Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
About Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is a prescription inhalation medicine used to manage and prevent symptoms of long-term lung conditions, specifically asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is designed to help control daily breathing difficulties, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, by keeping the airways open over time. It is intended for regular daily use and is not designed to replace a fast-acting rescue inhaler during a sudden breathing crisis.
To get the most benefit, you must use Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol consistently every single day, even when you feel completely fine and have no active breathing symptoms. Because this is an inhaled medication, it can be taken with or without food, but you must always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out afterward to prevent oral infections. Making simple lifestyle adjustments, such as staying well-hydrated and avoiding known respiratory triggers, can also greatly improve your overall treatment results.
Some people using Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol may experience mild side effects like a sore throat, runny nose, or a mild headache. However, if you experience more serious issues, such as painful white patches in your mouth, vision changes, or sudden and severe breathing tightness right after taking a dose, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Before starting this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, seizures, or weak bones. Do not take this medicine if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins or if you are currently experiencing an untreated, severe bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
This medicine can interact with certain other treatments, such as specific blood pressure medications and strong antifungal drugs, which can alter how the medicine works or increase the risk of side effects. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or over the age of 65, you should consult your doctor to ensure this treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
Uses of Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
Medicinal Benefits
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol helps keep the airways open for long-lasting relief from breathing difficulties. With regular use, it improves airflow, supports daily physical activity, and helps reduce flare-ups of chronic respiratory conditions.
- Provides All-Day Breathing Support: A single daily dose delivers continuous 24-hour relief, helping you breathe more comfortably during both the day and night.
- Improves Daily Activity: By keeping the airways open, Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol helps reduce shortness of breath during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and other routine tasks.
- Helps Reduce Flare-Ups: Regular use helps lower the risk of sudden worsening of respiratory symptoms, supporting better long-term control, fewer emergency visits, and a more stable daily routine.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and duration of treatment.
- Check the label for directions and use it as advised by the doctor. Inhale Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol by placing the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth and breathing in deeply.
- After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water and spit out.
Storage
Side Effects of Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Headache
- Sore throat and runny nose
- Thrush (a fungal infection causing white patches in the mouth)
- Hoarseness or a raspy voice
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Sudden, severe wheezing or trouble breathing right after inhalation
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Chest pain, a fast heart rate, or a pounding heartbeat
- Fever, chills, or increased mucus production (especially in COPD patients, as this may point to a lung infection)
- Vision changes, such as blurred vision or eye pain
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after every inhalation to prevent thrush (oral yeast infection).
- Never use Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol as a rescue medicine for sudden shortness of breath; always keep a separate, fast-acting quick-relief inhaler with you at all times.
- Keep the inhaler cover closed until you are ready to take your dose; opening and closing the cover without inhaling will waste a dose.
- Write down the date you peeled open the foil tray on the device's label to track when you should discard it (usually 6 weeks after opening).
- Never wash or wet any part of the inhaler device; if you need to clean the mouthpiece, wipe it gently with a clean, dry tissue.
Drug Interactions
- Beta-blockers: Blood pressure or heart medications (like metoprolol or propranolol) can block the airway-opening effects of Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol, potentially causing severe, sudden breathing difficulty.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Antifungal medications (such as ketoconazole) and certain HIV antiviral treatments can slow down how your body processes Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol, leading to higher medicine levels and an increased risk of side effects.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol will interact with alcohol. It is advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
cautionLimited data is available on the effect of Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol in pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol passes through breastmilk or not. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
not applicableFluticasone Furoate+vilanterol usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionUse Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine.
Kidney
cautionUse Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine.
Children
unsafeFluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Identify and avoid personal environmental triggers, such as tobacco smoke, cold air, heavy air pollution, dust mites, and strong chemical fumes.
- Quit smoking and avoid environments with secondhand smoke, as tobacco smoke directly damages airway walls and reduces the effectiveness of your lung medications.
- Practise pursed-lip breathing or other respiratory exercises recommended by your doctor to help improve lung capacity and ease shortness of breath.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water, which helps to keep the mucus in your airways thin and easier to clear.
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods to support overall lung and immune health.
Special Advise
- Frequent blood tests may be required during treatment with Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol to check for blood sugar levels and potassium levels.
- Use of Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is not recommended without first consulting a doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: Asthma is a long-term serious health condition occurring due to the narrowing and swelling of the bronchial airways in the lungs, thus causing difficulty in breathing. The symptoms may include chest tightness, wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, and cough, especially at night. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises, and self-care.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a group of long-term lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes) causing restricted airways. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing). It can occur due to smoking tobacco, and long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD.
FAQs
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is a combination of Fluticasone Furoate (inhaled corticosteroid) and Vilanterol (LABA). Vilanterol belongs to the class of bronchodilators that works by relaxing muscles and opening the airways of the lungs. Fluticasone Furoate works by inhibiting the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions.
Yes, Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol may cause fungal infection in the mouth in some patients. Hence, to avoid such side effects, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after using Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol every time.
No, it is not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of medicine as it can lead to serious adverse effects and worsen your health condition.
No, Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is a daily controller medicine designed to prevent breathing symptoms over time. It will not work fast enough to stop a sudden asthma attack or acute breathing difficulty. You must always use a separate fast-acting rescue inhaler for quick relief during an attack. Talk to your doctor if you do not have a rescue inhaler.
Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out helps wash away any medicine left behind in your throat and mouth. This simple step prevents oral thrush, which is a common fungal infection, and helps avoid hoarseness or a sore throat. Talk to your doctor if you notice painful white spots in your mouth.
Once you remove the device from its protective foil tray, it is generally safe to use for up to 6 weeks, or until the dose counter reaches zero, whichever comes first. Be sure to write the opening date on the device to keep track. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about your specific device.
When the counter turns red, it is a warning that you are running low on medication. You should contact your pharmacy or doctor to arrange for a refill so that you do not miss any daily doses. Talk to your pharmacist if you need assistance with refilling your prescription.
You should not take Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins. The powder formulation contains lactose, which may contain small amounts of milk proteins that can cause a severe allergic reaction in highly sensitive individuals. Talk to your doctor about alternative options.
Because Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is inhaled directly into the lungs, only a very small amount of the steroid enters the rest of your body. It is highly unlikely to cause the systemic side effects associated with oral steroid tablets, such as significant weight gain, when used at normal prescribed doses. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about steroid-related side effects.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must discuss this with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of keeping your asthma or COPD well-controlled against any potential risks to your baby. Talk to your doctor for personalised medical guidance.
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