Before using Flovent, make sure that you are not allergic to fluticasone. Similarly, the use Flovent Diskus or Arnuity Ellipta is restricted in the case of allergy to milk proteins. Flovent will not be useful if the asthma attack also already started. It is just a preventive medication.
How Effective is Flovent?
Flovent is used effectively to treat inflammation by preventing the release of substances that lead to inflammation. It is a steroid. Flovent is found effective in preventing attacks of asthma but cannot be used as a treatment for ongoing asthma attack. Usually, Flovent Diskus and Flovent HFA are used in combination. The drug is taken orally. Flovent is not safe for the children whose age is below 4 years. Arnuity Ellipta is a particular brand of this drug that produces Flovent for adults and children who are 12 years or older.
It is important to remember that Flovent does not work quickly and thus it must not be used to as a rescue medicine for asthma attack. It is best used as a preventive drug for asthma attacks. The individuals who are allergic to milk proteins must not take Flovent Diskus.
Keep your doctor informed about any of the following conditions to make sure that Flovent is safe for you.
If you are suffering from any type of fungal, viral or bacterial infections
- Reduced mineral density of bones
- Tuberculosis
- Infections triggered by parasites including toxoplasmosis, pinworm, hookworm, malaria, leishmaniasis, giardia etc.
- A type of infection in eyes called as herpes.
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- Weak immune system
- Liver disorders.
If you continue to use steroids for a long time, there is a risk of osteoporosis, a condition with low bone density in body. The risk is higher in the case of individuals who have a family history of osteoporosis, do not exercise, smoke or have a poor calcium diet.
If you are pregnant or have any plans to become pregnant in the near future, you must inform your doctor to ensure that it not harmful for the fetus. Also, if you are feeding a baby, you must tell your doctor as steroids can pass into the baby through milk and may cause any harm.
The use of Flovent is restricted in children below 4 years of age as it hampers the physical growth of children. If you notice any signs or poor growth in your child who is taking Flovent, you must report it immediately to your doctor.
How should I Take Flovent?
Flovent must be taken in exactly the same dose and frequency as prescribed by the doctor. Over dosage may be harmful for your body while under dosage may not provide the same relief.
Flovent takes some time to start acting and thus it must not be used as a rescue medicine for asthma that has already started. It is best used for preventing asthma attacks.
Follow all the safety instructions carefully printed on the package. You must discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or queries regarding the use. Children may need some guidance to use the inhaler device properly.
A change is dosage may be required if you recently had an asthma attack or any surgery. Do not change your dosage yourself, seek doctor’s advice instead.
Flovent is in the form of liquid that reaches to your lungs when you spray it into your nose. If you are having trouble with using the inhaler, seek help from your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the Side Effects of Flovent?
The use of flovent may lead to some side effects such as swelling in lips, throat, tongue and face, difficulty in breathing, hives etc. Tell your doctor immediately if you see any of the following severe side effects of flovent:
- Lacking physical strength to accomplish routine activities
- Feel like vomiting or nausea
- Difficulty in breathing
- Vision problems such as tunnel, blurry vision are also side effects of flovent.
- Degrading asthma attacks
- Liver disorders such as loss of appetite, jaundice, tiredness, clay-colored stool, itching, pain in stomach etc.
Some other common side effects include sore throat, sneezing, fever, cough, stuffy nose, headache, stomach upset etc. Some people may also experience change in the characteristics of their voice as it can become hoarse. White patches on the lips and tongue are also signs of flovent side effects.
