What is Flovent?

Flovent (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication prescribed for the long-term prevention and control of asthma symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults aged 4 years and older.

Unlike short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol which provide quick relief for acute asthma attacks, Flovent is taken daily on a regular schedule to manage asthma long-term by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways. It helps prevent asthma symptoms from occurring in the first place and reduces the frequency and severity of asthma episodes over time.

Flovent is not meant to treat sudden asthma attacks and does not replace a quick-relief inhaler. However, when taken regularly as prescribed, Flovent can help keep asthma under control and minimize the need for emergency treatment and hospitalizations. Taking Flovent daily helps improve overall asthma control, lung function, and quality of life.

How Flovent Works 

Flovent contains the active drug fluticasone propionate, which belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids. When inhaled directly into the lungs, fluticasone works by reducing inflammation in the airways.

Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. During an asthma attack, the airways become swollen and inflamed, causing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Flovent helps prevent asthma attacks by reducing this inflammation in the lungs.

Benefits of Flovent

Flovent provides long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways to prevent narrowing and make breathing easier.

Unlike fast-acting rescue inhalers which give temporary relief, Flovent is taken every day to keep asthma under control and prevent asthma attacks before they start. It does not provide instant relief for acute asthma attacks.

Some of the key benefits of daily Flovent use include:

• Prevents asthma attacks by reducing airway inflammation over time. With regular use, Flovent decreases swelling in the airways and prevents excessive narrowing in response to triggers.
• Reduces need for quick-relief inhalers. Patients require fewer doses of short-acting inhalers when taking Flovent as prescribed.
• Improves lung function. Flovent has been shown to significantly increase FEV1 (forced expiratory volume), allowing patients to breathe easier.
• Improves quality of life. With better control over asthma, patients report improved ability to exercise and participate in activities without interruption from symptoms.

The preventive anti-inflammatory effects of Flovent allow for better long-term asthma control when taken regularly as prescribed by a doctor. Consistent use helps reduce the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks.

Who Should Use Flovent?

Flovent is approved for long-term use in people aged 4 years and older who have persistent asthma. Persistent asthma is asthma that requires regular treatment to keep symptoms under control and prevent asthma attacks.

Flovent is not intended for immediate relief of asthma symptoms or sudden asthma attacks. It is a preventive maintenance medication that needs to be taken daily on a regular schedule, even when you are feeling well. By taking Flovent every day, it can help prevent asthma flare-ups and keep asthma under control.

Flovent is specifically indicated for those who have asthma that is not sufficiently controlled on other medications. It is often prescribed when inhaled short-acting bronchodilators or low doses of inhaled corticosteroids are not providing adequate asthma control.

How to Use Flovent

Flovent comes in three different inhaler devices - a metered dose inhaler (MDI), a diskus, and an HFA formulation.

The MDI uses a pressurized canister to deliver the medication. To use the MDI, first remove the cap and shake the inhaler well. Breathe out fully and then put the mouthpiece in your mouth, sealing your lips around it. As you start to breathe in slowly through your mouth, press down firmly on the canister to release the medication. To enable the drug to go deeply into your lungs, hold your breath for around ten seconds.

The diskus device contains foil blisters with pre-measured doses of Flovent. To use, slide the lever to puncture a blister. Hold the diskus in a level, flat position and breathe out fully. Put the mouthpiece to your lips and breathe in quickly and deeply. Take the diskus out of your mouth and inhale deeply for ten seconds. Close the device and rinse your mouth after use.

The HFA formulation uses hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) as the propellant. The steps for using the HFA inhaler are similar to the MDI. Shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, then spray the medication into your mouth as you breathe in slowly. Breathe out after ten seconds of holding your breath. Flovent is available in online pharmacy to talk with sanfordpharmacy.com three strengths: 44 mcg, 110 mcg, and 220 mcg. The dosage prescribed by your doctor will depend on your age and the severity of your asthma:For children aged 4-11 years old, the usual starting dosage is 50 mcg (1 inhalation of the 44 mcg inhaler) twice daily.