Flixotide

What is Flixotide?

Flixotide asthma inhalers are made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and prevent symptoms of asthma. Flixotide inhalers contain fluticasone propionate, a steroid that reduces irritation in the lungs.

Flixotide inhalers are ‘preventer’ inhalers. So they shouldn’t be used to give immediate relief during an asthma attack. You use them to stop flare-ups of your asthma symptoms from happening, such as swelling, and this reduces your chances of having asthma attacks.

Flixotide inhalers are available in two forms: accuhaler and evohaler.

How are Flixotide Accuhaler and Evohaler different?

All asthma inhalers are colour-coded. Flixotide inhalers are orange, often referred to as ‘your orange inhaler’.

Flixotide orange inhalers are available in two forms: evohaler and accuhaler. Both flixotide inhalers contain the same ingredients, but look different.

The flixotide evohaler is what people picture when they think of an inhaler. It’s an ‘L’ shaped orange inhaler with a canister inside which is pressed to deliver the flixotide into the lungs. When you use it, it produces a fine spray or mist.

A set dose is released when you press down on the top of the canister. To take the dose into your lungs, you breathe at the same time as pressing the canister.

The accuhaler is in a circular container, rather than a standard ‘L’ shaped one. It’s an orange inhaler containing flixotide (like evohaler) but it releases a dry powder, rather than a fine spray. The accuhaler delivers a set dose of powdered flixotide into the lungs.

How does Flixotide work?

Flixotide inhalers contain the active ingredient fluticasone propionate. Flucticasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids – or steroids, to you and me. ^[1]

The body naturally produces the steroid needed to control inflammation in the lungs. Asthma sufferers need a flixotide inhaler because they need more of the steroid than their body produces.

The inhaler’s active ingredients are absorbed into the cells in your lungs and stops the cells from releasing the chemicals that cause inflammation.

What doses of Flixotide are there?

Flixotide evohalers come in different strengths. Your clinician will decide which dosage size is right for you.

The flixotide evohaler is available in three dosage sizes:

Flixotide 50mcg

• Starting dose for children aged four to 16
• Flixotide evohaler 50mcg is not recommended for children under the age of four

Flixotide 125mcg

• Commonly prescribed to adults and children over the age of 16 who have mild to moderate asthma
• Flixotide evohaler 125mcg is not recommended for children under 16 years of age

Flixotide 250mcg

• Commonly prescribed to adults and children over the age of 16 who have moderate to severe asthma
• Flixotide evohaler 250mcg is usually prescribed when a lower dosage has not reduced symptoms

The flixotide accuhaler comes in four different dosage sizes:

Flixotide 50mcg

• Starting dose for children aged four to 16
• Flixotide accuhaler 50mcg is not recommended for children under the age of four

Flixotide 100 mcg

• Commonly prescribed to adults and children with mild asthma
• Flixotide accuhaler 100mcg is not suitable for children under the age of four

Flixotide 250mcg

• Commonly prescribed to adults and children over 16 with moderate asthma
• Flixotide accuhaler 250mcg is not suitable for children under 16 years of age

Flixotide 500 mcg

• Commonly prescribed to adults and children over the age of 16 who have severe asthma
• Flixotide accuhaler 500mcg is not suitable for children under the age of 16

Flixotide nebules are used with a special pump called a nebuliser. Each nebule contains 2ml of liquid, 0.5mg of which is fluticasone.

How to use Flixotide Evohaler

All treatments come with a patient information leaflet, and you should refer to this if you’re unsure on how to use your inhaler. If you have any questions about how to use your inhaler, sign in to your account and send our clinician a message. They should be able to help.

To use a flixotide evohaler (often referred to as a flixotide puffer):

• breathe slowly
• stand or sit up straight
• remove the mouthpiece cover
• shake the inhaler three to four times
• hold the inhaler upright with your thumb at the base
• breathe out as far as you can
• place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it
• breathe in through your mouth, and as you do, press down on the canister to release a dose of flixotide into your mouth
• continue to breathe in steadily and deeply
• hold your breath as you remove the inhaler from your mouth
• continue to hold your breath for a few seconds
• if your clinician has told you to take more than one puff, wait 30 seconds before repeating the steps above.
• after completing your final dose, rinse your mouth with water.

How to use Flixotide Accuhaler

If you’re unclear on how to use it, you should take a look at the package information leaflet that comes with your medication, or seek advice from our clinician.

To use your flixotide accuhaler:

• hold the outer case of the accuhaler in one hand and put the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip
• push your thumb away from you until you hear a click
• check that the dose counter has decreased by ‘1’
• hold the accuhaler away from your mouth and exhale as much as you can
• put the mouthpiece to your lips and breathe in steadily through your mouth
• remove the accuhaler from your mouth
• hold your breath for 10 seconds before breathing out slowly
• close the accuhaler
• rinse your mouth with water

What should I do if Flixotide doesn’t work?

If you feel like your inhaler isn’t keeping your asthma symptoms under control, you should send our clinician a message. If your breathing suddenly gets worse, you should seek medical attention immediately or go to hospital straight away.

Like all medicines, the flixotide accuhaler and flixotide evohaler can cause side effects. If this happens you should check the package information leaflet that comes with your medication for advice.

How often can you take Flixotide?

Typically, you use flixotide evohaler and accuhaler twice a day.

If you feel that your inhaler is not controlling your asthma, it’s important to contact our clinician. Signs that your asthma is not well controlled include:

• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• coughing
• chest tightness