Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
About Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol belongs to the class of medicines called respiratory stimulants. It treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Asthma is a severe long-term health condition occurring due to the narrowing and swelling of the bronchial airways in the lungs, thus causing difficulty in breathing. Symptoms may include shortness of breath or wheezing (whistling sound while breathing). 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. Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol helps reduce symptoms of asthma and COPD.
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol contains Fluticasone Furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid) and Vilanterol (long-acting beta-agonists—LABA). Vilanterol belongs to the class of bronchodilators that works by relaxing muscles and opening the airways of the lungs. Fluticasone Furoate inhibits the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions, thus providing relief from sneezing, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is for inhalation use only. It should be used as your doctor advises. Your doctor will recommend the dose and duration of medicine based on your condition. Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol may cause specific side effects such as sore throat, sneezing, headache, cough, low fever, chest tightness, stuffy nose, a fungal infection in the mouth, nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, nervousness, or vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol should be avoided if you are allergic to any of its components. This medicine should be avoided in patients with life-threatening conditions of asthma or COPD. Inform your doctor if you have any other lung infections, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), tuberculosis, or kidney/liver problems or take any immunosuppressant medicines before taking this medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol. If you experience severe difficulty breathing or wheezing while using Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol, please consult your doctor immediately so that alternative medicine may be prescribed. Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Uses of Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
Medicinal Benefits
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is a combination medicine that contains 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. Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol also helps reduce exacerbations in patients suffering from COPD.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol
- Headache
- Hoarse voice
- Cough
- Low fever
- Chest tightness
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Vomiting
- Fungal infection in the mouth
Drug Warnings
Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol should be avoided if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have any other lung infections, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), tuberculosis, kidney/liver disease, or if you are taking any immunosuppressant medicines, as it can lead to serious infections. Regular monitoring of potassium levels and blood sugar levels is recommended while taking Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting treatment with Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol. Sometimes, this medicine may worsen asthma symptoms in some patients. If you experience severe difficulty in breathing or wheezing, please consult a doctor immediately so that alternative medicine may be prescribed. Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol may interact with bronchodilators (salbutamol, aminophylline, theophylline), steroids (budesonide, prednisone, mometasone, beclomethasone), heart-related medicines (sotalol, digoxin, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine), drugs used to lower high blood pressure (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol), medicines to induce labour (oxytocin), antithyroid agent (levothyroxine), antidepressants (imipramine, amitriptyline, isocarboxazid, phenelzine), antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), HIV medicines (atazanavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, cobicistat, saquinavir) and antiparkinson drug (levodopa).
Drug-Food Interactions: Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Therefore, avoid intake of grapefruit or its juice with Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol as it may lead to severe adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, chest or lung infection, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), tuberculosis, heart, liver or adrenal gland problems, inform your doctor before taking Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol.
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
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods that increase the symptoms of Asthma and COPD, such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, bottled lemon, and lime.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the Fluticasone Furoate+vilanterol and irritate the lungs, worsening breathing problems.
- Avoid drinking alcohol to prevent the cause of side effects, if any.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
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, it is always recommended to inform your doctor or healthcare professional before stopping the treatment. Sudden stopping of medicine may cause your symptoms and worsen the condition.