Flixotide Evohaler (fluticasone) is a maintenance inhaler containing a corticosteroid. The steroid is applied directly to the lungs, reducing the inflammation associated with asthma and similar lung ailments. Side effects are still a risk, but are rare and typically very mild, especially when compared steroid tablets.

Again Flixotide Evohaler is a maintenance inhaler; it is not a rescue inhaler, and it is not meant to replace a rescue inhaler. Patients who utilize rescue inhalers should continue to keep them on-hand and use them when needed. Used daily---regardless of symptoms---Flixotide Evohaler should reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, reducing the need for rescue inhalers, but will not eliminate their usefulness entirely.

This product is suitable for patients age 4 and up, though patients age 4 to 16 typically require smaller doses than those age 17 and up.

Managing Asthma with Flixotide Evohaler

Flixotide Evohaler is most commonly prescribed to patients who have asthma. It can be used in mild to severe cases. It is available in three dosage strengths:

• 50 mcg
• 125 mcg
• 250 mcg

Each strength describes how much medication is administered in each puff; one puff of a 50 mcg inhaler administers 50 mcg of fluticasone, two puffs of a 50 mcg inhaler administers 100 mcg of fluticasone, and so forth.

The ideal dosage strength depends on both age and severity of asthma. Patients age 4 to 16 are nearly always started on 50 mcg inhalers, while adults with mild to moderate asthma are started on 125 mcg, and those with moderate to severe asthma are started on 250 mcg.

Patients age 17 and up:

• Typically start with 125 mcg to 250 mcg inhalers, depending on asthma severity.
• If in doubt, start with 125 mcg. It can always be increased if needed.
• The medication is usually taken twice per day, morning and evening.
• Inhalers should be shaken before use.
• If taking more than one puff at a time, wait at least 30 seconds between puffs.
• Rinse the mouth with water after each dose to prevent infection.
• Do not exceed 1000 mcg in a single dose or 2000 mcg per day.

Patients age 4 to 16:

• Typically start with a 50 mcg inhaler.
• The medication is usually taken twice per day, morning and evening.
• The inhaler should be shaken before use.
• Rinse the mouth with water after each dose to prevent infection.
• Do not exceed 200 mcg in a single dose or 400 mcg per day.

The evohaler included with each Flixotide Evohaler purchase is used like any other standard inhaler; remove the mouthpiece cover, shake the inhaler, and administer a puff. Detailed instructions are included with each product for those unfamiliar with inhalers.

Daily use should continue regardless of how good one feels, or the presence or absence of symptoms. The only exception here is if asthma worsens after use, in which case treatment should stop until speaking with a doctor. It is rare, though, that asthma is worsened; effects typically range from neutral at worst to highly beneficial at best. It will take several days of regular use before improvements start to be seen, and maximum benefit may take two to three weeks.

A small percentage of patients notice no significant improvement from inhaled steroids. It is unclear why these patients differ from those who do benefit from inhaled steroids, and, assuming there are no negative symptoms from Flixotide Evohaler use, patients are typically encouraged to take the medication for three to six months before concluding it simply doesn't work.

Other Uses

Flixotide Evohaler is sometimes used, usually off-label, to treat similar conditions, such as COPD or seasonal allergies that impact the lungs. In no case does it replace a rescue inhaler. As there are no widely-accepted dosage & administration guidelines for using this product to treat off-label conditions, patients are encouraged to seek out a doctor or organization familiar with using Flixotide Evohaler for a given ailment.

Precautions

Some individuals may not be good candidates for Flixotide Evohaler; speak with a doctor if there is a history of:

• Systemic infection, such as tuberculosis
• Cataracts, glaucoma, or eye infections
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)
• Liver impairment

Any steroid use in children may cause permanent side effects, though this is more likely to occur if high doses of steroids are given over the long term. Regardless, parents of a child using Flixotide Evohaler are strongly advised to have the child seen by a physician at regular intervals.

In all ages long-term steroid use can reduce the body's ability to respond to stress. Again this is usually only an issue if using very high doses over the long term, but it is a small risk among other patients as well. Notify all doctors and dentists that Flixotide Evohaler is being used prior to surgery or emergency treatment. Carrying some sort of medical ID stating the medication is being taken is also a good idea.

As steroids inhibit the immune system's response, patients using Flixotide Evohaler are a bit more susceptible to infection, particularly lung infection. Care should be taken to avoid scenarios where acquiring an infection is likely, and if an infection is suspected a doctor should be seen so it can be addressed quickly. In the majority of cases an infection caught early is easily treated.