Flixotide inhaler

Flixotide is a preventer inhaler that helps manage symptoms of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

By reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways, it provides long-term relief from breathing problems.

While it won’t treat sudden breathing problems like asthma attacks, daily use of Flixotide makes you less sensitive to triggers and prevents breathing problems from happening in the first place.

This allows you better control of your condition, giving you confidence in your day-to-day activities.

What is the difference between a preventer and a reliever inhaler?

While preventer inhalers give you better control over your condition and reduce the occurrence of attacks, sudden breathing problems still happen from time to time.

When they do, reliever inhalers like Ventolin give you fast relief from symptoms. They are also known as “rescue” inhalers since they quickly open your airways in an emergency.

Preventer inhalers are not suitable for emergency use, and reliever inhalers are not suitable for managing your condition long-term.

Because of this, most people suffering from asthma or COPD have both a reliever inhaler and a preventer inhaler to manage their condition best.

Flixotide works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways. When used daily as a long-term treatment, it makes it easier to breathe.

The active ingredient in Flixotide, fluticasone propionate, is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines commonly used to treat symptoms of asthma and COPD.

They work by targeting the immune system and suppressing it. This stops your body from overreacting to triggers like dust or pollen, reducing symptoms of your condition.

How Flixotide works

Environmental triggers cause your condition to worsen, affecting your breathing

Daily Flixotide use begins to reduce inflammation in the airways

Over time, this allows you to manage your condition better and makes breathing easier

Your immune system better responds to triggers, giving you confidence in day-to-day activities

There are many benefits to using a Flixotide inhaler for your condition:

• Reduces inflammation in the airways to improve breathing
• Prevents asthma attacks when used regularly
• Improves lung function over time
• Treats symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing
• Can be used in combination with a reliever inhaler
• Makes you less reactive to environmental triggers (e.g. dust, air pollution)
• Provides long-term control of symptoms

Flixotide, with the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, is clinically proven to be highly effective for resting asthma symptoms.

In a clinical trial involving 640 patients, those taking Flixotide saw significant improvements in their breathing compared to the placebo group.

This trial measured lung function using FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second). This measures how much air someone can breathe out in 1 second. It is measured in litres, and higher values indicate good lung function.

Those taking 50 mcg and 100 mcg doses were found to have significantly improved FEV1 rates (0.172, and 1.204, respectively). Those taking a placebo saw far less benefit to their breathing, with an FEV1 improvement of only 0.053.

Flixotide also improved morning breathing, which is when asthma symptoms can be felt more strongly. This means you can start your day with easier breathing and a lower chance of asthma attacks throughout.

Who can take it?

Flixotide is usually prescribed to adults and children over 4 who suffer from asthma or COPD.

euroClinix only prescribes Flixotide to those over 18 who suffer from these conditions.

You need to have previously obtained a prescription from your GP or other healthcare provider in order for it to be prescribed again.

Who cannot take it?

There are certain circumstances where taking Flixotide could pose a danger to your health. Consult your doctor if:

• You are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any other ingredient found in Flixotide
• You have ever been treated for tuberculosis (TB)
• You are currently taking steroid tablets, or have just finished taking them

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. Our doctor will evaluate whether Flixotide is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

One of our doctors will decide what dosage to prescribe depending on your individual needs.

The average recommended dosages can be seen below:

*Pay attention to the strength of your inhaler, as Flixotide is available in multiple dosage strengths. euroClinix only offers inhalers up to 250 mcg.

Your dosage schedule may look different to this. Always follow the advice of our trusted doctors when using your inhaler.

The maximum dosage for adults is 1,000 mcg twice a day.

Flixotide inhalers come in two forms:

• Evohaler (pressurised metered dose inhaler)
• Accuhaler (dry powder inhaler)

The Evohaler utilises a propellant to deliver the medicine as an aerosol, whereas the Accuhaler releases the medicine as a dry powder when you breathe in. What these look like and how to use each one can be seen below.

Components

Flixotide Evohaler

Flixotide Accuhaler

When do I take it?

Flixotide is a preventative treatment, meaning it needs to be taken daily to effectively reduce symptoms of asthma or COPD.

Since most people are prescribed to use their inhaler twice a day, the most common times used are in the morning after you wake up and in the evening before you go to bed.

How long should I take it for?

Flixotide needs to be taken long-term for it to be most effective.

The medicine has been found to be safe and effective when used long-term. However, if you begin to notice side effects associated with long-term use, or the medication doesn’t work as well as it used to, consult your doctor for advice.

Administering your dose

How you use your inhaler depends on which one you have.

Evohaler

Before using your evohaler for the first time, you must test that it works properly.

To do this, remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times. Then, point the mouthpiece away from you and press the canister down to release two puffs into the air. If you see a fine mist release from the mouthpiece, your inhaler works properly.

Now, follow these steps to use your Evohaler.

	Prepare your dose Remove the mouthpiece cover Shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times This will ensure the medicine is evenly mixed.
	Steady your breathing Hold your inhaler upright with your thumb on the base Breathe out as far as is comfortable Do not breathe in again yet.
	Place the inhaler in your mouth Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it Do not bite down on the inhaler
	Administer the dose Breathe in through your mouth Just after starting to breathe in, press down on the top of the inhaler to release a puff of medicine. Time your breathing with your inhaler to inhale the medicine correctly
	Hold your breath before breathing out Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth Hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can before breathing out
	After your dose Place the cover back on the inhaler to keep dust out Place the inhaler back in the packaging

If your doctor has told you to take two puffs, wait 30 seconds before repeating these steps.

If you are on higher doses of this medication (above 1,000 mcg daily), you should take your medicine via a spacer device to reduce side effects in the mouth and throat.

A spacer device is a chamber which attaches to your inhaler, allowing the medicine to be held before being administered to your lungs. Once inside the spacer, the medicine is safely held for you to breathe in whenever you are ready. One of our doctors can tell you more about this if you think you may need one.

Accuhaler

You do not have to test your accuhaler before use. You will know it works properly when you load your dose and see the dose counter go down by 1.

	Prepare your inhaler Open the cover by placing your thumb on the grip Slide it until you hear a click
	Prepare your dose The mouthpiece will now be visible, and you will also see a lever next to it Push this lever away from you until it stops to load the dose If done correctly, the number on the dose counter will go down by 1
	Steady your breathing Breathe out as much as possible Put the mouthpiece to your lips
	Administer the dose Breathe in steadily through your mouth to administer the dry powder Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for about 10 seconds
	Breathe out Exhale slowly Breathe again as normal
	After your dose Slide the thumb grip back towards you until you hear a click This will reset the lever and prepare your inhaler for its next use

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to use your inhaler, follow the instructions below:

• Forget the missed dose
• Take the next dose at the usual time
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

Since Flixotide is a maintenance treatment, it will likely take several days or even weeks before you start to feel the full effects.

With that being said, some people experience improvement in their symptoms within 24-48 hours after starting treatment.

Once you have used it for a few months, you should experience significant improvements in:

• Frequency and severity of asthma attacks
• Deep breathing
• Control of wheezing
• Coughing
• Overall lung function

While Flixotide can manage your condition effectively on its own, certain lifestyle adjustments can help treat symptoms further. Consider the following lifestyle changes while using Flixotide:

1. Quit smoking

Smoking can irritate your airways and harm your lungs. If you smoke, consider quitting to improve lung function and reduce asthma symptoms.

2. Follow a balanced diet

A healthy diet consisting of anti-inflammatory foods can help treat symptoms of asthma and COPD. Try including more leafy greens, fruits, and fatty fish in your diet.

3. Stay active

Regular physical activity can improve lung function, making your condition more manageable. If exercise is a trigger for you, engage in low-intensity exercises like walking or light yoga.

4. Be mindful of triggers

Asthma is an overactive immune response to certain environmental triggers. If you know what these are, make an effort to avoid them or prepare yourself adequately.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. Adopting this diet may help you to manage symptoms of inflammatory medical conditions.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

While generally well tolerated, Flixotide (fluticasone propionate) can produce some unwanted side effects. Fluticasone side effects are usually mild and should go away soon. If they persist, consult one of our doctors for advice.

*Pneumonia and bronchitis are serious if untreated. If you experience side effects like this that are severe or don’t go away, seek immediate medical attention.

For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet sent with your order.

Flixotide Accuhaler

Flixotide Evohaler

The most common side effects of inhaler use are located in the mouth and throat. If you experience this, brush your teeth, or rinse your mouth with water after using your inhaler.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Some medications may be unsafe to use alongside Flixotide. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following:

Medicines that increase corticosteroid levels

• Ritonavir (HIV medication)
• Ketoconazole (antifungal)
• Itraconazole (antifungal)

Medicines that reduce the effectiveness of Flixotide

• Beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol, atenolol)

Medicines that increase the risk of side effects

• Blood pressure medicines (e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
• Other corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, hydrocortisone)

How you store your inhaler depends on which type of inhaler you use. Find instructions for both the evohaler and accuhaler below.

Storage instructions

Accuhaler

• Store below 30°C
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date

Evohaler

The instructions for the evohaler are the same as the accuhaler. However, there are a few more things to keep in mind:

• Do not expose the metal canister to temperatures above 50°C
• If the canister gets cold, take it out of the plastic case and warm it up with your hands before use
• Do not puncture, break or burn the inhaler. Even when it is empty

Safe disposal

Expired Flixotide must be disposed of correctly for the sake of the environment. Even if they are empty, used inhalers pose a threat to the environment if disposed of in a landfill. This is because residual gas left in the canisters can be released into the atmosphere.

Take your expired or empty medicine to your pharmacist for safe and environmentally friendly disposal.

No, Flixotide can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. This means you cannot buy inhalers over the counter.

Prescriptions are necessary because they:

• Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
• Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
• Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.

Ordering Flixotide online through euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps to order an inhaler online now:

1. Start your confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.
2. A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
3. If approved, the doctor will write a prescription.
4. Your medication will be dispensed in discreet packaging from a licensed UK pharmacy, with next-day delivery and tracking information provided.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with relevant regulatory standards and encrypted transactions.

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely, and you can be sure to receive a trusted, professional, and supportive service to treat your asthma or COPD.

The price of Flixotide at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

Some alternatives to Flixotide may be more suitable for you. Here is a helpful table listing the different inhalers that are used for the same purpose as Flixotide.

These examples are all used for the same reason as Flixotide, and so should not be used for fast-acting relief. For this, a rescue inhaler like Ventolin may be a more suitable option.