Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).
Asthma attacks: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) is not a "reliever" medication. If you start developing asthma symptoms, be sure to use your reliever medication (such as salbutamol or terbutaline) for rapid relief of your asthma symptoms. It is very important that you have your reliever medication with you at all times. If you persistently use more of your reliever medication, contact your doctor.
Bone effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids such as fluticasone may affect bone density and increase the risk of fracture. Your doctor will monitor your bone health while you are taking Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).
Diabetes: Fluticasone may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).
Eye problems: If you have glaucoma or cataracts or are at risk of developing them, have your eyes checked by your doctor before starting long-term treatment with Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh). Have your eyes monitored at regular intervals while using Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).
Growth effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids, including inhaled forms such as Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh), may slow the growth of children and adolescents. It is important to use the lowest effective dose for managing asthma symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Infection: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh), like other corticosteroids, may prevent the early signs of a serious infection from being noticed. Try to limit the amount of time you spend around others who have recently had infections such as Chickenpox or Measles. If you do come into contact with someone who has one of these infections, contact your doctor for advice.
Oral hygiene: Adequate oral hygiene is very important in minimizing the overgrowth of microorganisms such as candidiasis (thrush). Proper oral hygiene includes rinsing your mouth with water after using the inhaler. Using a spacer device with the inhaler can greatly reduce how much medication stays in your mouth. Thrush infections, should they occur, may require treatment with appropriate antifungal therapy or the discontinuance of treatment with fluticasone, depending on the severity of the infections.
Stopping Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh): Do not stop Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) suddenly, as this may result in withdrawal symptoms associated with suppressed adrenal glands (e.g., stomach discomfort or pain, worsening of asthma). Your doctor will tell you how to gradually lower the dose over a period of time in order to stop Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) properly.
Thyroid problems: People with decreased thyroid function (hypothyroid) may experience an increased effect from corticosteroids. If you have a history of thyroid problems, discuss with your doctor how Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Wheezing: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) may cause the airways to spasm immediately after using the inhaler. If this happens, use your rescue inhaler as soon as possible to relieve the symptoms, then call your doctor as soon as possible.
Worsening of asthma: Increasing use of your bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol) to control asthma symptoms is an indication that your asthma may be worsening. Sudden and progressive worsening in asthma control is potentially life-threatening, and consideration should be given to increasing the dose of fluticasone inhalation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how to properly monitor for symptoms of worsening asthma.
Pregnancy: The safety of fluticasone for use during pregnancy has not been established. Potential benefits need to be weighed against risks, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: Corticosteroid medications such as fluticasone pass into breast milk. Although the amount that appears in breast milk would likely be low, the benefits of using Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) while breast-feeding need to be weighed against risk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using fluticasone it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) is not recommended for use by children under 12 months of age.