Brand name:
Fluticasone/SEREVENT
Pronounced: SER-ah-vent
Generic name: Salmeterol xinafoate
Other brand name: Fluticasone Diskus
Why is Fluticasone prescribed?

Fluticasone relaxes the muscles in the walls of the bronchial tubes, allowing the passageways to expand and carry more air. Taken regularly (twice a day), the drug is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A relatively long-acting medication, it is recommended only for the type of asthma patient who needs shorter-acting bronchodilators such as Alupent and Ventolin on a frequent, regular basis.

Fluticasone is available in an aerosol inhaler and as Fluticasone Diskus inhalation powder. Both forms of Fluticasone can be used with or without inhaled or oral steroid therapy.
Most important fact about Fluticasone

Fluticasone is intended only for long-term prevention of symptoms, and should not be used more than twice a day. Do not use it to treat acute asthma attacks, and do not attempt to relieve worsening asthma by increasing the frequency of your doses. (Your local doctor will prescribe a short-acting bronchodilator to relieve acute attacks.)

Seriously worsening asthma is a dangerous-even life-threatening-condition that needs immediate medical attention. Alert your local doctor if your short-acting bronchodilator is becoming less effective or you need more inhalations than usual. Also consider it a warning sign if you need 4 or more inhalations daily for 2 days or more in a row, or find that you are finishing a 200-dose canister in less than 8 weeks.
How should you take Fluticasone?

Use no more than the prescribed dose and follow package directions closely. Space your two daily doses approximately 12 hours apart, in the morning and evening. To be effective, the drug must be used regularly every day.

Fluticasone aerosol inhaler must be shaken thoroughly before each use. Test-spray the inhaler 4 times before the first use and whenever 4 weeks have passed since the last use. Avoid spraying in the eyes.Fluticasone Diskus should never be used with a spacer. Always activate the Diskus device in a level, horizontal position. Never exhale into the Diskus device, and always keep it dry. Do not wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the device. Never attempt to take the Diskus apart.You may be able to taste or feel Fluticasone delivered by the Diskus. However, whether you can sense the delivery of a dose or not, never take more inhalations than what your local doctor prescribes.
Fluticasone side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your local doctor as soon as possible. Only your local doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Fluticasone.

* Side effects may include:
Asthma, back pain, bronchitis, chest congestion, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nasal inflammation, pallor, respiratory tract infection, sinus headache, sinus infection, sinus problems, sore throat, stomachache, tremor

Why should Fluticasone not be prescribed?

If Fluticasone gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot continue using it.
Special warnings about Fluticasone is not for the treatment of seriously worsening asthma, and should not be started if your asthma is deteriorating.If you are taking inhaled or oral steroid medications for your asthma, continue using them along with Fluticasone. This drug does not replace them.A safety study found that one of the ingredients in Fluticasone, salmeterol, may be associated with rare cases of serious asthma attacks or asthma-related death. If you're concerned, talk with the local doctor about your options. Do not, however, stop using Fluticasone without first consulting your local doctor.Very rarely, Fluticasone has triggered allergic reactions in people with severe milk allergy. If you develop an allergic reaction (throat irritation, choking, hives, face and throat swelling, rash, and wheezing) after using Fluticasone, call your local doctor immediately. Likewise, if symptoms of asthma or chronic lung disease get worse after inhaling Fluticasone, stop using it, take a short-acting bronchodilator, and check with your local doctor at once.Although such effects are rare, Fluticasone can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Use Fluticasone carefully if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat. Caution is also advised if you have a seizure disorder or an overactive thyroid.Fluticasone aerosol inhaler can be given to children 12 years of age and older. The Diskus inhalation powder can be given to children 4 and older.Do not stop Fluticasone therapy without a local doctor's guidance. Your symptoms could worsen without Fluticasone.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Fluticasone

If Fluticasone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your local doctor before combining Fluticasone with the following:

Airway-opening medications such as Alupent, Proventil, and Ventolin
Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers, including Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeedingFluticasone has not been adequately tested in pregnant women and is recommended only if its benefits clearly outweigh potential risks. Check with your local doctor immediately if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. Fluticasone's effects during breastfeeding are also unknown. You and your local doctor should decide whether to discontinue nursing or give up Fluticasone.
Recommended dosage for Fluticasone AEROSOL INHALER

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.* Symptoms of Fluticasone overdose may include:
Angina (chest pain), dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, headache, heart irregularities, high or low blood pressure, high blood sugar, insomnia, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, seizures, tremor

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never double your dose.

Storage instructions...

Store the Fluticasone aerosol inhaler and Fluticasone Diskus at room temperature away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Leave the aerosol inhaler canister with the nozzle end down. Keep the Diskus in a dry place. Throw away the Diskus inhalation device after every blister has been used (when the dose indicator reads "0") or 6 weeks after the blisters have been removed from their foil pouch.