Flixotide

Drug name: Flixotide

Other names used:

• Cutivate®
• Flixotide®
• Flonase®
• Flovent®
• Rotadisk®

Active Ingredients: fluticasone propionate

Therapeutic actions: Fluticasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs. When fluticasone is 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.

Indications: Asthma.

Contraindications and cautions: Use with caution in

• Active or inactive tuberculosis infection
• Diabetes

Not to be used in

• Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.
• Flixotide preparations are not licensed for children under four years of age. In addition, the higher strength preparations are not licensed for children under 16 years of age.

Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Yeast infection of the mouth (oral thrush)

• Throat irritation
• Hoarse voice
• Unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm)
• Systemic effects (eg, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decreased bone mineral density, cataract and glaucoma) may occur after taking high doses for prolonged periods - see warning above.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

Interactions: The following medicines may increase the amount of fluticasone that is found in the bloodstream after inhaling the medicine:
- ketoconazole, itraconazole
- protease inhibitors for HIV infection, such as ritonavir.

These medicines can therefore increase your exposure to fluticasone and so increase the risk of side effects on the rest of the body. These are called systemic side effects, for example, decreased production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenal suppression) and Cushing's syndrome.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.