How does it work?

Fluticasone dipropionate is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands that have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Fluticasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs. When inhaled into the lungs it is absorbed into the cells of the lungs and airways. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system and are normally involved in producing immune and allergic responses that result in inflammation. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the lungs and airways, inflammation is reduced. In asthma, the airways tighten due to inflammation and can also be blocked by mucus. This makes it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By preventing the inflammation and excess mucus formation, fluticasone helps prevent asthma attacks. It is not used to treat an asthma attack. Fluticasone is used via an inhaler device. This delivers the medicine directly into the lungs where it is needed. Used in this way, a smaller dose is required and the likelihood of side effects elsewhere in the body is reduced. The medication can take four to seven days to have its full effect and must be used regularly to prevent asthma attacks.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

The mouth should be rinsed out with water after each dose of an inhaled corticosteroid, to prevent the development of oral thrush.

Inhalers may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing (paradoxical bronchospasm) straight after using them. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately and consult your doctor. The medicine should be stopped and an alternative treatment found.

Children who are receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroid medicines should have their height regularly monitored, since high doses of corticosteroids taken for long periods of time can impair growth in children.

This medicine should never be used to treat asthma attacks - you should keep your normal reliever inhaler, eg salbutamol or terbutaline, ready for this. Consult your doctor if you need to use your reliever more frequently than normal, or if it becomes less effective at treating attacks.

When taken for long periods of time at high doses, corticosteroids have the potential to cause glaucoma, cataracts, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), growth retardation in children and adolescents, and to decrease the functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce certain hormones). For this reason your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for your symptoms, and monitor for these side effects. In particular, children and adolescents taking long-term corticosteroids should have their growth monitored. For further information discuss this with your doctor.

Inhaled fluticasone preparations are not recommended for children under four years of age, and fluticasone nebules should not be used in children under 16 years of age.

Use with caution in

Active or inactive tuberculosis infection

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

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