Flovent is used for the prevention and control of symptoms such as shortness of breath and breath. These symptoms are mainly caused by asthma. This drug from is a steroid that prevents the release of the substances that are responsible for inflammation. Thus, it functions by easing the breathing process. When you are able to control your asthmatic problem, you gain a control over your daily activities. This means that you will not have to miss out on school or office.
This medication, however, does not act if the breathing trouble has already begun. Thus, it is incapable of treating sudden attacks of asthma. This medication has to be regularly if you want it to have the proper effect. Flovent can also be used along with other medications for controlling the symptoms of lung diseases.
Things to Keep in Mind before Using Flovent
You should avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it. In order to make sure that this medication is safe to take or not, you should inform your doctor if you are suffering from:
- Any infection either bacterial or viral;
- Infection caused by parasites;
- Herpes infection in the eyes;
- Liver issues;
- Cataracts or glaucoma;
- Tuberculosis;
- Weak immune function;
- Weak bone mineral density
If you are using this steroid for a long period of time then it can lead to osteoporosis or bone loss problem. The risk becomes even more prominent when you smoke or do not exercise. The risk factor also increases when you have a deficiency of calcium or Vitamin D in your diet. Thus, you need to talk about the risk of incurring osteoporosis with your doctor before taking this medication.
Side Effects of Flovent
A majority of medicines has side effects and this can be mild or severe. When you are concerned about the side of the medicine for treating breathing problem, you need to talk to your doctor. Some of the common side effects of the medicine include:
- Sleeping problems;
- Coughing;
- Sore tongue and mouth;
- Change in voice;
- A headache;
- Increase in infection
The side effects that have been mentioned below happen very rarely but it might become serious if you do not consult your doctor regarding the same.
- Pain in the joint;
- Bone fractures and osteoporosis;
- Changes in behavior like irritability;
- Inability to converse;
- Anxiety;
- Symptoms of infection in the respiratory tract;
- Signs of thrush;
- Swelling of the lips, face, and eyelids;
- Signs of high blood sugar;
- Skin bruising;
- Signs of cataracts or glaucoma
There are some side effects that which will require you to stop taking the medication and call for medical help. These side effects are:
- Hives or skin rash;
- Worsening condition of asthma;
- Some serious allergic reaction
Using Flovent for Treating Breathing Problems
Prior to taking the medicine, you need to read the information leaflet that has been provided by the doctor or the pharmacist. The leaflet will contain information regarding how the inhaler has to be used. If you are using the inhaler for the first time then use the information to set it up. You should also follow this instruction when you have dropped the inhaler or haven’t used it for over a week. When you are priming the inhaler, you should keep it away from your face and spray, so that it doesn’t get into your eyes.
Before using it, shake it well for five minutes. Flovent for treating breathing problem has to be taken by the mouth according to the direction of the doctor. Generally, this medication is applied twice in a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and also the response that you have to the treatment. In case, you feel trouble while using the inhaler, you should talk to the doctor or the pharmacy. You can use a space divider and a face mask when it is to be used by a child, in order to get better results.
After, you have inhaled the medicine for treatment of breathing trouble; you should rinse and gargle. This will help in the prevention of fungal infection in the throat and the mouth. The medicine has to be taken in regular interval to obtain the maximum benefit.
Taking the medication through an inhaler is not enough. You should also keep the inhaler clean. Keep a count of the inhalation that you are using. When you have reached the labeled number of inhalation, make sure that you discard it. The drug takes about two weeks to have full effect. However, if the condition still doesn’t improve then you should talk your doctor. Also, do not forget to ask the doctor which inhalers from Canadian Health and Care can be used every day and which should be used when your breathing condition worsens.