Description:

FLOVENT INHALER is a corticosteroid that is prescribed to treat asthma. It is a controller medication that works with the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the swelling and inflammation in the airways. This medication must be used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma, bronchitis, or some types of emphysema. FLOVENT INHALER is usually one of the first treatments that a doctor prescribes to treat asthma and symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and/or chronic coughing. It can be used to prevent asthma attacks or other conditions as determined by your doctor.

IMPORTANT: This medication will not work immediately. It will not stop an asthma attack once one has started and should not be used to treat an asthma attack.

Directions:

The key factor in improving asthma symptoms is by taking FLOVENT correctly. It is prescribed as an aerosol in a metered dose inhaler and is available in several different strengths.

Follow the directions that are included with FLOVENT carefully for safe and effective use. Generally, it is recommended to take 1-2 puffs twice a day. FLOVENT needs to be taken daily regardless of improvements in your asthma symptoms. If you feel your asthma is well controlled, consult your doctor about decreasing the strength of your dose.

Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using FLOVENT for 2 weeks or if you feel that your asthma medication is not working as effectively as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Your FLOVENT dosage needs may change if you:

• have surgery
• are ill
• are under stress
• had a recent asthma attack

It is recommended to carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in case of an emergency.

Cautions:

Before taking FLOVENT, tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to FLOVENT or any chemical contained in the medication
• have any allergies, especially to peanuts, soybean, or soya lecithin
• have a medical history of tuberculosis, untreated or active infections, herpes infection of the eye, glaucoma, decreased adrenal gland function.
• experience unusual weakness, weight loss, or dizziness
• use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid

FLOVENT should not be used by patients who:

• are allergic to FLOVENT or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to milk or lactose (in the case of the diskus only)
• have active or inactive untreated pulmonary tuberculosis
• have moderate to severe bronchiectasis
• have untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infections
• need treatment for status asthmaticus or other acute asthma conditions
• are pregnant (unless recommended by their doctor)

FLOVENT can be used by children, however consult your doctor before use. Although it is unlikely, inhaled steroids such as FLOVENT can temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth (will likely not affect final adult height). This medication should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Long-term use of steroids may lead to osteoporosis, especially if you smoke, do not exercise, 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 of osteoporosis.

Exposure to chickenpox or measles should be avoided while taking FLOVENT

Side Effects:

A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can range from mild or severe, and from temporary to permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes FLOVENT. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

The most common side effects of FLOVENT are dry mouth, hoarseness, or irritated throat. These side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication.

Contact your doctor immediately if you:

• experience white curd-like patches in mouth or rash
• have anxiety
• have swelling of face, lips or eyelids
• experience toxicity rash or bruising
• have increased difficulty breathing
• have numbness or tingling of arms and legs
• have worsening symptoms of asthma

This is not a complete list of side effects for FLOVENT. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Product Code: 1530