Skip to main content

Flovent Diskus

Generic name: fluticasone inhalationfloo-TIK-a-zone ]
Brand names: Arnuity Ellipta, Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA
Drug class: Inhaled corticosteroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 31, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Flovent Diskus?

Flovent Diskus is a steroid that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children. This medicine is sometimes used together with steroid medicine taken by mouth.

Flovent brands of fluticasone inhalation may be used in children as young as 4 years old. Arnuity Ellipta should not be used in children younger than 5 years old, and ArmonAir should not be used in anyone younger than 12 years old.

Fluticasone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Flovent Diskus side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Flovent Diskus may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Fluticasone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects of Flovent Diskus may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Flovent Diskus is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.

You should not use the inhalation powder if you are allergic to milk proteins.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Flovent Diskus if you are allergic to fluticasone. Do not use the inhalation powder (ArmonAir RespiClick, Arnuity Ellipta or Flovent Diskus) if you are allergic to milk proteins.

Do not use Flovent Diskus to treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether fluticasone will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use Flovent Diskus?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not use the medicine more often than prescribed.

Flovent Diskus is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.

Flovent is a liquid form of fluticasone used with an inhaler device. This device creates a spray that you inhale through your mouth and into your lungs.

Flovent Diskus, ArmonAir, and Arnuity Ellipta are powder forms of fluticasone that come with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs containing measured doses of fluticasone. The device opens and loads a blister of fluticasone each time you use the inhaler.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without help from an adult.

To prevent a yeast infection, rinse your mouth with water (do not swallow) after using this medicine. Pay close attention to your dental hygiene. Fluticasone can cause cavities or tooth discoloration.

Your dose needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or stop using fluticasone without your doctor's advice.

You should not stop using Flovent Diskus suddenly or your asthma could get worse.

If you stop taking any steroid medicine, you may need to stop gradually. Follow your doctor's instructions.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your vision may also need to be checked at regular intervals.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if symptoms get worse. If you use a peak flow meter at home, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and extreme heat or cold.

Store ArmonAir in the foil pouch and use the medicine right away after opening. Discard the empty pouch in a place children and pets cannot reach. Store in a dry place.

Store the powder forms in the unopened foil pouch or tray until ready to use. Throw away any unused medicine when the inhalations counter on your inhaler device shows "0." Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store the Flovent HFA canister with the mouthpiece down. Keep the canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

If you use Arnuity Ellipta, do not use more than 1 inhalation per day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of fluticasone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of an inhaled steroid can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, thinning skin, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Flovent Diskus?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.

What other drugs will affect Flovent Diskus?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect fluticasone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Long-term use or high doses of Flonase (fluticasone) may increase the risk of having side effects such as a serious allergic reaction, hormonal (adrenal gland) disorder, nose sores, a yeast (fungal) infection in your throat or nose, a higher risk of infections, cataracts or glaucoma, weak bones or osteoporosis and delayed growth in children.

Flonase is usually a well-tolerated nasal allergy spray, and most people who use it do not have long-term side effects. Continue reading

Flonase (fluticasone propionate) nasal spray is used once per day in both adults and children to provide 24-hour relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Nasal steroids like Flonase are most effective when used on a regular basis. It may take 3 to 4 days of regular use for the full effect during allergy season. Continue reading

While many people feel effects after the first dose, it may take 3 to 4 days of regular use of Flonase nasal spray for the full effect on allergy symptoms. For this reason, nasal steroids like Flonase are most effective when used on a regular basis for long-term relief. Continue reading

Xhance is a prescription nasal spray used to treat nasal polyps in adults with or without chronic rhinosinusistis. Flonase Allergy Relief is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray for treatment of allergy symptoms in adults and children 4 years and older. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.