How to use Flovent Diskus

Aug 30, 2023

If you are 1 of the 26.5 million Americans that have asthma, chances are you have been prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid such as Flovent Diskus (fluticasone propionate). They are typically used to help control and prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Flovent Diskus is a dry powder inhaler that is different from an aerosol metered-dose inhaler like Flovent HFA. Instead of using a propellant to disperse the medication, Flovent Diskus relies on your ability to inhale the powder to get the medicine to your lungs. Also, you should not use a spacer with a Flovent Diskus inhaler as you sometimes do with an HFA inhaler.

There are specific instructions on how to properly use your Flovent Diskus inhalation device. You should not use this medication until your healthcare provider has shown you how to use it correctly.

Before you start using your inhaler

Remove the Flovent Diskus inhaler from the foil pouch only when you are ready to use it. Your Flovent Diskus device should be closed. Write the date you open the pouch on the first blank line. Then write the “use by” date on the second line. If you are using the 50 mcg inhaler, the date will be 6 weeks after you opened the pouch. If it is the 100 mcg or 250 mcg inhaler, the date will be 2 months after you opened it. The inhaler should be thrown away after this date, or after every medication blister has been used (when the dose counter reads "0"), whichever comes first.

Using your inhaler

Open your inhaler. Hold it in your left hand and place your right-hand thumb on the thumb grip. Then push the thumb grip in the opposite direction until you see the mouthpiece and it snaps into place.
Slide the lever until it clicks. Be sure the inhaler is in a level and flat position with the mouthpiece facing you. Then slide the lever away from the mouthpiece until it clicks. The number on the dose counter will go down by 1 and the inhaler is now ready to use.
Before you begin breathing in the medication, breathe out for as long as you can. Don’t breathe into the mouthpiece. Put your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth. Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for around 10 seconds, or for as long as possible. Then slowly breathe out for as long as is comfortable. You may not feel or taste the medication after inhaling it. Don’t take an extra dose if this happens.
Close the inhaler by placing your thumb back in the thumb grip and sliding it towards you until it clicks and you can’t see the mouthpiece. If your doctor has prescribed you more than 1 inhalation per dose, repeat Steps 1 through 4.
Rinse your mouth out with water after each dose without swallowing the water. When it is time for your next dose, repeat steps 1 through 5.

Flovent Diskus FAQs

What is Flovent Diskus?

Flovent Diskus (fluticasone propionate) is an inhaled steroid that is used to control and prevent asthma symptoms. When used daily, this maintenance inhaler should decrease the number and severity of your asthma attacks.

How does Flovent Diskus work?

Fluticasone propionate, the active ingredient in Flovent Diskus, is a corticosteroid. When it is inhaled into your lungs, it helps reduce inflammation and swelling in your airways. This helps you breathe easier and relieves symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

What are the side effects of Flovent Diskus?

The most common side effects of Flovent Diskus include:

Upper respiratory tract infection
Throat irritation
Sinusitis/sinus infection
Rhinitis (sneezing, itchiness, and a blocked or runny nose)
Oral thrush (fungal infection in your mouth)
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Cough
Bronchitis
Headache

Rarely, Flovent Diskus may cause serious side effects such as:

Serious allergic reactions including life-threatening anaphylaxis (hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing)
Severe bronchospasm (trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest discomfort)
Stress hormone level changes
Delayed growth in children
Eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma
Possible worsening of infections (tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, and ocular herpes simplex)

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flovent Diskus. You should always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. You should also read all the patient and prescribing information, including your Medication Guide that comes with Flovent Diskus. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What warnings and precautions are there with Flovent Diskus?

You should not take Flovent Diskus if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the inactive ingredients in this product including milk proteins.

You should be sure your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions as you may need increased monitoring during treatment. This includes:

Liver problems
Osteoporosis
Weakened immune system
Glaucoma, cataracts, or other vision changes
Active infection
Are exposed to chickenpox or measles
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant as it’s not known if this medication may harm your unborn baby
Are breastfeeding as it’s not known if the medicine passes into your breast milk or if it can harm your baby

What drug interactions are there with Flovent Diskus?

When Flovent Diskus is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the risk of side effects. Some drug interactions with Flovent Diskus may include:

Strong cytochrome CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir and ketoconazole (not recommended to be used with Flovent Diskus)

What if I forget to use Flovent Diskus?

Do not stop using your inhaler, even if you are not having symptoms unless your healthcare provider instructs you to. If you miss a dose of Flovent Diskus, skip the dose. You can then take your next dose at its regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

What is the maximum dosage of Flovent Diskus?

Your starting dosage of Flovent Diskus will be based on previous asthma treatment and how severe your symptoms are. For the treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older, the dose is 100 mcg twice a day up to a maximum dose of 1,000 mcg twice a day. For patients 4 to 11 years of age, the dose is 50 mcg twice a day up to a maximum dose of 100 mcg twice a day.

Why do you have to rinse your mouth with Flovent Diskus?

It is very important to rinse your mouth out every time after using an inhaled corticosteroid like Flovent Diskus. Rinsing will help prevent inflammation and irritation in your mouth that can be caused by the steroid. It will also help stop you from developing thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection that can occur with the use of inhaled steroids.

What is the best way to store Flovent Diskus?

Flovent Diskus should be stored in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep your inhaler at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Short periods are allowed in temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

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