What is Flovent HFA (Fluticasone Propionate Inhalation Aerosol)?

Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication that is used in the management of a patient’s asthma and to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms in these individuals. This medication is used as a part of a patient’s asthma therapy regimen and is not a replacement for quick-acting inhaled bronchodilator medications used to alleviate the symptoms of sudden asthma attacks.

Flovent HFA Inhaler
Flovent HFA
Fluticasone Propionate
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Fluticasone Propionate HFA (Generic)
Fluticasone Propionate
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Prescription Required.

Product of Canada.

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Prescription Required.Product of Canada.Shipped from Canada.

What is Flovent HFA (Fluticasone Propionate Inhalation Aerosol)?

Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication that is used in the management of a patient’s asthma and to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms in these individuals. This medication is used as a part of a patient’s asthma therapy regimen and is not a replacement for quick-acting inhaled bronchodilator medications used to alleviate the symptoms of sudden asthma attacks.

How is Flovent HFA Used?

This medication is an inhaled corticosteroid that is administered orally through inhalation. Patients will use the inhaler as prescribed, usually twice per day, to help reduce the level of inflammation in their airways and prevent asthma-related symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. This medication is not a replacement for a patient’s rescue inhaler and is only used as a daily, long-term preventative medication.

Storage

Patients should store their inhaler at room temperature, keeping it within the range of 68°F (20°C) to 77°F (25°C). Temporary exposure to temperatures as low as 59°F (15°) or as high as 86?F (30°C) may be permitted as needed. The inhaler should also be stored with the mouthpiece facing downward.

This medication should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C), and it should not be stored near open flames or any heat sources due to the risk of the device bursting. The inhaler should not be punctured due to its pressurized contents, and it should never be thrown into any type of incinerator or fire.

Keep this medication out of the reach of children at all times.

Uses

Flovent HFA is prescribed for the prevention and management of asthma symptoms.

How Does Flovent HFA Work?

As a corticosteroid, Flovent HFA is an anti-inflammatory medication that functions by reducing the amount of inflammation within a patient’s airways when inhaled to prevent and manage asthma-related symptoms. By reducing the amount of inflammation, this medication helps to decrease the severity and frequency of asthma attacks in the individuals using this medication.

Dosage

This inhaler is available in three different strengths:

  • 44 mcg per actuation
  • 110 mcg per actuation
  • 220 mcg per actuation

The patient’s required dosage of this medication will be determined by their physician based on their previous history as it pertains to asthma and any medications used and may be modified as needed. Most commonly, those who are just beginning to use this medication will start with an initial dose of two inhalations (two doses of 44 mcg) administered 12 hours apart each day.

Overdose

If an overdose has occurred or is suspected, the individual’s physician or local Poison Control Center should be contacted. If someone has ingested too much of this medication and experiences symptoms such as breathing difficulties or losing consciousness, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.

Side Effects

This medication is associated with a number of side effects. The most common side effects of taking Flovent HFA are as follows:

  • changes in one’s voice
  • congestion (nasal)
  • coughing
  • fever
  • headache
  • hoarseness
  • runny nose
  • sleep difficulties
  • sore mouth
  • sore throat
  • sore tongue

Patients should contact their physician if any of these side effects remain persistent or become severe.

Some of the following additional side effects may also occur, and these should be reported to your doctor immediately:

  • anxiety
  • bone fractures
  • bone pain
  • cataracts or glaucoma symptoms
    • blurry vision
    • discomfort in the eyes
    • eye pain
    • increased eye pressure
    • redness of the eyes
    • seeing colorful halos when looking at lights
  • changes in behavior
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome
    • numbness in the legs or arms
    • “pins and needles” sensation in the arms or legs
    • sinus congestion
    • sinus pain
    • worsening of breathing difficulties
  • decreased adrenal function
    • fatigue
    • low blood pressure (hypotension)
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • weakness
  • easier skin bruising
  • fever
  • growth slowing down (pediatric patients)
  • hyperglycemia
    • excessive hunger and eating
    • frequent urination
    • fruity odor to the breath
    • increased thirst
    • infections
    • weight loss without an explanation
    • wounds that don’t heal well
  • infections that occur more frequently or easily
  • loss of ability to speak
  • osteoporosis
  • respiratory tract infection symptoms
    • breathing difficulties
    • chest tightness
    • chills
    • dizziness (prolonged or severe)
    • fever
    • headache
    • shortness of breath
    • weight loss
    • wheezing
  • symptoms of corticosteroid overuse
    • increase in sweating
    • muscle weakness
    • roundness of the face
    • skin thinning
    • weight gain that occurs rapidly
  • thrush
    • sore throat
    • white patches in the throat and mouth

Please seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects after using Flovent HFA:

  • allergic reaction symptoms
    • breathing difficulties
    • cramps in the abdomen
    • nausea
    • swelling of the throat and face
    • vomiting
  • hives
  • skin rash
  • sudden shortness of breath after using the inhaler
  • wheezing after using the inhaler
  • worsening of asthma symptoms

Warnings & Precautions

Asthma Attacks

This inhaler does not function as a rescue inhaler for those experiencing sudden asthma symptoms. Patients using this medication that still require the use of a rescue inhaler to alleviate serious symptoms should still carry and use such an inhaler while also using Flovent HFA as a long-term preventative medication.

Bone Density

Those who use this medication or any other corticosteroids for the long term are at an increased risk of experiencing bone fractures as well as having their bone density impacted by such medications. When using this medication, patients should typically have their bone health monitored for the duration of treatment.

Diabetic Patients

This medication can cause patients to have an increase in their blood glucose levels. Individuals using this medication that are diabetic may need to more frequently and more closely monitor their blood sugar levels.

Eye Conditions

Individuals using this medication should regularly have their eyes checked to monitor for signs of developing cataracts or glaucoma, as this medication has been linked to the development as well as the worsening of these conditions. Those who already have either of these conditions should have their eyes checked before beginning a long-term treatment plan that includes Flovent HFA.

Impaired Growth

Adolescents and children using this medication may experience slowed growth as a result of corticosteroid use. The lowest possible dose of this medication should be used in this age group to reduce the likelihood of impaired growth occurring while still allowing the patient to effectively manage their asthma symptoms.

Infections

Any individuals using this inhaler should be careful regarding exposure to infections, as corticosteroid medications may suppress the symptoms of an active infection and delay such conditions from being recognized. If you are currently using this inhaler and are exposed to someone with an active infection, such as measles or chickenpox, you should contact your physician for further guidance.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It has not been determined if this medication is safe for use during pregnancy. Patients that are currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who become pregnant while using this medication should discuss the potential risks that may exist during the first trimester.

This medication is capable of passing into breast milk, and those using Flovent HFA who are desiring to breastfeed should discuss the potential risks with their physician, as the presence of this medication in the patient’s milk may affect the breastfed child.

Thrush

One of the potential risks associated with using this inhaled medication is the development of thrush (candidiasis) within a patient’s mouth. Individuals using this inhaler should be sure to rinse their mouth out well after using the inhaler and practice proper oral hygiene to reduce the likelihood of developing this condition. If a patient develops an infection, additional medical care (such as antifungal treatments) may be required, or the patient may need to stop using Flovent HFA.

Thyroid Conditions

Those with hypothyroidism (decreased function of the thyroid) may experience more intense effects when using an inhaled corticosteroid medication. Any individual with impaired thyroid function or a history of hypothyroidism should inform their physician of this before using Flovent HFA, as this may impact the required dosage for treatment and also impact other aspects of the patient’s health. In some cases, monitoring may be required.

Wheezing

Some individuals using this medication may experience spasms in their airways directly after using their Flovent inhaler. If this occurs, the patient’s rescue inhaler should be used immediately to alleviate such symptoms, and they should be sure to inform their prescribing physician of this occurrence as soon as possible.

Withdrawal Symptoms

This medication should not be abruptly stopped, as this may cause the patient to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as a worsening of their asthma or stomach-related discomfort, due to suppressed adrenal glands. If a patient needs to stop using Flovent HFA, they should discuss the matter with their physician to determine the safest manner in which to lower the dosage of the medication and successfully wean off of using the inhaler.

Worsening of Asthma

Despite the use of Flovent HFA, if a patient’s required use of a bronchodilator to manage their asthma symptoms increases, this is an indicator that their condition may be getting worse. Due to the serious health risks presented by worsening asthma, any individuals that are requiring more frequent use of a rescue inhaler should inform their physician as soon as possible, and increasing their dose of Flovent may assist in reducing such symptoms and better managing the condition.

Drug Interactions

Speak to your doctor about any medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking before beginning treatment with this medication. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or a trusted pharmacist.

The following medications are known to interact with Flovent HFA:

  • aldesleukin
  • aprepitant
  • atazanavir
  • “-azole” antifungals
  • baricitinib
  • calcium channel blockers
  • chloropropamide
  • clarithromycin
  • cobicistat
  • conivaptan
  • cosyntropin
  • crizotinib
  • desmopressin
  • diabetes medications
  • diltiazem
  • diuretics
  • dronedarone
  • echinacea
  • erythromycin
  • furosemide
  • glyburide
  • grapefruit juice
  • HIV protease inhibitors
  • hydrochlorothiazide
  • idelalisib
  • imatinib
  • indapamide
  • indinavir
  • insulin
  • itraconazole
  • ketoconazole
  • macrolide antibiotics
  • metformin
  • metolazone
  • mifepristone
  • palbociclib
  • protein kinase inhibitors
  • ritonavir
  • rosiglitazone
  • saquinavir
  • stiripentol
  • tobacco (smoked)
  • verapamil
  • voriconazole

Alternative Medications

For patients who are unable to take Flovent HFA or experiencing significant adverse side effects, alternative medications may be used to treat some of the associated conditions for which this medication is commonly prescribed:

  • albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA)
  • budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort)
  • ciclesonide (Alvesco)
  • fluticasone (Flovent Diskus)
  • fluticasone/furoate (Arnuity Ellipta)
  • fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair HFA)
  • fluticasone/solmeterol (Advair Diskus)
  • mometasone (Asmanex HFA, Asmanex Twisthaler)
  • montelukast (Singulair)
  • omalizumab (Xolair)
  • triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort)

Frequently Asked Questions

This medication works as a preventative medication to reduce the frequency and severity of a patient’s asthma symptoms by lowering the amount of inflammation present within their airways.

This medication is most appropriate for use in patients with asthma requiring a long-term control medication who are above the age of four years and currently not able to control their asthma symptoms well enough with just a rescue inhaler.

This medication does not alleviate any sudden breathing difficulties that occur in those who have asthma, so a rescue inhaler is still necessary for these instances.

By reducing the amount of inflammation in a patient’s airways, this medication helps to prevent asthma symptoms. Although it is able to reduce the likelihood of experiencing certain asthma symptoms by working as a preventative medication, Flovent HFA does not function as a substitute for a rescue inhaler if sudden breathing problems occur.

This medication assists in reducing the frequency and severity of asthma-related symptoms due to its ability to lower the amount of inflammation present within a patient’s airways. However, the results of using this inhaler may vary among individuals.

This medication does not function as a rescue inhaler for those who are experiencing sudden breathing difficulties associated with asthma.

This medication is available in three different strengths.

This inhaler should be carefully cleaned once per week to avoid any buildup of the medication blocking the spray when used. This cleaning process should be done after a patient’s evening dose of the medication to allow the inhaler to be properly cleaned and air-dried before using it again in the morning.

This inhaler does not contain any lactose.

As an inhaled corticosteroid, this medication is capable of impacting the growth rate of any children using it and may slow down their physical development. Pediatric patients using Flovent HFA should have their growth checked regularly.

Any individuals that are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medication should not use this inhaler. Additionally, this medication should not be used as a rescue inhaler or to alleviate any breathing issues that develop suddenly.

This inhaler should be used as instructed by your prescribing physician, but it is typically used twice per day. Any missed doses of this medication should simply be skipped, and patients should never take two doses of Flovent at once.

The most common side effects of using this medication include headache, cough, diarrhea, speech difficulties, and irritation of the sinuses and throat. However, more serious side effects such as allergic reactions, reduced adrenal function, impaired immunity, and oral fungal infections may also occur when using this inhaler.

The active ingredient in Flovent HFA is fluticasone propionate. The inactive ingredient in the medication is propellant HFA-134a.

This medication should be stored at room temperature, ranging between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C), and the mouthpiece should be kept down and closed. This inhaler should be kept away from significant heat sources and should avoid being punctured, as the contents are under pressure.

Patients using this medication will often notice improvement in their condition within about one to two weeks after using this inhaler daily. Any individuals using Flovent HFA who experience worsening of their symptoms or no improvement in their condition after this time period should inform their prescribing physician.

Before using this medication, patients should be sure to inform their physician about all current medications they are taking as well as any preexisting medical conditions, especially the following: osteoporosis, impaired immunity or liver function, eye-related conditions, or any infections.