Flixotide (Fluticasone) Inhaler 125mcg

Flixotide general information

What is Flixotide used for?

Flixotide inhaler (CFC-Free) is an inhaled medication used for long-term treatment of asthma, including management of chronic asthma, preventing of exacerbations of asthma and exercise-induced asthma, and to prevent but not treat asthma attack.  Flixotide inhaler (CFC-Free) is known as a “preventer” asthma medication and is used regularly as part of an asthma management plan, which may also include a “reliever” or “rescue” medication, for use when needed.  Flixotide inhaler (CFC-Free) controls underlying inflammation of the airways and reduces sensitivity to allergens or irritants in the air, improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma, including, wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. 

How does Flixotide work?

Flixotide inhaler 125mcg (CFC-Free) contains fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways).  Flixotide inhaler works directly on the airway walls to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  It does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack and needs a “reliever” medication to open the airways.  

What does Flixotide contain?

Flixotide inhaler 125mcg (CFC-Free) contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory, used as an asthma prevention medication.  It also contains the non-CFC propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 125cg fluticasone as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler.   Each inhaler contains at least 120 actuations.

Treating asthma with Flixotide

Flixotide inhaler 125mcg (CFC-Free) contains fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air.  Flixotide inhaler is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function.  Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways).  You should not use Flixotide inhaler as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication for bronchospasm or if you are having an asthma attack, for this you need a fast acting bronchodilator.  

Should you take Flixotide with other asthma inhalers?

Flixotide inhaler 125mcg (CFC-Free) is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function.  Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways).  Both are intended to be taken together, only if recommended by your doctor.  You may also be prescribed a short-acting bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm during an asthma attack, to be used as needed.  

What are the side effects of Flixotide?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Flixotide include a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).

When should Flixotide not be used?

You should not use Flixotide Inhaler 125mcg if you:

• are allergic to fluticasone or any ingredients in Flixotide
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the fluticasone in Flixotide inhaler may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• are taking other medications that may interact with Flixotide inhaler, like ritonavir for HIV infection, and the antifungal drug ketoconazole.

What are the health risks of Flixotide?

Long term use of Flixotide inhaler (CFC-Free) may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Flixotide inhaler may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

All inhaled asthma medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you should inform your doctor and take their advice.

How should Flixotide be taken?

The dose of Flixotide inhaler (CFC-Free) you use (how many puffs or inhalations) and how often take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening.  Flixotide inhaler does not work immediately, but is intended as a long-term medication which may take up to a weeks to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  You should continue to take your Flixotide inhaler 125mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Flixotide inhaler, even if you feel better. 

How to use your Flixotide inhaler

Follow the instruction provided with your Flixotide inhaler

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth. 
3. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of fluticasone while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full and then hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally. 
5. Replace the mouthpiece cover. 

Note:  You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly. 

How many puffs to take from your Flixotide inhaler?

How many puffs (inhalations) you take from your Flixotide inhaler and how often should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening.  Flixotide inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, which delivers exactly one dose per actuation (inhalation).

How long should you take Flixotide?

You should continue to take your Flixotide inhaler 125mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Flixotide inhaler, even if you feel better. 

Missed dose of Flixotide

If you miss a dose of Flixotide Inhaler 125mcg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Flixotide be stored?

You should store your Flixotide Inhaler 125mcg below 25°C in a cool dry place.  Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight.  Always replace the mouthpiece cover when you are not using your inhaler.