Flixotide (fluticasone proprionate)

Flixotide is the brand name of the drug fluticasone proprionate. Fluticasone is a type of corticosteroid.

Uses

What is Flixotide used for?

Flixotide is commonly used for reducing swelling (bronchoconstriction) and irritation in the airways and lungs. Unlike other types of inhalers, Flixotide is meant for regular and prophylactic use, not emergency use or sudden attacks.

How should I take Flixotide?

You can use Flixotide at any time of day, with or without food.

Using Flixotide Evohaler

1. Sit up straight and breathe slowly.
2. Remove the mouthpiece cover and inspect the inside of the mouthpiece for debris. Rinse and dry, if necessary.
3. Shake the inhaler several times.
4. Exhale deeply before inserting the mouthpiece. Place it between your teeth and cover it with your lips. Avoid chewing the mouthpiece.
5. Inhale while pressing down the inhaler chamber and hold your breath. This is one “puff’.
6. Pull away the mouthpiece from your mouth while holding your breath.
7. For multiple doses, wait approximately 30 seconds and repeat steps 3 to 6.
8. When finished, rinse, swish, and gargle your mouth with clean water. This is to prevent oral infections.
9. Cover the mouthpiece and store your inhaler in a cool, dry place.

Using Flixotide Accuhaler

1. Remove the Accuhaler from its foil wrapper.
2. Check the dose counter and open the cover/lid with the thumbgrip.
3. To load a dose, hold the device horizontally while sliding the lever until you hear a click.
4. Exhale deeply before inserting the mouthpiece. Place it between your teeth and cover it with your lips. Avoid chewing the mouthpiece and keep the device in a horizontal position.
5. Inhale slowly and deeply.
6. Pull away the mouthpiece from your mouth while holding your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
7. Breathe out and away slowly.
8. For multiple doses, repeat steps 3 to 7.
9. Replace the cover and make sure you hear a click.

Using your nebules:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Remove the nebule(s) from the foil packaging.
3. Twist the cap of the nebule to open it.
4. Squeeze the contents of the nebule into the cup of the nebulizer.
5. Place the mask over your mouth and nose and switch on the machine.
6. Inhale steadily until there is no more mist.
7. Repeat with another nebule dose, if necessary.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use each form of medication.

How do I store Flixotide?

This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. 

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before using Flixotide?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
• An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
• Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions, especially a systemic infection.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding in humans. Animal studies show evidence of fetal harm when corticosteroids are taken during pregnancy. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.

Side Effects

What side effects can occur from Flixotide?

Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe or ongoing nosebleeds;
• Noisy breathing, runny nose, or crusting around your nostrils;
• Redness, sores, or white patches in your mouth or throat;
• Fever, chills, weakness, nausea, vomiting, flu symptoms;
• Any wound that will not heal;
• Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights.

Less serious side effects may include:

• Headache, back pain;
• Minor nosebleed;
• Menstrual problems, loss of interest in sex;
• Sinus pain, cough, sore throat;
• Sores or white patches inside or around your nose.

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Flixotide?

This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. 

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. 

Drugs with known interactions:

• Steroid tablets;
• Antiviral medicine (protease inhibitor);
• Medicines used to treat fungal infections

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, stop taking this drug and continue taking your other medication. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.

Does food or alcohol interact with Flixotide?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Flixotide?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

Flixotide evohaler/Flixotide accuhaler:

• Mild asthma: the initial dose is 100 micrograms twice a day.
• Moderate to severe asthma:
  • The initial dose is 250 to 500 micrograms twice a day.
  • Maximum dose is 1000 micrograms twice a day.

Flixotide nebules:

Adults and children over 16 years of age:

• The initial dose is 0.5 to 2.0 mg (500 to 2000 micrograms) twice a day.
• Flixotide 0.5mg/2ml nebules provide you with a dose of 500 micrograms.
• Flixotide 2mg/2ml nebules provide you with a dose of 2000 micrograms.

What is the dose of Flixotide for a child?

Flixotide accuhaler:

Children (4 to 16 years of age):

• The initial dose is 50 micrograms twice a day.
• Maximum dose is 200 micrograms twice a day.
• A child’s height should be measured periodically when taking corticosteroids for extended periods of time.

Flixotide evohaler 125 and 250 micrograms: they are not recommended for children below 16 years of age.

How is Flixotide available?

Flixotide is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Accuhaler: 50, 100, 250, 500 micrograms
• Nebules 0.5 mg/2 ml, 2 mg/2 mL
• Evohaler: 125, 250 micrograms

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.