Fluticasone - Inhalation

Fluticasone belongs to a group of medicines called "corticosteroids". It is used to prevent the symptoms of asthma. Corticosteroids reduce the swelling in the airways of your lungs. This helps relieve chest tightness, wheezing, and cough so that you can breathe more easily.

This medicine is a preventive asthma medicine which must be used regularly for a certain period of time.

Use Fluticasone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as a suspension for nebulisation or as an inhaler.

Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it.

The suspension for nebulisation must be used together with a machine known as a jet nebuliser. It converts the suspension into a fine mist to be inhaled through a mouthpiece or face mask.

If you are using a nebuliser mask, make sure that it fits well on your face. Wash your face thoroughly after using the mask. Do not allow the nebulising suspension or its mist to enter your eyes. If the suspension gets into your eyes, flush with clean water immediately. See a doctor quickly if you experience any problems with your eyesight after the suspension or mist enters your eyes.

If you are using the inhaler, always rinse your mouth and throat after using it. Wipe the mouthpiece of the inhaler with a dry tissue to clean it. Do not wash or put any part of your inhaler in water. Do not share your inhaler with others as it could spread infection.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Fluticasone must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use Fluticasone to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness. This medicine cannot relieve an acute asthma attack. Use your fast-acting reliever inhaler prescribed by your doctor to relieve such attacks.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• eye problems e.g. glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)
• active or a history of TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
• diabetes
• untreated bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infections
• at risk of bone problems e.g. being on bed rest for a long time, family history of osteoporosis (thinning or weakening of bones), being past menopause, smoking, poor diet
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Fluticasone to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox, shingles, or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. lung function, bone density test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Height of children may need to be checked regularly.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection or changes in vision may also be needed.

Fluticasone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, hoarseness, throat irritation, and stuffy nose.

This medicine may cause creamy white patches or lesions on your tongue and the inside of your mouth. This is a fungal infection known as oral thrush. Rinse your mouth with water after you use this medicine to minimise this problem.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• difficulty or worsening breathing, increased wheezing
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
• rounding of the face, unusual weight gain in the upper back or belly, poor wound healing, severe headache
• eye pain, blurred vision or other changes in eyesight
• fever, chills, severe sore throat, increased or changes in colour of phlegm
• muscle weakness, unusual tiredness, severe nausea or vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, severe dizziness
• bone or joint pain

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat, nelfinavir
• medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
• certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fluticasone.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

If you are using the suspension for nebulisation, protect the nebules from light.

If you are using the inhaler, throw away the canister after the indicated number of doses is used up.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.