Flixotide Inhalers

What is Flixotide?

Flixotide inhalers are preventer inhalers used to treat asthma. Flixotide is typically prescribed for asthma sufferers who need to use their blue reliever inhaler more than twice a week in order to manage the symptoms and stop them from occurring.

Flixotide inhalers for asthma

Flixotide inhalers are predominantly used to treat asthma. The inhaler is usually taken twice a day to manage the condition and stop symptoms and asthma attacks from occurring.

Flixotide for COPD

Flixotide inhalers can also be used to ease the symptoms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) by reducing flare ups and soothing irritation in the lungs. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Flixotide is fluticasone propionate. This is delivered at a dose of 50, 125 or 250mcg per dose for an Evohaler; and 50, 100, 250 or 500mcg per dose for an Accuhaler.

Inactive ingredients

Flixotide Evohaler also contains HFA 134a.
Flixotide Accuhaler also contains lactose.

Do Flixotide inhalers contain steroids?

Flixotide contains the synthetic corticosteroid fluticasone propionate. Steroids perform many functions in the body, including inflammation control. The type of steroid in your inhaler is different to the anabolic steroids sometimes used by bodybuilders. 

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare but it is imperative you seek immediate medical help if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.  The symptoms include a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Please stop using the medication if you notice these symptoms.

Flixotide dosage

Your doctor will inform you of the correct dose. For children, the typical starting dose is 50 or 100mcg twice per day. For adults and children over the age of 16, the usual starting dose is 100mcg twice per day. Your doctor may increase the dose if your symptoms remain troublesome. Always take the correct dose as prescribed, and do not increase it without consulting your doctor.

When to take your Flixotide inhaler?

Flixotide inhalers are usually taken twice every day, once in the morning and once at night. The exact times will depend on your schedule and lifestyle, but it will be most effective when taken at the same time each day.

How to take Flixotide inhalers?

Flixotide inhalers should always be taken as directed by your doctor. 

For a Flixotide Evohaler

Before using your inhaler for the first time, check it is working correctly by removing the mouthpiece cover and releasing a puff into the air by pressing on the top of the canister. When you are ready, sit or stand up straight and steady your breathing. Shake the canister 4-5 times and remove the mouthpiece cover. Breathe out before sealing the mouthpiece between your lips. As you start to breathe in, press down on the canister to release a puff of the medicine as you continue to inhale. Hold your breath for ten seconds or as long as comfortable, before exhaling slowly. If you have been instructed to take another puff, wait for 30 seconds before repeating. Rinse out your mouth with water afterwards. 

For a Flixotide Accuhaler

If this is the first time using your Accuhaler, remove it carefully from its foil pack. To open your Accuhaler, hold the outer case in one hand and use the thumb of your other hand to push back the outer plastic as far as it will go. You will hear a click and be able to see the mouthpiece. To prime your Accuhaler, slide the lever as far back as it will go, until you hear a click; your Accuhaler is now ready to use. Breathe out as far as is comfortable, seal your lips around the mouthpiece and take a deep and slow breath. Remove your lips from the mouthpiece and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, up to 10 seconds. Breathe out normally. If you need to take a second dose, close the Accuhaler and repeat the same steps.

When to stop taking your Flixotide inhaler?

You should only stop taking your Flixotide inhaler if your doctor has said so. Your inhaler needs to be used everyday, even if you feel better and are no longer experiencing symptoms. This means that the medicine is working but your asthma is likely to be triggered if you stop using your inhaler correctly. 

Why do I need to use my Flixotide inhaler regularly?

Flixotide inhalers need to be used regularly in order to manage your asthma and reduce the inflammation in your lungs. If not used regularly, your symptoms may not be under control, leaving you at risk of having an asthma attack.

What should I do if I forget to use my Flixotide inhaler?

If you forget to use your Flixotide inhaler, then take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed one. Don't double up the dose. You'll usually need to use your Flixotide inhaler twice a day.

What should I do if I find I’ve used my Flixotide inhaler more than I should have?

If you have taken too many puffs of your inhaler, then speak to your doctor. 

Flixotide side effects

The most common side effect, which happens in more than 1 in 10 people, is oral thrush. This can be prevented by rinsing your mouth out with water after using your inhaler. 

Other common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people) are: 

• Hoarse voice 
• Sore mouth or tongue 

Thrush occurring in the oesophagus (food tube) is a rare side effect, occurring in up to 1 in 1,000 people.

Very rare side effects (up to 1 in 10,000 people) include: 

• Sleeping problems
• Joint pains
• Indigestion
• Changes in blood sugar
• Changes in your own body’s production of steroid hormones
• Slow growth in children
• Eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts
• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• Mood changes

In people taking Fluxotide for COPD, side effects of pneumonia (chest infection) and bruising have been reported.

Other side effects may include depression, nervousness, restlessness, nosebleeds and blurred vision.

Contraindications

Do not use Flixotide if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. 

Extra care should be taken if: 

• You have ever experienced tuberculosis in the lungs 
• You have a fungal or viral infection in the airways 
• You have diabetes

Drug interactions

If you are taking any other medications, then inform your doctor before taking Flixotide. Other treatments containing corticosteroids may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. 

The following medications may interact with Flixotide: 

• Protease inhibitor medication (e.g. ritonavir)
• Medication to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole itraconazole)
• Certain antibiotics such as erythromycin

Flixotide and pregnancy

Flixotide is safe to use during pregnancy. Having asthma that is not under control poses more risk to the baby than medication is taken via an inhaler.

Can I take Flixotide and Ventolin together?

Ventolin can be used alongside Flixotide. Your Ventolin inhaler should be used to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack so you should always have it on hand just in case.

Flixotide Accuhaler vs Flixotide Evohaler

The Flixotide Evohaler is known as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). This releases the medicine in a mist or fine spray format and requires the user to press down on the top of the canister to release the medication, while simultaneously breathing in. 

The Accuhaler is a dry powdered inhaler (DPI). Each individual dose comes in a blistered pack which is released by sliding the lever on the inhaler. The Accuhaler may be easier to use if you find it difficult to push down on the Evohaler and breathe at the same time. 

Both types of inhalers contain the same medicine just in different formats.

Will Flixotide inhalers treat an asthma attack?

Flixotide inhalers should not be used to treat an asthma attack. If you have an asthma attack then always use your reliever inhaler instead. Your Flixotide inhaler is only for managing your asthma and preventing symptoms from flaring up. 

What do Flixotide inhalers taste like?

Flixotide inhalers may leave an unpleasant taste if it hits the back of your throat or tongue instead of going straight into your lungs. If it's taken correctly then you shouldn't be able to taste it. 

Are Flixotide inhalers safe for children?

Flixotide inhalers are suitable for children; however, a smaller dose is usually used. Your doctor might recommend the use of a spacer to help your child to use their inhaler correctly. Do not give a child a Flixotide inhaler unless advised to by their doctor.

Are Flixotide inhalers safe for long term use?

Flixotide inhalers are designed for long term use in order to manage your asthma so it's indeed safe for long term use. 

Can Flixotide inhalers be used for any other conditions?

Flixotide inhalers are used to treat asthma but can also provide relief for COPD. They should only be used as your doctor has prescribed them.

How to doctors decide to prescribe Flixotide inhalers for children?

A doctor will thoroughly evaluate your child's symptoms before prescribing their treatment for asthma. They will generally only be given an inhaler like Flixotide if they have needed to use their reliever inhaler more than twice a week. The dose given will be smaller than what would be prescribed for an adult and calculated to ensure it is safe for children. Doctors must always weigh up the risks and the benefits of any medication before prescribing it.

How do Flixotide inhalers affect the lungs?

Flixotide inhalers work by reducing some of the chemicals that cause inflammation in the lungs. This relieves symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and chest tightness.