Fluticasone and Vilanterol Oral Inhalation
The combination of fluticasone and vilanterol is used to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways, that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema) in adults. It is also used to control difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma in adults and children 5 years of age or older. Fluticasone is in a class of medications called steroids. It works by reducing swelling in the airways. Vilanterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
The combination of fluticasone and vilanterol comes as a powder to inhale by mouth using a special inhaler. It is usually inhaled once a day. Inhale fluticasone and vilanterol at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about how you should take your other oral or inhaled medications for asthma during your treatment with fluticasone and vilanterol inhalation. If you were using a short-acting beta agonist inhaler such as albuterol (Proair, Proventil, Ventolin) on a regular basis, your doctor will probably tell you to stop using it regularly but to continue to use it to treat sudden attacks of asthma symptoms. Follow these directions carefully. Do not change the way you use any of your medications or stop taking any of your medications without talking to your doctor.
Do not use fluticasone and vilanterol inhalation during a sudden asthma or COPD attack. Your doctor will prescribe a short acting (rescue) inhaler to use during asthma and COPD attacks. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if your breathing problems worsen, if you have to use your short-acting inhaler to treat attacks of asthma or COPD more often, or if your short-acting inhaler does not relieve your symptoms.
Fluticasone and vilanterol inhalation controls the symptoms of asthma and COPD but does not cure it. Continue to use fluticasone and vilanterol even if you feel well. Do not stop using fluticasone and vilanterol without talking to your doctor. If you stop using fluticasone and vilanterol inhalation, your symptoms may return.
Before you use fluticasone and vilanterol inhalation for the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use the inhaler. Practice using your inhaler while they watch you.
If your child will be using the inhaler, be sure that they know how to use it. Watch your child each time they use the inhaler to be sure that they are using it correctly.
After inhalation, rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out; do not swallow the water.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.