Flovent Aerosol
Chemical Name: FLOVENT FLUTICASONE (floo-TIK-a-sone)
Common Flovent uses
This medicine is a corticosteroid used to
treat asthma. This medicine is also used to
prevent asthma attacks. IT WILL NOT STOP an
asthma attack once one has started. It may
also be used to treat other conditions as
determined by your doctor.
Before using Flovent
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking. Inform your doctor of
any other medical conditions such as:
glaucoma, cataracts, and any illnesses or
infections. Inform your doctor of any recent
exposure to contagious diseases such as
chickenpox or measles. Also, tell your
doctor about any allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding.
Flovent Directions
Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. THIS
MEDICINE MAY COME with an instruction
leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist any questions that you may have
before using this medicine. BEFORE USING
THIS MEDICINE, be sure that the canister is
properly inserted into the inhaler unit and
SHAKE WELL. Each time a new inhaler is used
turn the canister away from the face and
press down into the mouthpiece to release
test sprays into the air. This process is
called priming and will allow you to be sure
the inhaler is working properly and will
provide a full dose of medicine. Exhale
slowly and deeply. UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR HAS
TOLD YOU OTHERWISE, position the mouthpiece
between your lips and try to rest your
tongue flat. Your doctor may have told you
to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3
centimeters) away from the open mouth or may
have instructed you to use a special spacing
device. As you start to take a slow deep
breath, press the canister and mouthpiece
together at exactly the same time to
administer a dose of this medicine. Continue
inhaling slowly and deeply and hold for as
long as comfortable, then exhale slowly
through pursed lips or through the nose. If
more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a
few minutes and repeat the above process.
KEEP THE SPRAY AWAY from your eyes. Ask your
pharmacist if you have any questions. RINSE
YOUR MOUTH OR GARGLE with water after using
this medicine to prevent mouth sores or bad
taste. KEEP TRACK OF THE NUMBER OF SPRAYS
YOU USE and subtract this number from the
number of doses in the container. This will
help you know when the container is becoming
empty. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room
temperature, away from extreme temperatures
and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break,
or burn the canister even if it appears to
be empty. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS
MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible, then
go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Flovent Cautions
THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK
once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING
A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always
carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to
use during asthma attacks. AFTER YOU BEGIN
USING THIS MEDICINE, a few weeks may pass
before the full benefit is obtained.
Continue to use it as directed during this
time. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE
without checking with your doctor. DO NOT
STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first
checking with your doctor. IMPORTANT: If you
have switched from an oral corticosteroid
(e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler
within the past 12 months, your body may not
produce enough natural steroids. You may
need to start taking additional
corticosteroids, especially if your body is
stressed due to major infections such as
stomach infections (gastroenteritis),
surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for specific advice regarding
stress situations. Seek immediate medical
attention if you experience any of the
following signs of low steroid levels:
unusual weakness, sudden weight loss,
vomiting, fainting, or severe dizziness.
BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL
TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are using
this medicine. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY
USING THIS MEDICINE or are having side
effects like mouth sores or bad taste, ask
your doctor or pharmacist about using a
spacing device. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND
LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using
this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY
NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. Avoid exposure to chickenpox and
measles. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT GROWTH
RATE in children. Your child's growth should
be checked regularly while using this
medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the
benefits and risks of using this medicine
during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU
ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are
using this medicine, check with your doctor
or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your
baby.
Possible Flovent side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking
this medicine include dry mouth, hoarseness,
or irritated throat. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK
WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you
experience white curd-like patches in mouth
or rash. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if
you experience numbness or tingling of arms
and legs. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this
medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of
an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, or increased trouble
breathing.If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction
checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Flovent
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room
immediately.
Additional Flovent information
If
your symptoms do not improve after regular
use of this medicine or if your asthma
becomes worse, contact your doctor. If you
switched from oral corticosteroids (e.g.,
prednisone tablets) to an inhaler within the
last 12 months, carry a warning card or
medical ID bracelet that identifies your
possible need of supplemental steroids
during periods of stress or a severe asthma
attack. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with
others for whom it was not prescribed. DO
NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. ALWAYS HAVE A SPARE
INHALER available in case the unit
malfunctions or is empty. IF USING THIS
MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME,
obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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