Brand
name:
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone))
Pronounced: SER-ah-vent
Generic name: Salmeterol xinafoate
Other brand name: FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) Diskus
Why is FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) prescribed?
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) relaxes the muscles in the walls
of the bronchial tubes, allowing the passageways to expand and
carry more air. Taken regularly (twice a day), the drug is used
in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A relatively
long-acting medication, it is recommended only for the type of
asthma patient who needs shorter-acting bronchodilators such as
Alupent and Ventolin on a frequent, regular basis.
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) is available in an aerosol inhaler
and as FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) Diskus inhalation powder.
Both forms of FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) can be used with
or without inhaled or oral steroid therapy.
Most important fact about FLUTIVATE (Cutivate,
Fluticasone)
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) is intended only for long-term
prevention of symptoms, and should not be used more than twice
a day. Do not use it to treat acute asthma attacks, and do not
attempt to relieve worsening asthma by increasing the frequency
of your doses. (Your local doctor will prescribe a short-acting
bronchodilator to relieve acute attacks.)
Seriously worsening asthma is a dangerous-even life-threatening-condition
that needs immediate medical attention. Alert your local doctor
if your short-acting bronchodilator is becoming less effective
or you need more inhalations than usual. Also consider it a warning
sign if you need 4 or more inhalations daily for 2 days or more
in a row, or find that you are finishing a 200-dose canister in
less than 8 weeks.
How should you take FLUTIVATE (Cutivate,
Fluticasone)?
Use no more than the prescribed dose and follow package directions
closely. Space your two daily doses approximately 12 hours apart,
in the morning and evening. To be effective, the drug must be used
regularly every day.
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) aerosol inhaler must be shaken
thoroughly before each use. Test-spray the inhaler 4 times before
the first use and whenever 4 weeks have passed since the last use.
Avoid spraying in the eyes.FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) Diskus
should never be used with a spacer. Always activate the Diskus
device in a level, horizontal position. Never exhale into the Diskus
device, and always keep it dry. Do not wash the mouthpiece or any
other part of the device. Never attempt to take the Diskus apart.You
may be able to taste or feel FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone)
delivered by the Diskus. However, whether you can sense the delivery
of a dose or not, never take more inhalations than what your local
doctor prescribes.
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) side
effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your local doctor as soon as possible. Only your
local doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone).
* Side effects may include:
Asthma, back pain, bronchitis, chest congestion, cough, diarrhea, dizziness,
headache, nasal inflammation, pallor, respiratory tract infection,
sinus headache, sinus infection, sinus problems, sore throat, stomachache,
tremor
Why should FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) not be
prescribed?
If FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) gives you an allergic reaction,
you cannot continue using it.
Special warnings about FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) is not for
the treatment of seriously worsening asthma, and should not be started
if your asthma is deteriorating.If you are taking inhaled or oral steroid
medications for your asthma, continue using them along with FLUTIVATE
(Cutivate, Fluticasone). This drug does not replace them.A safety study
found that one of the ingredients in FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone),
salmeterol, may be associated with rare cases of serious asthma attacks
or asthma-related death. If you're concerned, talk with the local doctor
about your options. Do not, however, stop using FLUTIVATE (Cutivate,
Fluticasone) without first consulting your local doctor.Very rarely,
FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) has triggered allergic reactions
in people with severe milk allergy. If you develop an allergic reaction
(throat irritation, choking, hives, face and throat swelling, rash,
and wheezing) after using FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone), call your
local doctor immediately. Likewise, if symptoms of asthma or chronic
lung disease get worse after inhaling FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone),
stop using it, take a short-acting bronchodilator, and check with your
local doctor at once.Although such effects are rare, FLUTIVATE (Cutivate,
Fluticasone) can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Use FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) carefully if you have high blood
pressure, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat. Caution is also
advised if you have a seizure disorder or an overactive thyroid.FLUTIVATE
(Cutivate, Fluticasone) aerosol inhaler can be given to children 12
years of age and older. The Diskus inhalation powder can be given to
children 4 and older.Do not stop FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone)
therapy without a local doctor's guidance. Your symptoms could worsen
without FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone).
Possible food and drug interactions when
taking FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone)
If FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) is taken with certain other
drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased,
or altered. It is especially important to check with your local
doctor before combining FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) with
the following:
Airway-opening medications such as Alupent, Proventil, and Ventolin
Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers, including Inderal,
Lopressor, and Tenormin
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide
(HydroDIURIL)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeedingFLUTIVATE (Cutivate,
Fluticasone) has not been adequately tested in pregnant women and is
recommended only if its benefits clearly outweigh potential risks.
Check with your local doctor immediately if you are pregnant or are
planning a pregnancy. FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone)'s effects during
breastfeeding are also unknown. You and your local doctor should decide
whether to discontinue nursing or give up FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone).
Recommended dosage for FLUTIVATE (Cutivate,
Fluticasone) AEROSOL INHALER
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.*
Symptoms of FLUTIVATE (Cutivate, Fluticasone) overdose may include:
Angina (chest pain), dizziness, dry
mouth, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, headache, heart irregularities,
high or low blood pressure, high blood sugar, insomnia, muscle
cramps, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, seizures, tremor
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Never double your dose.
Storage instructions...
