Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate
About Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is used to treat and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), like bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes) and emphysema (shortness of breath). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is a combination of two medicines: Formoterol (bronchodilator) and Fluticasone (corticosteroid). Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that relaxes the muscles in the airways, thereby increasing airflow to the lungs. Formoterol makes breathing easier by widening the airways. Fluticasone acts by blocking the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that cause inflammation (swelling) of the airways. Thereby, it provides relief from sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and sinus discomfort. It helps to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children.
Your doctor will advise you on how often to take Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate, based on your medical condition. The common side effects of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate include nausea, vomiting, respiratory tract infection, headache, sore throat, cough, bone, muscle, or joint pain, increased heart rate, chills, tiredness, and noisy breathing. Most of these side effects of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not use Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate to treat sudden, severe asthma symptoms or as a rescue inhaler. Brief your medical history if you have heart, liver, or kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), aneurysm (swelling of an artery), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), hyperadrenocorticism (high levels of cortisol), cataract and glaucoma, chickenpox or measles, immune system problem, seizure (fits), osteoporosis, and diabetes before taking Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is not recommended for children below five years of age.
Uses of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate
• Controls and prevents asthma symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
• Improves lung function, reduces flare-ups, and eases symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing in COPD patients.
Medicinal Benefits
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is used to treat and prevent respiratory disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate improves pulmonary function and effectively treats and prevents the worsening of emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes). Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is a combination of Formoterol (bronchodilator) and Fluticasone (corticosteroid). Formoterol relaxes the muscles in the airways, increasing airflow to the lungs. It makes breathing easier by widening the airways. Fluticasone acts by blocking the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that cause inflammation (swelling) of the airways. Fluticasone has potent vasoconstrictive (narrowing of the blood vessels) and anti-inflammatory activity.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Place the capsule at the base of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate and completely twist the mouthpiece until you hear a clicking sound. Then, inhale deeply through the mouthpiece and hold your breath for 10 seconds.
- It is for inhalation only. Do not swallow the capsule.
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate to avoid fungal infections in the mouth and throat.
Storage
Side Effects of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory tract infection
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Bone, muscle, or joint pain
- Increased heart rate
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Noisy breathing
Drug Warnings
Do not stop taking this medication on your own unless advised to do so by your doctor. Please do not use Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate to treat sudden, severe asthma symptoms or as a rescue inhaler. Before taking Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate, let your doctor know if you have a history of heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Special precautions should be taken in patients with a fungal, bacterial, parasitic, or viral infection, as well as those with tuberculosis, since nasal or inhaled corticosteroids, such as Fluticasone, can cause secondary infections. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended while taking Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate as it may cause low potassium levels in the blood. Please let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant and a lactating mother. Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is not recommended for children below five years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate may interact with medications for fluid retention (furosemide), corticosteroids (budesonide, mometasone, beclomethasone), bronchodilators (vilanterol, salmeterol, albuterol), respiratory medications (ipratropium), medicines for irregular heartbeat (sotalol), and blood pressure medications (metoprolol).
Drug-Food Interaction: Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Therefore, avoid consuming grapefruit while being treated with Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have any allergic reactions to medicines, heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), aneurysm (swelling of an artery), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), hyperadrenocorticism (high levels of cortisol), eye disorders like cataract and glaucoma, chickenpox or measles, immune system problem, seizure (fits), osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and diabetes, please inform your doctor before using Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can worsen your side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness and an increased or uneven heart rate while using Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate. This may affect your ability to drive. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionThe use of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate should be exercised with caution in patients with liver disease. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver disease or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate.
Kidney
cautionFormoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate.
Children
cautionFormoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is not recommended for use by children under five years of age. The dose may need to be adjusted by your doctor depending on the child's disease condition and age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- 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.
- Identify your triggers, such as allergens like pollen, dust, and certain food items, that exacerbate your severe asthma.
- Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking. Smoking also reduces the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
Special Advise
- It is recommended to undergo a blood examination to monitor your potassium levels, as Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate can cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia).
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels while using Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate since bronchodilators like Formoterol can cause low blood glucose levels.
- Consult your diabetologist if you have diabetes before using Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate so that your insulin or other diabetic medication can be adjusted accordingly to maintain your blood sugar levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, especially at night. The symptoms of mild persistent asthma may occur more than 2 times in a week and up to 4 nights in a month, whereas, in the case of severe persistent asthma, the symptoms occur several times every day and most nights. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises, and self-care.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases characterised by emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes). The primary cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is used to treat and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes) and emphysema (shortness of breath).
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is used to treat and prevent respiratory disorders, such as asthma attacks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate consists of Formoterol (bronchodilator) and Fluticasone (Fluticasone). Formoterol relaxes the muscles in the airways, increasing airflow to the lungs. Fluticasone acts by blocking the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that cause inflammation (swelling) of the airways.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate should be cautiously administered under a doctor's guidance in seizures, since bronchodilators like Formoterol can cause central nervous system stimulation that can lead to other adverse conditions. Please consult your doctor before using Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate if you have seizures.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate contains bronchodilator (Fluticasone), which can cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Hence, therapy with Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is cautiously administered in patients with diabetes. Please monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor so that the dose can be adjusted accordingly.
Bronchodilator (Formoterol) in Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate may decrease potassium levels in your body; therefore, it should be used with caution. Please consult your doctor before taking Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate since low potassium levels can lead to other cardiovascular problems in patients with hypokalaemia.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Formoterol in Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, drink plenty of water, regularly rinse your mouth, practice good oral hygiene and suck on a sugarless candy. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is not recommended for use when you are taking Sotalol or vice versa. Sotalol and Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate have opposing effects in the body. Sotalol may also trigger asthma attacks or worsen your breathing problems by narrowing the airways. Please consult your doctor before using other medicines with Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is not used for sudden breathing problems; your doctor may suggest a rescue inhaler for use in such cases.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is a combination medication used to manage and prevent symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two active ingredients: fluticasone and formoterol.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is a controller medication. It helps control and prevent asthma and COPD symptoms rather than providing immediate relief during an acute attack.
Yes, Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate contains a steroid. One of the active ingredients, fluticasone, is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the airways.
Yes, Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate may increase the heart rate. Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate contains formoterol, which may activate receptors in the heart, potentially leading to palpitations or a faster heartbeat in some individuals. Consult the doctor if you experience palpitations or an increased heart rate.
The side effects of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate include nausea, vomiting, headache, increased heart rate, respiratory tract infection, sore throat, cough, bone, muscle, or joint pain, chills, tiredness, and noisy breathing. Most of these side effects of Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
No, Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate is not addictive. It is not a habit-forming medication.
No, Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate will not be more effective if taken more frequently. Increasing the dosage or frequency can increase the risk of side effects. So, use this medication as prescribed by the doctor.
Use Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate only if the doctor has prescribed it; it should not be used for sudden attacks. Limit your alcohol consumption because it can raise blood pressure and cause heart disease. Inform your doctor if you have any medication allergies, heart, liver, or kidney problems, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), aneurysm (artery swelling), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), hyperadrenocorticism (high cortisol levels), eye conditions such as cataract and glaucoma, chickenpox or measles, immune system issues, seizures (fits), osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), and diabetes.
Formoterol Fumarate+fluticasone Propionate can be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.