Fluticasone inhalers - Common brands: Flixotide

What fluticasone inhalers are for

Fluticasone inhalers contain a steroid medicine. They are called preventer inhalers because they help prevent asthma attacks.

Preventer inhalers can help:

• control asthma symptoms
• reduce the chance of having an asthma attack

A preventer inhaler is different to the reliever inhaler that you use during an asthma attack.

There are also combination inhalers, containing fluticasone and another medicine, to treat asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How to use fluticasone inhalers

Fluticasone comes as an inhaler that you use twice a day. There are different types and strengths.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems taking it.

Your GP, a nurse or pharmacist will show you how to use your inhaler. Sometimes you’ll be given a clear plastic tube called a spacer to attach to the inhaler. This makes it easier to breathe in your medicine

When using fluticasone:

• use the inhaler exactly as you’ve been shown
• try to use it at the same time each day
• rinse you mouth with water after using your inhaler and spit the water out

While using fluticasone, you may be given a steroid alert card.

If a child is prescribed fluticasone, they’ll have their height checked regularly by their doctor. This is because steroids can sometimes affect how children grow.

If you miss a dose of fluticasone

If you forget to use your fluticasone inhaler, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much fluticasone

Do not worry if you sometimes use more fluticasone than you should. But avoid regularly using too much because it can increase the risk of side effects.

Side effects of fluticasone inhalers

Like all medicines, fluticasone inhalers can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of fluticasone inhalers include:

• a headache
• oral thrush (mouth thrush)
• a croaky or hoarse voice
• sore throat

Fluticasone inhalers will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Serious side effects

Fluticasone inhalers can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of inhaled fluticasone include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• sudden difficulty breathing due to restricted airways – use your reliever inhaler if this happens
• glaucoma or cataracts – causing problems with your eyes such as blurred vision, double vision or eye pain
• adrenal insufficiency – causing symptoms such as vomiting, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood changes or feeling dizzy, faint or very tired

Who can and cannot use fluticasone inhalers

Most adults can use fluticasone inhalers.

It's sometimes also prescribed for children aged 4 years or older.

But fluticasone inhalers are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from fluticasone or another inhaled steroid
• you’ve had treatment for tuberculosis (TB)

Before using fluticasone inhalers, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and fluticasone inhalers

You can usually use a fluticasone inhaler while breastfeeding.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and fluticasone inhalers

You can usually use fluticasone inhalers if you're pregnant.

It's important that your asthma is controlled, to keep you and your baby safe.

Find out more about using fluticasone inhalers during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using fluticasone inhalers with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with fluticasone inhalers.

This includes:

• steroid tablets (corticosteroids)
• some antifungal medicines taken as tablets or capsules
• ritonavir, an antiviral medicine used to treat HIV

Before using a fluticasone inhaler, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with fluticasone inhalers

You can eat and drink as normal while using a fluticasone inhaler.