Hero Image: ADVAIR DISKUS AND HFA DEVICES
Hero Image: ADVAIR DISKUS AND HFA DEVICES

Talk to your Healthcare Provider about FLOVENT HFA and FLOVENT DISKUS, which are available as Authorized Generics*

View FLOVENT HFA
Patient Information (PDF)

View FLOVENT DISKUS
Patient Information (PDF)

Learn more about
Authorized Generics* of FLOVENT

*According to the FDA, an Authorized Generic is “an approved brand name drug that is marketed without the brand name on its label. Other than the fact that it does not have the brand name on its label, it is the exact same drug product as the branded product.”

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FLOVENT HFA and FLOVENT DISKUS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Who should take FLOVENT?

    FLOVENT is a long-term asthma control medicine for appropriate patients with asthma who are 4 years of age or older and whose symptoms are not well controlled on a rescue inhaler. Ask your doctor if FLOVENT is right for you.

  • What does FLOVENT do?

    Taken daily as directed, FLOVENT can help prevent symptoms before they start. FLOVENT helps reduce airway inflammation, an underlying cause of asthma symptoms. Your results may vary. If your asthma is not well controlled, or if you are using your rescue inhaler more than two days a week, talk to your healthcare provider to see if FLOVENT is right for you. FLOVENT does not relieve sudden breathing problems from asthma. Always have a fast-acting bronchodilator medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms.

  • What does FLOVENT not do?

    FLOVENT does not relieve sudden breathing problems from asthma. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, call your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for you.

  • How does FLOVENT work to help prevent asthma symptoms?

    FLOVENT helps prevent asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways of the lungs. Your results may vary.

    Asthma is a long-term, chronic disease of the airways of the lungs characterized by two main causes: airway constriction and inflammation. Together, they cause narrowing of the airways, which results in symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. FLOVENT is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden breathing problems from asthma. FLOVENT won’t replace a rescue inhaler. Always have a fast-acting bronchodilator medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms.

  • What are the benefits of using FLOVENT for asthma?

    Taken twice daily as directed, FLOVENT can help prevent symptoms before they start because it helps reduce airway inflammation, an underlying cause of asthma symptoms. Your results may vary. FLOVENT does not relieve sudden breathing problems from asthma. Always have a fast-acting bronchodilator medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms.

  • My asthma symptoms have improved since I started using FLOVENT. Can I stop using it?

    If you have asthma, airway inflammation is always there whether you have symptoms or not. Take FLOVENT as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using FLOVENT even if you are feeling better, unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so, because your symptoms might get worse. Your healthcare provider will change your medicines as needed.

  • Does FLOVENT replace my rescue inhaler?

    No. FLOVENT is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden breathing problems from asthma. FLOVENT does not replace a rescue inhaler. Always have a fast-acting bronchodilator medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms.

  • Does FLOVENT come in different strengths?

    FLOVENT HFA is a metered-dose inhaler that comes in 3 strengths. Only the lowest strength is approved for use in children aged 4 to 11 years.

    FLOVENT DISKUS is a dry powder inhaler that comes in 3 strengths. Only the 2 lowest strengths are approved for use in children aged 4 to 11 years.

    FLOVENT is not approved for use in children younger than 4 years of age.

    FLOVENT is available by prescription only.

    Your healthcare provider will determine which strength is best for you or your child.

  • Does FLOVENT contain lactose?

    FLOVENT DISKUS contains lactose. Do not use FLOVENT DISKUS if you have severe allergy to milk proteins. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure.

    FLOVENT HFA does NOT contain lactose.

  • What is thrush? How is it treated?

    Thrush is the overgrowth of candida, a fungus, in the mouth. It can occur when the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth is altered. Thrush is treatable, and there are things you can do to help prevent it. If you take FLOVENT, make sure to rinse your mouth with water after taking the medicine and spit the water out. Do not swallow it.

  • Are there coupons or savings offers available for FLOVENT?

    No, there are no coupons or savings offers available for FLOVENT.

  • Can FLOVENT affect my child’s growth?

    Inhaled corticosteroids like FLOVENT can cause serious side effects, including slow growth in children. The growth of children using FLOVENT should be checked regularly.

  • What if I am having difficulty paying for my FLOVENT?

    GSK offers multiple programs to help patients afford their medicine. To learn more about these programs, please go to www.GSKforYou.com.

FLOVENT HFA: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Who should not use FLOVENT HFA?

    Do not use FLOVENT HFA:

    • to relieve sudden breathing problems
    • as a rescue inhaler
    • if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in FLOVENT HFA. See “What are the ingredients in FLOVENT HFA?” below for a complete list of ingredients.

  • What should I tell my healthcare provider before using FLOVENT HFA?

    Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

    • have liver problems.
    • have weak bones (osteoporosis).
    • have an immune system problem
    • have or have had eye problems such as glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, or other changes in vision.
    • have any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
    • have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.
    • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if FLOVENT HFA will harm your unborn baby.
    • are breastfeeding. It is not known if the medicine in FLOVENT HFA passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby. 

    Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. FLOVENT HFA and certain other medicines may interact with each other. This may cause serious side effects. Especially, tell your healthcare provider if you take antifungal or anti-HIV medicines.

    Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

  • How should I use FLOVENT HFA?

    Read the step-by-step instructions for using FLOVENT HFA at the end of the Patient Information Leaflet.

    • Do not use FLOVENT HFA unless your healthcare provider has taught you how to use the inhaler and you understand how to use it correctly.
    • Children should use FLOVENT HFA with an adult’s help, as instructed by the child’s healthcare provider.
    • FLOVENT HFA comes in 3 different strengths. Your healthcare provider has prescribed the strength that is best for you.
    • Use FLOVENT HFA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it. Do not use FLOVENT HFA more often than prescribed.
    • It may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer after you start FLOVENT HFA for your asthma symptoms to get better. You must use FLOVENT HFA regularly.
    • Do not stop using FLOVENT HFA, even if you are feeling better, unless your healthcare provider tells you to. 
    • If you miss a dose of FLOVENT HFA, just skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at 1 time.
    • FLOVENT HFA does not relieve sudden breathing problems. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, call your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for you.
    • Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each dose of FLOVENT HFA. This will help lessen the chance of getting a yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth and throat.
    • Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if:
      • your breathing problems get worse.
      • you need to use your rescue inhaler more often than usual.
      • your rescue inhaler does not work as well to relieve your symptoms.
      • you need to use 4 or more inhalations of your rescue inhaler in 24 hours for 2 or more days in a row.
      • you use 1 whole canister of your rescue inhaler in 8 weeks.
      • your peak flow meter results decrease. Your healthcare provider will tell you the numbers that are right for you.

  • What are the possible side effects of FLOVENT HFA?

    FLOVENT HFA can cause serious side effects, including:

    • fungal infections in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using FLOVENT HFA to help reduce your chance of getting thrush.
    • weakened immune system and increased chance of getting infections (immunosuppression).You should avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles, and, if exposed, tell your healthcare provider right away. Worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or herpes infection of the eye (ocular herpes simplex) may occur.
    • reduced adrenal function. This can happen when you stop taking an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisone) and start taking a medicine containing an inhaled corticosteroid (such as FLOVENT HFA). During this transition period, when your body is under stress, such as from fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery, adrenal insufficiency can get worse and may cause death. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:
      • feeling tired
      • lack of energy
      • weakness
      • nausea and vomiting
      • low blood pressure (hypotension)
    • serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
      • rash
      • hives
      • swelling of your face, throat, and tongue
      • breathing problems
    • bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis).
    • slowed growth in children. A child’s growth should be checked often.
    • eye problems including glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, or other changes in vision. You should have regular eye exams while using FLOVENT HFA.
    • increased wheezing (bronchospasm). Increased wheezing can happen right away after using FLOVENT HFA. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden wheezing.

    Common side effects of FLOVENT HFA include:

    • upper respiratory tract infection
    • throat and/or sinus irritation
    • headache
    • diarrhea
    • difficulty speaking
    • cough and/or persistent cough

    Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

    These are not all the possible side effects with FLOVENT HFA. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

  • How do I clean FLOVENT HFA?

    Clean your inhaler at least 1 time each week after your evening dose. You may not see any medicine build-up on the inhaler, but it is important to keep it clean so medicine build-up will not block the spray.

    • Take the cap off the mouthpiece. Do not take the canister out of the plastic actuator.
    • Use a clean cotton swab dampened with water to clean the small circular opening where the medicine sprays out of the canister. Gently twist the swab in a circular motion to take off any medicine. Repeat with a new swab dampened with water to take off any medicine still at the opening.
    • Wipe the inside of the mouthpiece with a clean tissue dampened with water. Let the actuator air-dry overnight.
    • Put the cap back on the mouthpiece after the actuator has dried.

  • How should I store FLOVENT HFA?

    • Store FLOVENT HFA at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) with the mouthpiece down.
    • The contents of your FLOVENT HFA inhaler are under pressure. Do not puncture. Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Temperatures above 120°F may cause the canister to burst.
    • Do not throw into fire or an incinerator.
    • Do not throw into fire or an incinerator.
    • Safely throw away FLOVENT HFA in the trash when the counter reads 000.
    • Keep FLOVENT HFA and all medicines out of the reach of children.

  • What are the features of FLOVENT HFA?

    • The medicine in FLOVENT HFA is in an aerosol form. FLOVENT HFA is NOT meant for fast-acting relief. It is meant to be taken twice a day as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
    • FLOVENT HFA has a counter to show how many sprays of medicine you have left. The counter starts at 124. The number will count down by 1 each time you spray the inhaler. The counter will stop counting at 000. When the counter reads 000, throw the inhaler away. You should not keep using the inhaler because you will not receive the right amount of medicine.

  • How long does FLOVENT HFA take to start working?

    • After you start using FLOVENT HFA, it may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer of daily use until you notice an improvement in your asthma symptoms. You must use FLOVENT HFA regularly. If you don’t notice an improvement in your asthma symptoms, or if your condition worsens, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. FLOVENT does not relieve sudden breathing problems from asthma. Always have a fast-acting bronchodilator medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms.

  • What are the ingredients in FLOVENT HFA?

    Active ingredient: fluticasone propionate

    Inactive ingredient: propellant HFA-134a

FLOVENT DISKUS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Who should not use FLOVENT DISKUS?

    Do not use FLOVENT DISKUS:

    • to relieve sudden breathing problems.
    • as a rescue inhaler
    • if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure.
    • are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in FLOVENT DISKUS. See “What are the ingredients in FLOVENT DISKUS?” below for a complete list of ingredients.

  • What should I tell my healthcare provider before using FLOVENT DISKUS?

    Tell your healthcare provider about all your health conditions, including if you:

    • have liver problems.
    • have weak bones (osteoporosis).
    • have an immune system problem.
    • have or have had eye problems such as glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, or other changes in vision.
    • are allergic to milk proteins.
    • have any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
    • are exposed to chickenpox or measles.
    • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if FLOVENT DISKUS may harm your unborn baby.
    • are breastfeeding. It is not known if the medicine in FLOVENT DISKUS passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.

    Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbalsupplements. FLOVENT DISKUS and certain other medicines may interact with each other. This may cause serious side effects. Especially, tell your healthcare provider if you take antifungal or anti-HIV medicines.

    Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

  • How should I use FLOVENT DISKUS?

    Read the step-by-step instructions for using FLOVENT DISKUS at the end of the Patient Information Leaflet.

    • Do not use FLOVENT DISKUS unless your healthcare provider has taught you how to use the inhaler and you understand how to use it correctly.
    • Children should use FLOVENT DISKUS with an adult’s help, as instructed by the child’s healthcare provider.
    • FLOVENT DISKUS comes in 3 different strengths. Your healthcare provider prescribed the strength that is best for you.
    • Use FLOVENT DISKUS exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it. Do not use FLOVENT DISKUS more often than prescribed.
    • It may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer after you start FLOVENT DISKUS for your asthma symptoms to get better. You must use FLOVENT DISKUS regularly.
    • Do not stop using FLOVENT DISKUS, even if you are feeling better, unless your healthcare provider tells you to. 
    • If you miss a dose of FLOVENT DISKUS, just skip that does. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at 1 time.
    • FLOVENT DISKUS does not relieve sudden breathing problems. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, call your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for you.
    • Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each dose of FLOVENT DISKUS. This will help lessen the chance of getting a yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth and throat.
    • Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if:
      • your breathing problems get worse.
      • you need to use your rescue inhaler more often than usual.
      • your rescue inhaler does not work as well to relieve your symptoms.
      • you need to use 4 or more inhalations of your rescue inhaler in 24 hours for 2 or more days in a row.
      • you use 1 whole canister of your rescue inhaler in 8 weeks.
      • your peak flow meter results decrease. Your healthcare provider will tell you the numbers that are right for you.

  • What are the possible side effects of FLOVENT DISKUS?

    FLOVENT DISKUS can cause serious side effects, including:

    • fungal infections in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using FLOVENT DISKUS to help reduce your chance of getting thrush.
    • weakened immune system and increased chance of getting infections (immunosuppression). You should avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles, and, if exposed, tell your healthcare provider right away. Worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or herpes infection of the eye (ocular herpes simplex) may occur.
    • reduced adrenal function. This can happen when you stop taking an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisone) and start taking a medicine containing an inhaled corticosteroid (such as FLOVENT DISKUS). During this transition period, when your body is under stress such as from fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery, adrenal insufficiency can get worse and may cause death. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:
      • feeling tired
      • lack of energy
      • weakness
      • nausea and vomiting
      • low blood pressure (hypotension)
    • serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
      • rash
      • hives
      • swelling of your face, throat and tongue
      • breathing problems
    • bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis).
    • slowed growth in children. A child’s growth should be checked often.
    • eye problems including glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, or other changes in vision. You should have regular eye exams while using FLOVENT DISKUS.
    • increased wheezing (bronchospasm). Increased wheezing can happen right away after using FLOVENT DISKUS. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden wheezing.

    Common side effects of FLOVENT DISKUS include:

    • upper respiratory tract infection
    • throat, nose, and/or sinus irritation
    • nausea and vomiting
    • cough and/or persistent cough
    • headache
    • upset stomach

    Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. 

    These are not all the possible side effects with FLOVENT DISKUS. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

  • How should I store FLOVENT DISKUS?

    • Store FLOVENT DISKUS at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Keep in a dry place away from heat and sunlight.
    • Store FLOVENT DISKUS in the unopened foil pouch and only open when ready for use.
    • Safely throw away FLOVENT DISKUS 50 mcg in the trash 6 weeks after you open the foil pouch or when the counter reads 0, whichever comes first.
    • Safely throw away FLOVENT DISKUS 100 mcg and FLOVENT DISKUS 250 mcg in the trash 2 months after you open the foil pouch or when the counter reads 0, whichever comes first.
    • Keep FLOVENT DISKUS and all medicines out of the reach of children.

  • What are the features of FLOVENT DISKUS?

    • FLOVENT DISKUS is rounded in shape. It also has a counter, so you can see how many doses you have left. The counter number will count down each time you use FLOVENT DISKUS. After you have used 55 doses (23 doses from the sample and institutional packs), the numbers 5 to 0 will show in red to warn you that there are only a few doses left.
    • The DISKUS delivers your dose of medicine as a very fine powder that you may or may not taste or feel. Whether or not you can taste or feel your dose of medicine, do not take an extra dose. If you are not sure you are getting your dose of FLOVENT DISKUS, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

  • How long does it take for FLOVENT DISKUS to start working?

    • After you start using FLOVENT DISKUS, it may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer of twice-daily use until you notice an improvement in your asthma symptoms. You must use FLOVENT DISKUS regularly. If you don’t notice an improvement in your asthma symptoms or if your condition worsens, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. FLOVENT does not relieve sudden breathing problems from asthma. Always have a fast-acting bronchodilator medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms.

  • What are the ingredients in FLOVENT DISKUS?

    Active ingredients: fluticasone propionate

    Inactive ingredient: lactose monohydrate (contains milk proteins)