Fluticasone Inhaler

Common Brand Names

Flixotide, Flohale

Overview

Inhaled fluticasone is a medicine used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

You can take it using an inhaler (sometimes called a "puffer") which is available as an Evohaler or an Accuhaler. It's usually brown, orange or beige. This is called a preventer inhaler because it helps to prevent you from getting symptoms.

If you have severe asthma or COPD, you may need to use a nebuliser. A nebuliser is a machine that helps you breathe in your medicine as a mist, using a mask or a mouthpiece. You can use a nebuliser in hospital, or you may be given one to manage your condition at home. Fluticasone nebuliser liquid comes in individual doses called nebules.

Fluticasone inhalers and nebules are available on prescription in some countries.

Some inhalers contain fluticasone mixed with other medicines that help your breathing. Brand names include Flutiform, Relvar, Seretide and Trelegy.

Fluticasone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). This is not the same as an anabolic steroid.

Important Facts

• You need to use your fluticasone inhaler every day for it to work, even if you do not have any symptoms.
• It's important to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using a steroid preventer inhaler. This is to prevent infections and a sore mouth.

• You'll usually be given another inhaler, called a reliever, to relieve your asthma symptoms when they happen.
  

Additional Information

Stopping treatment

Do not stop using your inhaled fluticasone without speaking to your doctor first.

If you have an inhaler or nebuliser to control asthma or COPD, your breathing problems may return if you suddenly stop using it.

Why You Should Tell Your Doctor About Steroid Use

If you are using a fluticasone inhaler, it is very important to always tell your doctor or pharmacist. This is because high doses of fluticasone can weaken your immune system and reduce your body’s ability to produce natural steroids (cortisol). This may leave you less able to fight off infections or cope physical stress, such as illness, injury, or surgery.

Doctors need to know about your fluticasone use so they can:

• Monitor your health for infections or other side effects.
• Adjust your treatment if you become unwell, as you may need additional steroid medication.
• Provide the right care during medical emergencies.

In some countries, patients carry a 'steroid treatment card' to alert healthcare professionals about their steroid use, but this system does not exist in every country. Because of this, it’s especially important to share this information with every healthcare provider you see to ensure you receive safe and effective care.

Types of Inhalers and How to Use Them

There are two main types of fluticasone inhalers:

1. Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI)
2. Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)

Some inhalers may also contain other medicines. Using an inhaler correctly is very important to ensure the medicine reaches your lungs effectively.

How to Tell Which Inhaler You Have

1. Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI):

• Appearance: Small spray canister in a plastic holder.
• How it works: Press the inhaler to release a spray (mist) of medicine.
• Key feature: You must press the inhaler and breathe in at the same time.
• Spacer: Often used with a spacer for better medicine delivery, especially for children or people who struggle with coordination.

2. Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI):

• Appearance: Usually disk-shaped or capsule-based device.
• How it works: You inhale dry powder directly into your lungs.
• Key feature: Requires a strong, quick, and deep breath to get the medicine into your lungs.
• Tip: Do not shake a DPI; it doesn’t use a spray.

How to Use an MDI (Metered-Dose Inhaler)

1. Shake the inhaler well.
2. Remove the cap and breathe out gently away from the inhaler.
3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around it.
4. Press the inhaler once to release the spray while breathing in slowly and steadily.
5. Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable), then breathe out gently.
6. If you need a second puff:
   • Wait 30–60 seconds.
   • Shake the inhaler again and repeat the steps.

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Using a Spacer with an MDI

A spacer is a tube that attaches to an MDI to help deliver the medicine more effectively.

Steps to Use a Spacer:

1. Get ready: Shake the inhaler, remove the cap, and attach it to the spacer.
2. Breathe out gently: Breathe out away from the spacer until your lungs feel empty.
3. Seal your lips: Put the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it.
4. Press and breathe in: Press the inhaler once to release the medicine into the spacer. Breathe in slowly and steadily until your lungs feel full.
5. Hold your breath: Remove the spacer and hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable).
6. Breathe out gently: Breathe out slowly away from the spacer.
7. Repeat if needed: Wait 30–60 seconds, shake the inhaler, and repeat the steps for a second puff.
8. Finish up: Remove the inhaler, and put the caps back on the inhaler and spacer.

How to Use a DPI (Dry Powder Inhaler)

1. Open the inhaler and load a dose (if required).
2. Breathe out fully away from the inhaler (to avoid blowing out the powder).
3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, seal your lips around it, and breathe in quickly and deeply.
4. Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable), then breathe out slowly.

Important Notes:

• These instructions are general guidelines. Different inhalers may have slight variations.
• Always read the instructions provided with your inhaler.
• If you’re unsure how to use your inhaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a demonstration.