Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• cough
• difficulty sleeping
• Fever
• headache
• hoarseness, voice change
• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• sore mouth and tongue
• sore throat

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• anxiety
• behaviour changes (e.g., hyperactivity, irritability)
• fever
• inability to speak
• increased skin bruising
• Osteoporosis or bone fractures
• pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs, sinus pain and congestion, worsening breathing problems (Churg-Strauss Syndrome)
• signs of respiratory tract infection (e.g., fever or chills, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, weight loss, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, or wheezing)
• signs of too much corticosteroid (e.g., round face, rapid weight gain, increased sweating, thinning of skin, muscle weakness)
• signs of thrush (e.g., white patches in mouth and throat, sore throat)
• slowed growth (children and adolescents)
• symptoms of decreased adrenal function (e.g., tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, Low Blood Pressure)
• symptoms of Glaucoma or Cataracts (e.g., blurred vision, seeing halos of bright colours around lights, red eyes, increased pressure in your eyes, eye pain or discomfort)
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• skin rash or Hives
• sudden shortness of breath and wheezing after using Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh)
• worsening asthma symptoms

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).

Diskus

Each inhalation of the dry powder inhalation device delivers 100, 250, or 500 µg of fluticasone propionate. It also contains lactose (milk sugar), including milk protein, which acts as the "carrier". FLOVENT DISKUS is a plastic inhaler device containing a foil strip with 60 blisters. Each blister contains 50, 100, 250, or 500 µg of the active ingredient fluticasone propionate.

Inhalation Aerosol

Each actuation of the pressurized metered-dose inhaler delivers: 50, 125, or 250 µg of fluticasone propionate suspended in propellant HFA-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). This product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant. The 50 µg strength of FLOVENT HFA inhalation aerosol is available in 120 dose containers. The 125 µg and 250 µg strengths of FLOVENT HFA inhalation aerosol are available in 60 and 120 dose containers. FLOVENT HFA inhalation aerosol is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) consisting of an aluminum canister fitted with a metering valve. The 50 µg canister is fitted into the supplied peach actuator/adaptor. The 125 µg canister is fitted into the supplied orange actuator/adaptor. The 250 µg canister is fitted into the supplied red/brown actuator/adaptor. A dust cap is fitted over the actuator's mouthpiece when not in use.

Do not use fluticasone if you:

• are allergic to fluticasone or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to milk or lactose (in the case of the diskus only)
• have active or inactive untreated pulmonary Tuberculosis
• have untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infections
• need treatment for status asthmaticus or other acute asthma conditions

Do not give Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) to children less than 12 months of age.

There may be an interaction between fluticasone and any of the following:

• Aldesleukin
• Aprepitant
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• Baricitinib
• BCG
• beta-2 agonists (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol, terbutaline)
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• Cobicistat
• conivaptan
• Crizotinib
• Deferasirox
• Denosumab
• Desmopressin
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide,  Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone)
• Dronedarone
• echinacea
• Fingolimod
• grapefruit juice
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• hyaluronidase
• Idelalisib
• imatinib
• Leflunomide
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• mifepristone
• Natalizumab
• Nivolumab
• Pimecrolimus
• Tacrolimus
• Tofacitinib
• Trastuzumab
• vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).

Asthma attacks: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) is not a "reliever" medication. If you start developing asthma symptoms, be sure to use your reliever medication (such as salbutamol or terbutaline) for rapid relief of your asthma symptoms. It is very important that you have your reliever medication with you at all times. If you persistently use more of your reliever medication, contact your doctor.

Bone effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids such as fluticasone may affect bone density and increase the risk of fracture. Your doctor will monitor your bone health while you are taking Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).

Diabetes: Fluticasone may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).

Eye problems: If you have glaucoma or cataracts or are at risk of developing them, have your eyes checked by your doctor before starting long-term treatment with Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh). Have your eyes monitored at regular intervals while using Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh).

Growth effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids, including inhaled forms such as Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh), may slow the growth of children and adolescents. It is important to use the lowest effective dose for managing asthma symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Infection: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh), like other corticosteroids, may prevent the early signs of a serious infection from being noticed. Try to limit the amount of time you spend around others who have recently had infections such as Chickenpox or Measles. If you do come into contact with someone who has one of these infections, contact your doctor for advice.

Oral hygiene: Adequate oral hygiene is very important in minimizing the overgrowth of microorganisms such as candidiasis (thrush). Proper oral hygiene includes rinsing your mouth with water after using the inhaler. Using a spacer device with the inhaler can greatly reduce how much medication stays in your mouth. Thrush infections, should they occur, may require treatment with appropriate antifungal therapy or the discontinuance of treatment with fluticasone, depending on the severity of the infections.

Stopping Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh): Do not stop Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) suddenly, as this may result in withdrawal symptoms associated with suppressed adrenal glands (e.g., stomach discomfort or pain, worsening of asthma). Your doctor will tell you how to gradually lower the dose over a period of time in order to stop Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) properly.

Thyroid problems: People with decreased thyroid function (hypothyroid) may experience an increased effect from corticosteroids. If you have a history of thyroid problems, discuss with your doctor how Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Wheezing: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) may cause the airways to spasm immediately after using the inhaler. If this happens, use your rescue inhaler as soon as possible to relieve the symptoms, then call your doctor as soon as possible.

Worsening of asthma: Increasing use of your bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol) to control asthma symptoms is an indication that your asthma may be worsening. Sudden and progressive worsening in asthma control is potentially life-threatening, and consideration should be given to increasing the dose of fluticasone inhalation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how to properly monitor for symptoms of worsening asthma.

Pregnancy: The safety of fluticasone for use during pregnancy has not been established. Potential benefits need to be weighed against risks, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: Corticosteroid medications such as fluticasone pass into breast milk. Although the amount that appears in breast milk would likely be low, the benefits of using Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) while breast-feeding need to be weighed against risk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using fluticasone it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Flovent Diskus (Fluticasone-propionate-inh) is not recommended for use by children under 12 months of age.