Flovent HFA and/or Equivalents

Flovent HFA (fluticasone)

Flovent HFA Description

Flovent HFA is an aerosol-based medication for the treatment and prevention of asthma in patients. The medication is based on the drug fluticasone propionate. It is a synthetic corticosteroid and is marketed under the name Flovent in the United States by GlaxoSmithKline Corporation. There is another variant of this drug called as Flonase, which is used for treating allergic rhinitis.

Allergens elicit inflammatory reactions in the airways leading an asthma attack. Flovent HFA reduces these inflammations and thus prevents an asthma attack. Flovent can only prevent an attack. It CANNOT treat an asthma attack and hence it is used mainly for prophylaxis. This is because the response elicited by corticosteroids is slow and is exhibited over a period of 1-2 weeks. Therefore, if you take Flovent after an asthma attack sets in, it will not function fast enough to reverse the attack.

Conditions Treated by Flovent HFA

Flovent HFA is used to treat asthma. It is a prophylactic method. Flovent is a corticosteroid and has high anti-inflammatory activity. Inflammation is one of the primary mechanisms by which asthma progresses. Corticosteroids are known to inhibit the inflammatory cells such as mast cells and neutrophils and the secretion of inflammatory agents such as histamine. Therefore, corticosteroids such as Flovent HFA are efficient in treating asthma.

Flovent takes time for symptom relief. Depending on the patient, this may vary from 1-2 weeks. Once the drug is withdrawn, the stability towards asthma persists for a few days before an attack may set in again.

Flovent HFA Dosage Information

Flovent HFA is an aerosol and is administered orally by inhalation. It is recommended only for individuals older than 4 years. It may take 1-2 weeks for stability to be achieved following commencement of the treatment.

Once stability has been achieved, you must reduce your dosage to the lowest dosage required to sustain the stability. This will reduce any possible side effects.

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The starting dosage for Flovent HFA is variable and depends on the previous treatment that the patient was undergoing. For adults and adolescents who are aged 12 and above, if they have been on bronchodilators alone then the recommended starting dosage is 88mcg twice a day. If they have been on inhaled corticosteroids, the starting dosage that is recommended is between 88-220mcg twice a day. The highest recommended starting dose is for patients who were on oral corticosteroids and is 440mcg twice daily. For the first two cases, the dosages can be increased to 440mcg twice a day, whereas the value for the third category is 880mcg.

For kids, the recommended starting dosage as well as the highest recommended dosage is 88mcg twice a day.

Flovent HFA is marketed as an inhalation aerosol. There are three types of units available depending on the doses that they deliver. 44, 110 or 220 mcg.

b.) Missing a Dose

Like most medicines, maximum effect for the drug is obtained if you take it in the right dosages at the right time. However, if you forget to take the mediciation, then you should do so as soon you remember. However, if it has been delayed and it is nearly time for your next medication, then you may skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not overdose because you missed a dose.

c.) Overdosing

An overdose of Flovent is very well tolerated and it does not produce any immediate effects. It is only when you overdose for a long period does it lead to complications. Excess accumulation of cortisol in the blood leads to hypercorticism. Long-term overdosage of Flovent leads to symptoms of hypercorticism. If this occurs, then the dosage should be reduced gradually.

Flovent HFA Warnings

Local infections of candida albicans developed in the mouth and the pharynx in patients undergoing treatment with Flovent HFA. Treatment with an antifungal is necessary to deal with this.

Treatment with Flovent HFA is a preventive measure for stabilization of asthma. In case of an attack, an appropriate bronchodilator must be used. Flovent HFA suppresses your immune system by targeting the cells that create inflammations. Therefore, when you are under Flovent HFA therapy, you are immunosuppressed and are more susceptible to diseases. If you contract some infectious disease, it may prove fatal, as your body will not be able to respond to the disease.

Prolonged usage of Flovent may lead to a decrease in bone mineral density. It has also been shown to affect growth, when administered to pediatric patients.

Flovent HFA Side Effects

The drug is administered by means of oral inhalation. Due to this, the quantity of the drug absorbed is lesser. Consequently the side effects are fewer and of a lesser intensity. You may experience headaches and dryness in your throat and mouth. This is because of the oral inhalation. You may also experience a stuffy nose, sinus pain and cough. These are the minor symptoms.

The major symptoms are weakness, nausea or vomiting. You may also experience skin rashes and numbness along with severe tingling. Flovent may also have severe side effects that affect your vision and include blurred vision, seeing halos etc.

Possible Drug Interactions With Flovent HFA

Flovent is a corticosteroid and is capable of interacting with many drugs leading to many side effects. It is therefore necessary to inform your doctor if you are currently consuming any of those medicines, in order to avoid any complications. Vaprisol is a drug used to treat low levels of sodium in the body. Voltaren(diclofenac) is an anti-inflammatory class of compound and may have additive effects with Flovent. Gleevec (imatinib) is a drug used for treatment of cancer and Isoniazid for tuberculosis. Similarly, Flovent is also known to interact with certain antibiotics such as . Lotrimin (clotrimazole) and some other antifungal agents are known to interact with Flovent. There are many more such drugs, which can interact with Flovent HFA and can pose a threat to your health. It is very essential that you discuss your medications with your physician before starting a new drug.

If you have any questions about buying discount Flovent HFA online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Flovent HFA and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information