Flovent (fluticasone) is in a class of medications called corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Flovent is used to prevent difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing caused by asthma. This medicine will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Flovent is sometimes used together with steroid medicine taken by mouth. This medicine is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Flovent as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Flovent inhaler is an aerosol form of fluticasone that is supplied as an inhaler. It is usually inhaled twice daily. This device creates a spray that you inhale through your mouth and into your lungs. Your doctor or pharmacist can show you how to use an inhaler.

Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without help from an adult.

You should not stop using Flovent suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Do not use more often than as prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Flovent exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Flovent, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Flovent is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk.

You should not use the Flovent inhalation powder if you are allergic to milk proteins.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using fluticasone inhalation. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Flovent is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

If you are using any other inhaled medications, ask your doctor if you should inhale these medications a certain amount of time before or after you inhale fluticasone inhalation.

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card stating that you are using this medicine and that you may need additional medicine during times of emergency, a severe asthma attack or other illness, or unusual stress.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Flovent: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Weakness, tired feeling, nausea, vomiting, feeling like you might pass out;

• Wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine;

• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• Worsening of your asthma symptoms;

• Blood vessel inflammation - fever, cough, stomach pain, weight loss, skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, chest pain; or

• Liver problems - upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Fluticasone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common Flovent side effects may include:

• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, sinus pain;

• Low fever, cough, wheezing, chest tightness;

• Hoarseness or deepened voice;

• White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• Headache; or

• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. Then use any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced times.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

An overdose of fluticasone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of an inhaled steroid can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, thinning skin, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store the powder form in the unopened foil pouch until ready to use.

Throw away any unused medicine 6 weeks (50-mcg strength) or 2 months (100- and 250-mcg strengths) after opening the foil pouch or when the counter on your inhaler device shows "0", whichever comes first.

The inhaler is not reusable. Do not attempt to take the inhaler apart. Keep the canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

What should I avoid while using Flovent?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.