Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone Propionate)
Flovent Diskus
Fluticasone Propionate
Select product strength & quantity:
Select product strength & quantity:
Select product strength & quantity:

Prescription Required.

Product of Canada.

Shipped from Canada.

Prescription Required.Product of Canada.Shipped from Canada.

What is Flovent Diskus?

Flovent Diskus (fluticasone propionate) is a prescription corticosteroid that is inhaled into the lungs for the treatment of asthma.

How does Flovent Diskus Work?

Flovent Diskus is a dry powder corticosteroid that is breathed into the lungs using an inhaler. It settles into the lung tissue, suppressing the chronic inflammation caused by asthma.

What are the Indications for Flovent Diskus?

Flovent Diskus is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent asthma. It works to prevent and control shortness of breath and wheezing caused by asthma. It must be used regularly (for at least two weeks) before any effect is seen. Its slow onset of action means that it should not be used to treat acute asthma.

What is the Dose of Flovent Diskus?

In persons 12 years or older the dose of Flovent Diskus is 100 mcg taken twice a day. The dose may be increased every two weeks if there is an insufficient clinical response to the starting dose. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 1 000 mcg taken twice a day.

In children four to eleven years the starting dose is 50 mcg taken twice a day. The dose may be increased every two weeks if there is an insufficient clinical response to the starting dose. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 100 mcg taken twice a day.

Warnings & Precautions

Local effects on the mouth and throat

Flovent Diskus is a steroid that may cause the development of thrush (Candida Albicans) in the mouth and throat. Patients should rinse their mouths with water after inhaling their doses to prevent this from developing. Monitor patients regularly for the development of thrush.

Acute asthmatic deterioration

Flovent Diskus should not be used for the management of acute asthmatic deterioration. It has no intrinsic bronchodilatory effects and using it during an acute asthmatic deterioration will not help to relieve any symptoms.

Immunosuppression

Flovent Diskus is a corticosteroid that causes mild suppression of the immune system. This may worsen existing bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Patients with tuberculosis, herpes simplex, measles or chickenpox can be seriously affected.

Transferring from oral steroids to Flovent Diskus

Flovent Diskus delivers steroid directly to the lung. As a result, there is a lower steroid concentration in the rest of the body. When transferring from oral steroids to Flovent Diskus, there is a risk that the body will have insufficient levels of corticosteroid available, leading to a clinical picture of adrenal insufficiency.

Suppression of the adrenal system

Flovent Diskus results in lower levels of steroids in the rest of the body than when taking oral steroids. However, this lower dose may still be enough to suppress the body’s own production of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands. This may lead to adrenal insufficiency during periods of severe stress, where additional corticosteroid is needed, or when Flovent Diskus is suddenly stopped.

Bone mineral density reductions

Patients taking Flovent Diskus are at risk of having a reduction in their bone density due to the long-term effect of the inhaled steroid. This may increase the risk of developing bone fractures.

Inhibition of growth in children

Children who take Flovent Diskus are at risk of having a lower growth rate. The lowest dose that can control the patient’s asthma should be used. Children taking Flovent Diskus should have their growth monitored.

Glaucoma and Cataracts

The long-term use of inhaled steroids can cause an increase in eye pressure (glaucoma). It also increases the long-term risk of developing cataracts.

Eosinophilia and Churg-Strauss Syndrome

Rarely long term inhaled corticosteroids can cause an increase of eosinophils in the body that presents with clinical features consistent with a Churg-Strauss Syndrome vasculitis

Special Populations

Children

Flovent Diskus has not been tested extensively in persons under four years of age. As a result, its use is not recommended in this age group.

Pregnancy

Flovent Diskus has not been extensively studied in pregnant women. However, some studies have shown that its use does not increase the risk of birth abnormalities. Pregnant women with asthma taking Flovent Diskus should be monitored closely, and medication adjusted as required.

Breastfeeding

The safety of Flovent Diskus has not been tested in breastfeeding mothers. Its active ingredient (fluticasone propionate) is found in breastmilk. The risk to the infant should be weighed up against the benefit for the mother. This should be discussed with a doctor.

Contraindications

Flovent Diskus is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to milk proteins or fluticasone propionate

Side Effects

Common side effects of Flovent Diskus include:

  • Thrush in the mouth and throat (Candida albicans)
  • Sinusitis
  • Headaches
  • Back pain
  • Fever
  • Chest infection
  • Changes in voice
  • Changes in taste
  • Difficulty sleeping

Less common side effects include:

  • Suppression of the immune system
  • Reduction in bone density
  • Inhibition of growth in children
  • Glaucoma and cataracts
  • Systemic eosinophilia
  • Churg-Strauss syndrome
  • Anaphylaxis

Drug Interactions

Certain drugs may interact with Flovent Diskus. These include:

  • antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
  • antiretrovirals (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, indinavir)
  • antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, telithromycin)
  • antidepressants (e.g., nefazadone)

Frequently Asked Questions

Flovent Diskus is manufactured as a dry powder that contains fluticasone propionate. It comes in three strengths: 50 mcg, 100 mcg, and 250 mcg.

In persons 12 years or older the dose of Flovent Diskus is 100 mcg taken twice a day. The dose may be increased every two weeks if there is an insufficient clinical response to the starting dose. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 1 000 mcg taken twice a day.

In children four to eleven years the starting dose is 50 mcg taken twice a day. The dose may be increased every two weeks if there is an insufficient clinical response to the starting dose.

The Flovent Diskus is a round case that has a counter showing the number of doses still available. It delivers your dose of medication in the form of a fine powder. When breathing in the powered you may not taste or fee it. This does not mean that you have not received a dose.

Flovent Diskus does not need to be primed and does not require a spacing chamber. Take the unit out of the pouch and push the thumb grip away from you to open the unit. When you feel a snap and hear a click the unit is open and the mouthpiece will appear. Now slide the lever of the mouthpiece away from you until it clicks. Breath out fully, and then put your lips around the mouthpiece and breath in quickly and deeply. Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth, hold your breath for 10 seconds, and then breath normally. If you need a second dose, repeat the steps as described above. Once you have taken the required doses closed the inhaler by sliding the thumb grip back towards you.

It is important to rinse your mouth out once you have inhaled your dose. This is to prevent you from developing thrush in your mouth and throat. Make sure that you do not swallow the water.

Persons with a severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or who have demonstrated an allergy to fluticasone propionate should not take Flovent Diskus.

If you miss a dose of Flovent Diskus, try to take it as soon as possible, then continue with the usual medication schedule. However, if you are due to take your next dose in less than 3 hours, skip the dose you missed and continue with your regular medication schedule. Under no circumstances should you take a double dose of the medication to make up for the missed dose. If you are unsure about what to do, contact your doctor or local pharmacist to obtain advice.

Flovent Diskus is an inhaled corticosteroid. The most common side effect is related to the steroid’s immunosuppressive effect, which can cause thrush in the mouth and throat. This is generally easily treated by your doctor using an antifungal therapy. Other side effects include:

  • sinusitis
  • headaches
  • back pain
  • fever
  • chest infection
  • changes in voice
  • changes in taste
  • difficulty sleeping

Some side effects can be severe and require medical attention. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • worsening of your asthma
    • difficulty breathing
    • shortness of breath
    • tight chest
  • changes in your vision
  • swelling of your face with a skin rash
  • acute confusion or aggression
  • development of a temperature or other signs of an infection

If you experience severe side effects, immediately contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency health care facility.

Flovent Diskus should be stored away from children. It should be stored in a dry place at room temperature away from heat and sunlight. It should be stored unopened in its foil pouch and only opened when ready for use.