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Instructions for Fluticasone HFA and the Fluticasone Diskus
from eMedTV.comHow to Use Fluticasone HFA
Some general considerations for when and how to take fluticasone HFA include the following:- The medication comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI"). It is taken twice a day, every day. It is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat them.
- You should "test spray" an inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for a long time. To test spray the inhaler, spray it into the air by pressing on the top of the canister.
- Shake your asthma inhaler gently before each use. Wait at least one minute in between inhalations. Rinse out your mouth (without swallowing) after each dose, in order to prevent thrush.
- 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. It is important to learn exactly how to use your inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
- 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 and 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 taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
How to Use the Fluticasone Diskus
Some general considerations for when and how to use the fluticasone Diskus include the following:- The fluticasone Diskus is used twice daily, with about 12 hours between doses.
- The fluticasone Diskus is used differently than older inhalers. It contains small foil pockets which contain the powder. These pockets are punctured (by sliding the lever until it clicks), and the powder is inhaled using your own breath.
- Rinse out your mouth (without swallowing) after each dose, in order to prevent thrush.
- Be sure to keep the fluticasone Diskus horizontal while using (otherwise the powder can spill out). Never exhale into the inhaler, as this will also disrupt the powder.
- It is important to learn exactly how to use your fluticasone Diskus. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
- Some people may not taste or feel the fine powder. Most of the taste is due to propellants (which are not used in the fluticasone Diskus).
- The fluticasone Diskus should be used at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For this medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD