Flutiform

Flutiform is a medicine that is used to treat severe asthma and other conditions where sufferers struggle with breathing.

When treating asthma, Flutiform helps to prevent breathlessness, and works to reduce the number of sudden attacks.

The active ingredients in the medication help the airways in the lungs to stay open, making it easier for air to get in and out and making it easier for the person to breathe normally. The medication also contains corticosteroids which reduce swelling and irritation.

Asthma can be a debilitating illness that hinders daily life, while onset attacks of pain or breathlessness can be painful as well as worrying.

Taking Flutiform will help to manage these conditions, with effects of the active ingredients lasting for at least 12 hours.

It should be noted however, that this medication is a preventative measure and not a quick fix. It is to stop you having an asthma attack, and will not help in the event that you are having one; in this case, you will need to instead use a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler, which you should always have with you.

Flutiform is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Your doctor or nurse should show you how to properly use your inhaler before starting on this medication. The Flutiform is an inhaler made up of a canister inside a plastic case with a mouthpiece, and there is a dose indicator on the front to tell you how many puffs it has left in it.

To administer a dose, stand or sit upright and hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece at the bottom. Remove the mouthpiece cover, shake well and then breathe out as far as is comfortable. Immediately place the inhaler between your teeth (without biting down) and close your lips around it. Begin to breathe in deeply and slowly while pressing down on the top of the canister to release the medicine. Hold your breath for at least a few seconds and then remove the inhaler from your mouth, and breathe out slowly. Wait a minute or two before administering another puff in the same way, and always replace the mouthpiece cover after use.

After use, it’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth, as leftover residue from the medication can leave you with a strange taste, and can also lead to thrush of the mouth or hoarseness.

Flutiform dosage

Flutiform contains the active ingredients fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, available in strengths of  50/5 micrograms, 125/5 micrograms or 250/10 micrograms respectively, per delivered dose.

The recommended dose is two puffs twice a day, suitably spaced apart. This medicine is suitable for children over the age of 5, however they should only be prescribed the lowest strength inhaler. Only those over 12 years old should use the medium strength inhaler and only adults should use the inhaler with the highest strength. Always follow the advice of your doctor and don’t take a different dose unless specifically told to.

Each time you use your inhaler, the dose indicator will count down so that when the numbers get low, you know to see your doctor to get a new one.

If you forget to use your Flutiform then you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one.

If you take more Flutiform than you should, then contact your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects of overdose include your heart beating faster than usual, feeling shaky, dizzy or weak, or developing a headache.

Before taking Flutiform, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Flutiform if any of the following apply to you:

• are allergic to fluticasone propionate, formoterol fumarate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine

Your prescription of Flutiform may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• tuberculosis (TB) now or in the past
• heart problems
• an abnormal bulging of a blood vessel wall
• Diabetes
• high blood pressure
• an overactive thyroid gland which can cause increased appetite, weight loss or sweating
• low blood levels of potassium
• poor adrenal gland function
• liver problems

Like many medications with active ingredients, Flutiform can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:

• beta-blockers (to treat blood pressure)
• certain other medicines used to treat asthma or breathing conditions
• medicines containing adrenaline or related substances
• medicines to treat allergic reactions (antihistamines)
• diuretics
• medicines used to treat heart failure (such as digoxin)
• medicines to treat abnormal heart rhythms
• medicines to treat symptoms of depression
• medicines used to treat psychiatric or mental disorders
• other medicines containing steroids
• antifungal medicines
• Antibiotics
• medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease (levodopa)
• medicine to treat an underactive thyroid gland (levothyroxine)
• medicine to treat Hodgkin’s disease (procarbazine)
• medicine to induce labour (oxytocin).

If you are taking any of the above medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Flutiform will be the best course of action for you.

Bear in mind that Flutiform is an ongoing treatment and should not be relied upon in the event of an attack of breathlessness. You should therefore always have a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler with you, for use in these circumstances.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then you should consult your doctor before starting this medication, as they may decide that another treatment is more appropriate.

The most common side effects of using Flutiform include:

• Headache
• Shaking
• An irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Alteration in voice/hoarse voice
• Dry mouth, sore or irritated throat
• Rash

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects such as worsening of breathing ability, fainting or skin reactions.

You can safely buy Flutiform online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Flutiform is the right medication for your medical condition.