Fluticasone HFA (Cont.)

Effects of Fluticasone HFA

In previous clinical studies, people taking fluticasone HFA had improvements in breathing and asthma symptoms, compared to those not taking fluticasone HFA. In these studies, people already taking oral steroids for asthma were able to decrease or eliminate their oral steroid when they began taking fluticasone HFA.
 
Fluticasone HFA is not an asthma cure.
 

When and How to Take Fluticasone HFA

Following are some general considerations for when and how to take fluticasone HFA:
 
  • Fluticasone HFA comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI").
     
  • Generally, you take fluticasone HFA twice a day every day. It is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat them.
     
  • You should "test spray" a fluticasone HFA inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for a long period of time. To test spray the inhaler, spray it into the air by pressing on the top of the canister.
     
  • Shake your fluticasone HFA asthma inhaler gently before each use.
     
  • Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
     
  • It is important to learn how to use your fluticasone HFA inhaler properly. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
     
  • The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
     
  • Most people put the mouthpiece of the inhaler directly into their mouths. However, many healthcare professionals now recommend placing the inhaler an inch or two away from the mouth. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way for you to use the inhaler.
     
  • Each inhaler contains 120 sprays. Each fluticasone HFA inhaler has a built-in dose counter that keeps track of how many inhalations have been dispensed. It starts at "120" and counts down to "000," at which point it should no longer be used.
     
  • For fluticasone HFA to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. Fluticasone HFA will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Fluticasone HFA Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;