help control asthma symptoms and make breathing easier over time. Flovent is available in an aerosol form, known as Flovent HFA, and a powder form, known as Flovent Diskus. [1] [2]

Flovent is not an emergency inhaler and should not be used during an asthma attack. It is a long-term maintenance inhaler that should be taken regularly as prescribed. The amount of time it takes to work can vary, and the full benefits may not develop for one to two weeks or longer. [1] [2] For a closer look at how Flovent works, read our article, “How Does Flovent Work?” 

Asthma occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, making it harder for air to flow out when you breathe. [3] During an asthma attack, swelling and tightening can narrow the airways even further and cause symptoms to become much worse. [4]

Symptoms of asthma can include:

• Wheezing 
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness [5]

COPD is a chronic lung disorder that restricts airflow and becomes worse over time. It includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which can make everyday activities more difficult. [6] COPD treatment may include short-acting or long-acting bronchodilators, steroid inhalers, or a combination of medications, depending on your symptoms and lung function. [7]

Symptoms of COPD can include:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble taking deep breaths
• Excess phlegm or mucus [6]

Milk Allergies

Before starting Flovent Diskus, it is vital to tell your doctor if you have a milk protein allergy. Flovent Diskus contains lactose monohydrate, an inactive ingredient that contains milk proteins. People with a severe milk protein allergy should not use Flovent Diskus. [2]

Anaphylactic reactions have been reported in people with severe milk protein allergies after using inhaled powder products that contain lactose. This warning applies specifically to Flovent Diskus. Flovent HFA does not contain lactose. [2]

Adrenal Insufficiency

As described above, Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid. In some people, Flovent may cause adrenal suppression, especially when it is used at high doses or when someone is particularly sensitive to corticosteroids. To lower this risk, you should not take more than the prescribed dose, and your doctor should adjust your treatment to the lowest dose that effectively controls your asthma. [1]

Adrenal insufficiency may also occur when someone switches from an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, to Flovent. It can take several months for adrenal function to recover after systemic corticosteroids are stopped. During this time, trauma, surgery, fever, or infection may increase symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. These symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. [1]

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This clouding prevents light from passing through the lens properly and can make your vision blurry or dull. Cataracts usually develop slowly, so you may not notice vision changes during the early stages. More than half of Americans have had a cataract or cataract surgery by the age of 80. [8]

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent may increase the risk of cataracts. [1] Tell your doctor if you experience cloudy or blurry vision, glare or halos around lights, poor night vision, double vision, or changes in how you see colors. [8] Your doctor may recommend an eye examination if you develop eye symptoms or use Flovent for a long time. [1]

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It usually occurs when fluid does not drain properly from the front of the eye. As the fluid builds up, pressure inside the eye increases and may damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma often develops without obvious symptoms during its early stages, so regular eye examinations are important. [9]

Some people have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, including those who have high eye pressure, a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, a previous eye injury, or long-term steroid use. The risk also increases after the age of 40. Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or other risk factors before starting Flovent. [9]

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent may increase the risk of glaucoma. If you develop changes in your vision or use Flovent for a long time, your doctor may recommend that you visit an ophthalmologist. [1]

Bone Mineral Loss

Bone loss occurs when your body breaks down more old bone than it replaces. This lowers your bone density, which is the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones. As your bones become less dense, they can become weaker and more likely to break. In some cases, low bone density can lead to osteoporosis. Bone density naturally decreases with age, but family history, smoking, long-term heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity, and certain medications can also increase your risk. [10]

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent has been linked to decreases in bone mineral density. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis, have broken a bone in the past, or have other risk factors for bone loss. Your doctor may check your bone density before and during treatment. [1] Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and getting regular physical activity can also help keep your bones strong. [10]

FAQ: What Should I Discuss With My Doctor Before Starting Flovent?

Before starting Flovent, tell your doctor about your allergies, medical conditions, and any medications or supplements you take. This information can help your doctor decide which form of Flovent is appropriate for you and whether you need additional monitoring during treatment.

Be sure to mention if you have a severe milk protein allergy. Flovent Diskus contains lactose monohydrate, which contains milk proteins and may cause a serious allergic reaction. Flovent HFA does not contain lactose. You should also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, or a history of bone fractures.

Before taking Flovent, ask your doctor about:

1. Whether Flovent HFA or Flovent Diskus is the better option for you.
2. What inhaler you should use for sudden asthma symptoms.
3. How long it may take before Flovent starts improving your breathing.
4. Whether your eyes or bone density need monitoring.
5. What symptoms should prompt you to call your doctor.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.