Flixotide Inhaler

What is a Flixotide inhaler?

Flixotide is an inhaler that contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids (these are commonly just known as steroids).

Fluticasone propionate is a potent corticosteroid that is widely used in the successful treatment of Asthma.

Flixotide is known as a sterioid inhaler and is classified as a prescription only medicine.

What is Flixotide Inhaler used to treat?

Flixotide is used to treat the symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is inhaled straight into your lungs, so only a small amount of steroid is required. It helps to prevent asthma attacks in people who suffer them regularly; for this reason, it is often known as a 'preventer' inhaler.

Why is Flixotide recommended for asthma?

Inhaled Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate, help to prevent inflammation and irritation in the airways. Inflammation can cause the surrounding muscles within the airways to constrict, making it more difficult to breathe. Relaxing those muscles opens the airways allowing more air to pass through to the lungs.

Flixotide inhalers should be used daily, even when you do not have any asthma symptoms, as the steroid contained within the inhaler helps your body to build up a natural tolerance to asthma triggers over time.

How does a Flixotide Inhaler work?

The flixotide inhaler works by delivering a measured dosage of fluticasone propionate directly to your lungs when inhaled. There, it is absorbed by the muscles in the airways causing them to relax and prevent asthma symptoms from occurring.

The Flixotide inhaler will not help to treat sudden asthma attacks as it is not fast acting enough to provide instant relief. Your doctor will prescribe you a 'reliever' inhaler, most commonly the blue ventolin reliever inhaler.

Who can use the Flixotide inhaler?

The Flixotide evohaler/accuhaler may not be suitable for everyone to use. You should make sure your doctor is aware if you have any of the following conditions:

• You are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine
• You have ever been treated for tuberculosis
• You are using a Flixotide evohaler/accuhaler at the same time as steroid tablets, or you have just recently finished using steroid tablets.
• You are being treated for any viral or fungal infections

Impaired therapeutic response to corticosteroids has been reported in many smokers that suffer with asthma. As a result, smokers that require asthma treatment may require a higher dose of a corticosteroid. It is highly recommended that asthma sufferers quit smoking. 

Can you buy Flixotide inhalers online?

You can buy flixotide inhalers online from most online pharmacies in the UK. You will be required to complete an online health questionnaire which will enable your condition to be clinically assessed by a doctor to ensure you are receiving the most suitable treatment.

Flixotide dose

Our doctors prescribe Flixotide inhalers in accordance with NICE prescribing guidelines.

Each inhalation of a flixotide inhaler will deliver a measured dose of the active ingredient directly to the lungs when you need it.

The Flixotide inhaler is available in the following doses:

Patients will usually be advised to take 1 or 2 puffs every morning and evening. It is important to continue using your inhaler, even if your breathing feels normal or you haven’t experienced any asthma symptoms in some time. Flixotide will only stop your asthma symptoms if it is used every day.

Flixotide Evohaler

This is what is called a ‘metered dose inhaler’, which means the medicine contained within the inhaler will be released in a fine mist or spray, making it easier to inhale. To use an evohaler, you will need to simultaneously press down on the canister and breathe in the spray at the same time, to ensure that the full dose of the medication is reaching your lungs.

Flixotide evohaler is available to buy in 50mcg, 125mcg and 250mcg doses.

Flixotide Accuhaler (diskus)

This type of inhaler is inhaled as a dry powder with the medication being contained in blisters. To take the medication, you need to slide the lever on the side of the inhaler; this movement opens the blister and releases the medication, making it ready to be directly inhaled.

The flixotide accuhaler comes in a different shape to the evohaler, it is commonly called the flixotide diskus due to its round and flat appearance.

Flixotide accuhaler is available to buy in 50mcg, 100mcg and 250mcg doses.

Flixotide inhaler side effects

As with any medication, Flixotide comes with the risk of side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects

• Oral thrush
• Sore throat or tongue
• Hoarseness in the voice

You can help to prevent adverse effects in your mouth or throat by brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, or gargling with water directly after using your inhaler.

Always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly for a comprehensive list of side effects.

Flixotide Warnings and drug interactions

In particular, when using the Flixotide evohaler/accuhaler, you should tell your doctor if you are currently using:

• Any medicines to treat HIV
• Any other medicines containing steroids, including cream for eczema, other inhalers for asthma, tablets, injections, eye or nose drops
• Any medications to treat fungal infections

For more information on Flixotide Inhaler Drug Interactions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

A flixotide inhaler and inhaled corticosteroids in general, are not though to be dangerous to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with asthma, ensuring that your asthma is adequately managed throughout pregnancy can reduce the risk of a premature birth.

For more information about using inhaled corticosteroids during pregnancy, we recommend visiting the BUMPs website.

Flixotide Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Fluticasone propionate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics