What Is FLOVENT and How Does It Work?

Points to Know About Using FLOVENT HFA and FLOVENT DISKUS

• 1.It’s very important to keep taking FLOVENT regularly — every day — even if you do not feel any symptoms.
  
  Do not use FLOVENT HFA or FLOVENT DISKUS as a fast-acting inhaler for sudden relief of symptoms.
  
  FLOVENT is intended for patients 4 years of age and older. You should supervise your child when he or she uses FLOVENT HFA or FLOVENT DISKUS, following the instructions provided by your child’s doctor.
• 2.TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU START TAKING THIS MEDICINE if you are:
  • pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • breastfeeding a baby
  • allergic to the ingredients of FLOVENT HFA or FLOVENT DISKUS, or to any other orally inhaled corticosteroids
  • allergic to any other medicines or food products
  • taking a medicine containing ritonavir (commonly used to treat HIV infection or AIDS). The anti-HIV medicines NORVIR^® (ritonavir capsules) Soft Gelatin, NORVIR^® (ritonavir oral solution), and KALETRA^® (lopinavir/ritonavir) Tablets contain ritonavir*
  • taking other medicines, especially any other orally inhaled corticosteroid, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal products
  In some circumstances, this medicine may not be suitable for you and your doctor may wish to give you a different medicine. Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking.
• 3.It is important that you inhale each dose as your doctor has advised. The prescription label provided by your pharmacist will usually tell you what dose to take and how often. If it doesn't, or if you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT inhale more doses or use your FLOVENT HFA or FLOVENT DISKUS more often than your doctor advises.
• 4.It may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer for this medicine to work, and it is VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE IT REGULARLY. DO NOT STOP TREATMENT, EVEN IF YOU ARE FEELING BETTER, unless your doctor tells you to.
• 5.If you miss a dose, just take your next scheduled dose when it is due. DO NOT DOUBLE the dose.
• 6.Your doctor may prescribe additional medicine (such as bronchodilators) for emergency relief if an acute asthma attack occurs. Contact your doctor if:
  • an asthma attack does not respond to the additional medicine
  • you require more of the additional medicine than usual
• 7.If you also use another medicine by inhalation, you should consult your doctor for instructions on when to use it in relation to using FLOVENT HFA or FLOVENT DISKUS.
• 8.Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, may increase the risk of some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma). Regular eye examinations should be considered. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, contact your physician immediately.

*The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse GlaxoSmithKline or its products.