Flixotide Accuhaler
"An asthma preventer inhaler that contains fluticasone propionate, to reduce inflammation in your lungs and help stop asthma attacks happening."
What is Flixotide Accuhaler?
Flixotide Accuhaler is an asthma treatment designed to help prevent asthma attacks. The circular inhaler features a helpful counter that shows you how many doses you have left.
Is Flixotide Accuhaler a preventer or reliever?
The medicine contained in a Flixotide Accuhaler is a preventer.
How does it work?
Flixotide Accuhaler contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Flixotide Accuhaler
- The Flixotide Accuhaler comes in a foil wrapper. To open it, just tear along the jagged edge. Take out the inhaler, hold the case in one hand and place the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip. When you push your thumb away from you, you'll hear a click which means the mouthpiece is now open.
- Next, holding the Flixotide Accuhaler flat with the mouthpiece towards you, slide the lever away from you until you hear a click. There's now a measured dose of your medicine ready to inhale.
- With the Flixotide Accuhaler held away from your mouth, breathe out as far as you can without it becoming uncomfortable. Then place your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in through your mouth steadily and as deeply as is comfortable. Take the inhaler out of your mouth, hold your breath for up to 10 seconds if you can and breathe out slowly.
- To close the Flixotide Accuhaler and leave it ready for the next use, slide the thumb grip towards you. Make sure you rinse out your mouth or gargle with water.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. The Flixotide Accuhaler comes in 3 different strengths: 50mg, 100mg, and 250mg of inhaler powder.
Effectiveness
Although Flixotide Accuhaler doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin working within a few days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Flixotide Accuhaler can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or night time coughing.
With asthma, there's always the possibility you’ll need a fast-acting medicine. That's why it's important to also have a reliever inhaler like Ventolin (salbutamol). Our clinicians can prescribe this.
Side effects of Flixotide Accuhaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Flixotide Accuhaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this you can brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Flixotide Accuhaler patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Breath-activated easy to use design
Normally used twice a day morning and evening
Features a counter so you can track doses and know when your medication’s running low
What is Flixotide Accuhaler?
Flixotide Accuhaler is an asthma treatment designed to help prevent asthma attacks. The circular inhaler features a helpful counter that shows you how many doses you have left.
Is Flixotide Accuhaler a preventer or reliever?
The medicine contained in a Flixotide Accuhaler is a preventer.
How does it work?
Flixotide Accuhaler contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Flixotide Accuhaler
- The Flixotide Accuhaler comes in a foil wrapper. To open it, just tear along the jagged edge. Take out the inhaler, hold the case in one hand and place the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip. When you push your thumb away from you, you'll hear a click which means the mouthpiece is now open.
- Next, holding the Flixotide Accuhaler flat with the mouthpiece towards you, slide the lever away from you until you hear a click. There's now a measured dose of your medicine ready to inhale.
- With the Flixotide Accuhaler held away from your mouth, breathe out as far as you can without it becoming uncomfortable. Then place your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in through your mouth steadily and as deeply as is comfortable. Take the inhaler out of your mouth, hold your breath for up to 10 seconds if you can and breathe out slowly.
- To close the Flixotide Accuhaler and leave it ready for the next use, slide the thumb grip towards you. Make sure you rinse out your mouth or gargle with water.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. The Flixotide Accuhaler comes in 3 different strengths: 50mg, 100mg, and 250mg of inhaler powder.
Effectiveness
Although Flixotide Accuhaler doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin working within a few days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Flixotide Accuhaler can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or night time coughing.
With asthma, there's always the possibility you’ll need a fast-acting medicine. That's why it's important to also have a reliever inhaler like Ventolin (salbutamol). Our clinicians can prescribe this.
Side effects of Flixotide Accuhaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Flixotide Accuhaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this you can brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Flixotide Accuhaler patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Flixotide Accuhaler FAQs
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How long does Flixotide Accuhaler take to work?
Typically, people see a noticeable difference in their symptoms within a week.
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How often should I use my Flixotide Accuhaler?
Your prescription will say exactly how often you should use your Flixotide Accuhaler. It’s usually twice a day.
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How long should I use my Flixotide Accuhaler for?
Your prescription will tell you the length of time you'll need to keep taking your medication. Even if you think you feel well enough, it's important not to stop treatment unless a doctor says it’s safe to do so.
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Who can use Flixotide Accuhaler?
Your doctor or clinician will tell you if this medicine is right for you. It won’t be safe to use a Flixotide Accuhaler if you have an allergy to fluticasone propionate or any ingredients in this medication. Or if your asthma symptoms have ever caused you to receive intensive care treatment. We’ll ask you about this during your consultation.
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Can I use Flixotide Accuhaler while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe this medication for you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Where can I buy Flixotide Accuhaler?
You can’t buy Flixotide Accuhaler over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription for the treatment, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after a short online consultation where we make sure it’s right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy.
It’s a good idea to have two inhalers, in case you run out, forget to request a repeat prescription, or lose one.
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What should I do if I get Flixotide Accuhaler side effects?
If you do experience any side effects with Flixotide Accuhaler, you should get in touch with your GP, pharmacist, or asthma nurse. You’ll need to do this promptly if:
- Your breathing difficulties or wheezing don't improve or get worse after using Flixotide for 7 days.
- You develop unexplained symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, or unusual tiredness when taking high doses of an inhaled steroid.
Important: As these symptoms can also occur due to an illness like a viral infection or stomach bug, it’s important not to suddenly stop taking your steroid medication. This could worsen your asthma and affect your body's hormone levels.
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Flixotide Accuhaler warnings
If you notice your reliever medication isn't as effective as it used to be, or if you're needing to use it more frequently than normal, you should see your doctor.
A sudden worsening of your breathing could be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, so get medical help urgently if this happens.
If you start having problems with your vision, such as blurred sight or other visual changes, it's also important to let your doctor know straight away.
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Taking Flixotide Accuhaler with other medications
As with all medications, the Flixotide Accuhaler can interact with certain other medicines. So, it’s important you let your clinician, or pharmacist know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or any recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
Important: Medicines known as 'protease inhibitors' (including ritonavir) or products containing cobicistat can strengthen the effects of fluticasone propionate. If you're taking any of these medications, your doctor may need to monitor you more closely. This also applies to medications used to treat fungal infections (like ketoconazole).
If you’re unsure about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you use a Flixotide Accuhaler.
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How to dispose of Flixotide Accuhalers
Always take any empty or unwanted inhalers to your pharmacy. They'll be able to dispose of them safely.
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Alternative asthma treatments
Alongside prescribed medications, there are certain lifestyle adjustments you can also make to help manage your asthma. If you smoke or vape, quitting is particularly important as it can significantly lower your chances of getting asthma symptoms or attacks.
Some activities can also help you manage your asthma. Yoga and mindfulness can all help build strength, promote relaxation, and support better breathing. They can complement, but not replace, your regular asthma treatments.
