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Flixotide

Also called fluticasone inhaler and accuhaler

Key points about fluticasone inhaler and Accuhaler®

Fluticasone is used to prevent asthma.
It belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids.
Fluticasone inhalers are available in different strengths and devices, a metered dose inhaler (MDI or puffer) or Accuhaler® (a dry powder inhaler).
It's commonly known as Flixotide®.
Find out how to use it safely and possible side effects.

HN 0891 mother and young son receiving counselling from pharmacist

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Flixotide® is used to prevent asthma. It's also called a preventer because when it's used every day it prevents asthma attacks. Flixotide works by preventing the swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs. It belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Flixotide inhalers are available in different strengths and devices; either a metered dose inhaler (MDI or puffer) or an Accuhaler® (a dry powder inhaler).

Using an inhaler device enables the medicine to go straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but very little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body.

Both the MDI and Accuhaler are effective. The choice of device is personal preference. Read more about the different inhaler devices and deciding on the right inhaler for you.

Flixotide does not give immediate relief from an asthma attack

If you need quick relief from asthma symptoms or breathing problems, use your ‘reliever’ medicine such as salbutamol or terbutaline.

The usual dose is 1 or 2 puffs inhaled twice a day. However, the dose of Flixotide will be different for different people depending on the severity of your symptoms and the strength of your inhaler or accuhaler.

Flixotide inhalers are available in different strengths. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what strength you are taking. If your inhaler looks different to what you were expecting, ask your pharmacist.
Always use your Flixotide exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to take it and any special instructions.
Keep using your Flixotide every day. Don't stop using Flixotide, even if you feel better. Since asthma is a long-term condition, prevention with Flixotide is ongoing and it will need to be used every day.
Try to use Flixotide at the same time each day, to help you to remember to use it regularly.
If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take your next dose at the right time.
Flixotide can cause a sore throat and hoarse voice – rinse your mouth after each use to prevent this.

You'll get the most benefit from your inhaler if you use the correct technique. Ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use an MDI. Even if you have been shown before, ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use an inhaler if you still have any questions.

The diagram below provides some guidance on how to use a MDI device. The MDI is the name of the device used to deliver the medicine to your lungs and airways. There are different names for each MDI depending on the medicines inside the device.

Your MDI may be a different colour to the one in the diagram below. It's important to know the name and colour of your MDI, eg, Flixotide®, Ventolin® etc. Read more about understanding your medicines.

How to use your MDI (puffer)
	Take off the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
	Shake the inhaler to mix the medication.
	Sit upright, tilt your head back slightly (as if you are sniffing) and breathe out gently.
	Hold the device upright, insert the inhaler into your mouth, ensuring that your lips firmly seal the mouthpiece. At the beginning of a slow, deep breath, breathe in through the mouthpiece as you press the inhaler to release 1 dose or 'puff'.
	Breathe in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. Breathe out gently through your nose.

Note: if your inhaler is new, or you haven't used it in a while, it may need to be primed by spraying 2 puffs into the air (called priming your MDI). Learn more about metered dose inhalers

Using a spacer with your MDI

A spacer is an attachment to use with your MDI. Using a spacer with your MDI makes it easier to use the inhaler and helps to get the medicine into your lungs, where it’s needed (with less medicine ending up in your mouth and throat). Spacers improve how well your medicine works. Read more about spacers.

To get the most benefit, it's important to use the correct technique. Ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use an Accuhaler.

The video below provides some guidance on how to use an Accuhaler device. The Accuhaler is the name of the device used to deliver the medicine to your lungs and airways. There are different names for each Accuhaler depending on the medicines inside the device.

Your Accuhaler may be a different colour to the one in the video below. It's important to know the name and colour of your accuhaler, eg, Flixotide®, Seretide® or Serevent®. Read more about understanding your medicines.

Video: How to use an Accuhaler inhaler

(NHS UK, 2016)

Using an Accuhaler device

Open: Hold the Accuhaler in one hand, and with the thumb of the other hand push the thumb grip away from you until you hear a click. This reveals the mouth piece.
Load the dose: Hold the inhaler in a horizontal position. Slide the lever away from you until you hear a click.
Breath out: Breathe out, away from the Accuhaler. Do not blow directly into your device.
Inhale your dose: Place the mouth piece in your mouth and form a seal with your lips. Breathe in deeply and forcefully through your mouth. Remove the accuhaler and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. If you need another dose, wait for 30 seconds and then repeat the process.
Close: Close the inhaler by sliding the thumb grip towards you.

Cleaning and storing an Accuhaler: Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue. Don't wash the mouthpiece or allow it to get wet when cleaning. Close the device when not in use.

When to start a new Accuhaler: There's a window on the side of the Accuhaler called a dose counter. When it turns red it's time to get a new Accuhaler.

Like all medicines, Flixotide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Change in voice (hoarse voice) Different taste in your mouth Dry mouth or throat Cough	These are quite common when you're taking Flixotide. Rinse your mouth after each use. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Signs of oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth) such as a very sore tongue, throat or mouth, with white sores on the tongue, or in the mouth.	Tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Restless, feeling nervous, having mood changes and problems sleeping.	Tell your doctor or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Blurred vision or changes to your eyesight.	Tell your doctor or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.