Floair (Fluticasone Propionate 250mcg) Inhaler

Floair general information

What is Floair used for?

Floair Inhaler 250mcg is an inhaled medication used for long-term treatment and prevention of mild, moderate or severe asthma in adults or children.  Floair Inhaler 250mcg is used for management of chronic asthma to prevent of exacerbations of asthma and is known as a “preventer” asthma medication used regularly as part of an asthma management plan, which may also include a “reliever” or “rescue” medication, for use when needed.  Floair Inhaler 250mcg controls underlying inflammation of the airways and reduces sensitivity to allergens or irritants in the air, improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma, including, wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  Floair Inhaler 250mcg should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms, for which a fast-acting bronchodilator is needed to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm.

How does Floair work?

Floair Inhaler 250mcg contains fluticasone propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid with potent antiinflammatory activity.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction bronchiole wall.  Fluticasone in Floair Inhaler 250mcg works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air, to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  Fluticasone in Floair Inhaler 250mcg does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack and needs a “reliever” medication to open the airways.  

What does Floair contain?

Floair Inhaler 250mcg contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid with potent antiinflammatory activity used to treat asthma.  It also contains the non-CFC propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 250mcg fluticasone as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler.  Each inhaler contains at least 120 actuations.  It also contains ethanol and soy lecithin.

Treating asthma with Floair

Floair inhaler 250mcg contains the inhaled medication fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication that is used for long-term treatment and prevention of mild, moderate or severe asthma.  Floair inhaler 250mcg is used for management of chronic asthma to prevent of exacerbations of asthma and is known as a “preventer” asthma medication used regularly as part of an asthma management plan, which may also include a “reliever” or “rescue” medication, for use when needed.  Fluticasone in Floair Inhaler 250mcg works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction bronchiole wall to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways.  Fluticasone in Floair Inhaler 250mcg helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  Fluticasone in Floair Inhaler 250mcg does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack and needs a fast acting bronchodilator or “reliever” medication to open the airways 

Should you take Floair with other asthma inhalers?

Floair inhaler 250mcg is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function.  Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways).  Both are intended to be taken together, only if recommended by your doctor.  You may also be prescribed a short-acting bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm during an asthma attack, to be used as needed.  

What are the side effects of Floair?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Floair inhaler 250mcg include sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).

When should Floair not be used?

You should not use Floair inhaler 250mcg if you:

• are allergic to fluticasone or any ingredients in Floair
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the fluticasone in Floair inhaler may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• are taking medicines that interact with Floair inhaler like ritonavir for HIV infection, and the antifungal drug ketoconazole

What are the health risks of Floair?

Long term use of Floair inhaler 250mcg may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Floair inhaler may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

All inhaled asthma medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you should inform your doctor and take their advice.

How should Floair be taken?

The dose of Floair inhaler 250mcg you use (how many puffs or inhalations) and how often take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening.  Floair inhaler does not work immediately, but is intended as a long-term medication which may take up to a week to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  You should continue to take your Floair inhaler 250mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Floair inhaler, even if you feel better. 

How to use your Floair inhaler

Follow the instruction provided with your Floair inhaler

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth. 
3. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of fluticasone while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full and then hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally. 
5. Replace the mouthpiece cover. 

Note:  You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly. 

How many puffs to take from your Floair inhaler?

How many puffs (inhalations) you take from your Floair inhaler and how often should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening.  Floair inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, which delivers exactly one dose per actuation (inhalation).

How long should you take Floair?

You should continue to take your Floair inhaler 250mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor which may be long term, and you should not stop taking your Floair inhaler, even if you feel better. 

Missed dose of Floair

If you miss a dose of Floair inhaler 250mcg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Floair be stored?

You should store your Floair inhaler 250mcg below 25°C in a cool dry place.  Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight.  Always replace the mouthpiece cover when you are not using your inhaler.