Fluticasone Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

What is this medication?

FLUTICASONE (floo TIK a sone) prevents the symptoms of asthma. It works by decreasing inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called inhaled steroids. It is often called a controller inhaler. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flovent, Flovent HFA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Eye disease
• Immune system problems
• Infection, especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
• Injury of mouth or throat
• Osteoporosis, weak bones
• Receiving steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
• Recent surgery
• Vision problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone, steroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep using it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Nefazodone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell them if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Talk to your care team about how to treat an acute asthma attack or bronchospasm (wheezing). Be sure to always have a short-acting inhaler with you. If you use your short-acting inhaler and your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse, call your care team right away.

You and your care team should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Using this medication for a long time may weaken your bones. The risk of bone fractures may be increased. Talk to your care team about your bone health.

This medication may slow your child's growth if it is taken for a long time at high doses. Your child's care team will monitor your child's growth.

This medication may cause cataracts or glaucoma, especially with long term use. You should have regular eye exams while taking this medication. Tell your care team if you notice changes in your eyesight.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, fatigue, dizziness
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
• Thrush—white patches in the mouth
• Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in taste
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) with the mouthpiece down. Keep inhaler away from extreme heat. Get rid of this medication when the dose counter reads "0" or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.