What is Flovent Diskus?

Flovnt Diskus also known as Fluticasone is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Hold this device in a level, flat position. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (in the morning and evening). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• It is important to inhale each dose deeply to get the right amount of drug into your lungs. You may or may not taste/feel the drug when you inhale. Either is normal. Do not breathe out (exhale) into the inhaler device.
• If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last.
• Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use to help prevent irritation and fungal/yeast infections (thrush) in the mouth and throat. Do not swallow the rinse water.
• Do not take the inhaler apart or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Close the device after each use.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.
• If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop taking it unless directed by your doctor. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop taking the drug, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using fluticasone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. See also Precautions section.
• It may take up to 2 weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
• Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes), certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), bone loss (osteoporosis), liver disease.
• If you are breast feeding.

Also be aware that:

• This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
• If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used a corticosteroid taken by mouth within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid medications.
• This medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. However, poorly controlled asthma can also slow down growth. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Hoarseness, throat irritation, or headaches.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• White patches in your mouth/on your tongue, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat), vision problems, increased thirst/urination, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation), bone pain.
• Sudden severe wheezing/trouble breathing immediately after you use it. If this occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help right away.
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while using Flovent Diskus?

A: Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.