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Fluticasone

 

Fluticasone (generic Advair, Flonase) Review

brand names: Advair Diskus, Flovent Diskus, Flovent Rotadisk, Flonase, Flovent
generic names: salmeterol, Fluticasone, Fluticasone propionate

Fluticasone/Salmeterol is used for:

Long-term prevention and treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases. It should not be used to treat a sudden symptom of shortness of breath (eg, sudden severe onset or worsening of wheezing, cough, chest tightness) because it does not work right away. It may also be used to treat other breathing conditions as determined by your doctor.

Fluticasone/Salmeterol is a combination "controller" medicine. It improves lung function and makes breathing easier by reducing airway swelling and irritation and by causing muscle relaxation.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Fluticasone (Advair).

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, wheezing, weight gain, vomiting, swelling of the face and tongue, stunted growth, sore or irritated throat, sneezing, sinus problems, shortness of breath, runny nose, respiratory tract infection, rash, nosebleeds, nausea, nasal sores, nasal irritation or burning, nasal congestion, mouth infection or swelling, loss of speech, itching, indigestion, hoarseness, hives, headache, flu, fever, facial changes, eye problems, dry nose, dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea, depression, cough, congestion, cataracts, bruising, bronchitis, brittle bones, bad taste in mouth, back problems, anaphylactic reaction, aggression, agitation, aches and pains, worsening of asthma

How does it work?

Nasofan nasal spray contains the active ingredient Fluticasone propionate, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands that have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses.

Fluticasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is adminstered by nasal spray to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages.

People who suffer from nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), such as itchy or blocked nose, including a runny, tend to experience a variety of symptoms as a result of their allergy, hayfever, sneezing and sinus discomfort. These symptoms are a result of inflammation in the nasal passages.

The nasal inflammation occurs when the nasal passages are exposed to foreign particles (allergens), for example, pollen, dust mites or pet fur. The allergens cause the cells in the nose to release chemicals that help to produce immune and allergic responses. These result in inflammation in the nasal passages and the symptoms of the allergy.

When administered into the nose, Fluticasone (Advair) is absorbed into the cells of the nasal passages. It works by preventing these cells from releasing the chemicals that trigger the allergic response. This stops the allergic reaction from happening, so the nasal inflammation is reduced and the symptoms relieved.

The nasal spray will not relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies immediately, and it can take two to three days to have its full effect. It is therefore most effective to start using the nasal spray two to three days before you expect to get symptoms, for example before the start of the pollen season, or if you know you are going to be in contact with pets that give you the allergy. For maximum benefit, the spray should be used regularly to keep the nasal inflammation under control.

How to use Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol :

Use Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you miss a dose of Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol , skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
• Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler. Keep it dry and always keep it in a dry place.
• You may breathe more easily after the first dose of Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol . It may take 1 week or longer to achieve the most benefit. It is important that you use Fluticasone (Flonase)/Salmeterol regularly. Do not stop treatment even if you are feeling better unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• Fluticasone/Salmeterol delivers your dose as a very fine powder that most, but not all, patients can taste or feel. Whether you are able to taste or feel your dose of medicine, you should not take more than the recommended dose of 1 inhalation each morning and evening (approximately 12 hours apart). If you are not sure if you are receiving your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are using other inhalers, wait a few minutes between using Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol and other inhalers, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not breathe into the inhaler. Do not use a spacer. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after using Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol to prevent dryness and mouth infections and relieve throat irritation. Do NOT swallow the rinse solution.
• Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Fluticasone (Flonase)/Salmeterol refilled.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fluticasone (Advair)/Salmeterol .

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Fluticasone (Advair)

The risk of developing Cushing's syndrome and other side effects increases when you take other steroid medications while using Fluticasone (Advair). Prednisone and dexamethasone are examples of oral steroid medications. Certain other asthma inhalers, eyedrops, skin creams, and eardrops also may contain steroids.

Also be sure to check with your doctor before combining Fluticasone with ketoconazole (Nizoral) or HIV drugs known as protease inhibitors, Norvir, Fortovase, Crixivan, including Agenerase, and Viracept.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Very rare allergic reactions such as throat and tongue (angioedema), swelling of the lips, narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock
  
  
• Perforation of nasal septum (very rare)
  
  
• Unpleasant taste and smell
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Dryness and irritation of nose and throat
  
  
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.