Flovent HFA Inhaler

Flovent HFA is a prescription asthma medication delivered via a metered-dose inhaler. It contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which is a synthetic corticosteroid (a type of steroid hormone).

Flovent HFA works by delivering fluticasone propionate directly to the lungs, where it acts to reduce inflammation – the root cause of asthma symptoms.

Fluticasone is a potent corticosteroid that binds to glucocorticoid receptors in lung tissues. This action blocks the release of inflammatory substances (such as histamine, leukotrienes, and certain cytokines) and calms the activity of immune cells involved in asthma (like mast cells and eosinophils).

‼It’s important to note that while fluticasone effectively prevents inflammation, it does not provide instant bronchodilation. Unlike a fast-acting rescue inhaler that quickly relaxes airway muscles, Flovent’s anti-inflammatory action is gradual – it lowers the background inflammation over days and weeks.

Using your Flovent HFA inhaler properly is crucial to ensure the medication reaches your lungs. Below are step-by-step instructions for the correct use of the inhaler:

1. Preparation: If you are using a new Flovent HFA inhaler for the first time (or if you haven’t used it in over a week), you’ll need to prime it. To prime the inhaler, remove the cap and shake the inhaler well for about 5 seconds.
2. Shake and Exhale: Before each puff (dose), shake the inhaler vigorously for 5 seconds.
3. Breathe Out Fully: Exhale away from the inhaler mouthpiece. This prepares you to inhale the medication deeply.
4. Inhale the Medication: Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips snugly around it, forming a seal (do not block the opening with your teeth or tongue). Begin to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth and press down the canister one time at the start of your inhalation.
5. Hold Your Breath, Then Exhale: Hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds after inhaling the medication.
6. If a Second Puff is Prescribed: Wait about 30 seconds before taking a second inhalation. After the wait, shake the inhaler again, then repeat steps 2–5 for your next puff as directed. Only take the number of puffs your doctor has prescribed – do not take extra puffs even if you still feel short of breath.
7. Rinse Your Mouth: Once you’ve finished your dose(s), rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the rinse water.
8. Cleaning and Storage: Put the cap back on the mouthpiece after each use to keep it clean. Clean the inhaler about once a week (or as needed) by wiping the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth or cotton swab to prevent the buildup of medication.

• Always use Flovent HFA exactly as prescribed, at the same times each day.
• Do not stop using it abruptly even if you feel well – asthma maintenance medications work best when used continuously.
• If a child is using Flovent, an adult should supervise and help ensure proper technique.
• For young children or anyone who has difficulty with inhaler timing, using a spacer device (holding chamber) with the inhaler can be very helpful in getting the medication into the lungs.

Flovent HFA dosing is individualized based on the patient’s age, asthma severity, and prior asthma therapy. The medication comes in three strengths – each puff (actuation) delivers either 44 mcg, 110 mcg, or 220 mcg of fluticasone propionate.

• Children (ages 4–11 years): The usual dose is 88 mcg twice daily. This is generally given as 2 puffs of the 44 mcg inhaler twice a day (for example, two puffs in the morning and two puffs in the evening, about 12 hours apart).
• Adolescents and Adults (12 years and older): If you are not already on an inhaled corticosteroid, the typical starting dose is 88 mcg twice daily.

Your healthcare provider will adjust your Flovent HFA dose based on your asthma control. If you start on a low dose but asthma symptoms persist after a few weeks, the doctor may increase the dose or add another medication (such as a long-acting bronchodilator).

Before using Flovent HFA, it’s important to be aware of safety precautions and warnings. Here is key safety information:

• Not for Acute Attacks: Flovent HFA must not be used to treat an asthma attack or sudden breathing trouble. It is not a fast-acting bronchodilator. Always have a rescue inhaler (like albuterol) available for quick relief of acute asthma symptoms.
• Use as Prescribed (Don’t Skip or Stop Abruptly): Use Flovent exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually two times daily. Do not use more often or more puffs than directed.
• Oral Care – Prevent Thrush: Inhaled steroids like Flovent can cause a yeast infection in the mouth or throat (oral thrush). To prevent thrush, always rinse your mouth with water and spit after each Flovent use. Good oral hygiene (brushing teeth, tongue) can also help. If you notice white patches, soreness, or redness in your mouth or throat (signs of thrush), notify your doctor.
• Immune System Effects: Because Flovent is a corticosteroid, it can weaken your immune system’s response in the lungs and beyond. This means you could be at a slightly higher risk of infections.
• Allergic Reactions: Do not use Flovent HFA if you have a severe allergy to fluticasone or any ingredients in the inhaler.

Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you notice your asthma symptoms getting worse, if you need your rescue inhaler more often than usual, or if you experience any concerning side effects.

Like all medications, Flovent HFA can cause side effects in some people. Most side effects are mild and manageable, but there are also some rare but serious risks to be aware of.

Common Side Effects

• Oral thrush
• Hoarseness or voice changes (dysphonia)
• Sore throat or throat irritation
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose,
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Fever
• Ear infection
• Nausea or diarrhea

Serious Side Effects

• Signs of an allergic reaction: These include rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing after using the inhaler
• Worsening breathing immediately after use
• Vision changes
• Frequent infections or illness
• Bone density loss

Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate) can potentially interact with other medications. The main concerns are drugs that affect the metabolism of fluticasone or other corticosteroids. Here is a list of known or potential drug interactions to be aware of:

• Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (especially certain HIV and Hepatitis C medicines)
• Other Steroid Medications (oral, nasal, or topical)
• Certain Antibiotics and Antifungals: Besides ketoconazole, other azole antifungals (like itraconazole, voriconazole) and some antibiotics like clarithromycin can inhibit fluticasone metabolism.

Always tell your healthcare providers about all other medicines or supplements you are taking while using Flovent HFA.

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