The Flovent HFA Inhaler is an inhalation medicine used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children at least 4 years old. The main ingredient in the Flovent inhaler is fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways. This drug helps improve asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath so that patients may carry on with their normal activities. Flovent HFA should be used regularly to be effective. As fluticasone is a long-term asthma treatment, this inhaler cannot be used in place of an emergency rescue inhaler.

Use Flovent HFA exactly as directed by your doctor.
Before taking Flovent HFA, read the patient information and medication guide provided.

• Prime the inhaler by test spraying into the air, away from your face
• If the inhaler has not been used for more than 7 days, prime the inhaler with 4 test sprays
• If the inhaler has been used within 7 days, prime the inhaler with 1 test spray
• Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before administering
• Remove the mouthpiece cap, removing any foreign objects
• Breathe out fully through the mouth before placing the mouthpiece into your mouth
• Breathe in deeply and slowly while pressing the top of the canister with your finger
• Release your finger after the puff is delivered
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds and then breathe out slowly
• Rinse your mouth after taking fluticasone to prevent dryness and irritation
• Clean mouthpiece at least once a week

Before taking Flovent HFA, inform your doctor if you are allergic to fluticasone. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling to the face, lips, tongue, and throat. Also, inform your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• Any type of bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• A parasitic infection like giardia, malaria, hookworm, and pinworm
• Tuberculosis
• Herpes infection of the eyes
• Liver disease
• Low bone mineral density
• A weak immune system

Long-term use of Flovent HFA may lead to bone loss, especially if you smoke, do not exercise, or do not get enough vitamin D and calcium. Ask your doctor whether the benefit of this medication outweighs its risks. It is unknown whether fluticasone is unsafe for pregnant women. However, it may not be safe to breastfeed while using Flovent HFA.

Common side effects of Flovent HFA include:

• Stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, and sore throat
• Fever, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness
• Deepened or hoarsened voice
• White patches or sores inside the mouth
• Headache, vomiting, and nausea

Severe side effects of Flovent HFA (fluticasone) may include:

• Blood vessel inflammation
• Liver problems
• Exacerbated asthma symptoms
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, or eye pain
• Choking or breathing problems
• Feeling like fainting

How long does Flovent stay in your system?

Flovent HFA is a long-acting corticosteroid medicine that can have lasting benefits of up to 24 hours. This is because the half-life of fluticasone is around 14 hours. Doctors do not recommend stopping Flovent HFA suddenly because doing so may worsen your condition. If you wish to clear your system of fluticasone, talk to your doctor about safely weaning you off Flovent HFA.

How many puffs of Flovent should I take?

Each patient is different, and your doctor may direct you to take a certain number of puffs depending on your health condition. However, the general guideline is to take two puffs, twice daily.

Can I use Flovent HFA in an emergency?

Flovent HFA is a long-acting asthma medication and should not be used during an asthma attack as a rescue inhaler. Fluticasone should only be used before an asthma attack takes place to prevent symptoms. However, once an asthma attack has started, always use an inhaler medication designed for emergency use.