Flohale

What is Flohale?

Flohale asthma inhalers are made by Cipla Ltd and prevent symptoms of asthma. Flohale inhalers contain fluticasone propionate, a steroid that reduces irritation in the lungs.

Flohale is a ‘preventer’ inhaler and cannot be used as a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack. You use them to stop flare-ups of your asthma symptoms from happening, such as swelling in the airways or difficulty in breathing, and this reduces your chances of having asthma attacks.

How is Flohale normal inhaler and rotahaler different?

Flohale is available in two forms: normal inhaler and rotahaler. Both of these contain the same ingredients, but look different.

The Flohale inhaler is what people picture when they think of an inhaler. It’s an ‘L’ shaped inhaler with a canister inside which is pressed to deliver the Flohale into the lungs. When you use it, it produces a fine spray or mist.

A set dose is released when you press down on the top of the canister. To take the dose into your lungs, you breathe at the same time as pressing the canister.

The rotahaler usually comes in a barrel shaped body, rather than a standard ‘L’ shaped one. In the inhaler, we insert rotacaps which contain dry powdered Flohale (Fluticasone propionate). As we rotate the rotahaler, it releases a set dose of powdered Fluticasone into the lungs and gives relief from asthma symptoms.

How does Flohale work?

Flohale inhalers contain the active ingredient fluticasone propionate. Flucticasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids - or steroids, as known to you and me.

Inhalation steroids help reduce inflammation and dilate the airways of the lungs, thus helping to control asthma symptoms.

The inhaler’s active ingredients are absorbed into the cells in your lungs and stops the cells from releasing the chemicals that cause inflammation.

What doses of Flohale are there?

Flohale inhalers come in different strengths. Your doctor will decide which dosage size is right for you.

The Flohale inhaler is available in two dosage sizes:

Flohale 50mcg

• Starting dose for children aged four to 16
• Flohale inhaler 50mcg is not recommended for children under the age of four

Flohale 125mcg

• Commonly prescribed to adults and children over the age of 16 who have mild to moderate asthma
• Flohale inhaler 125mcg is not recommended for children under 16 years of age

Flohale also comes in the form of 250mcg Rotacap.

Flohale respules are used with a special pump called a nebuliser. Each nebule contains 2ml of liquid, 0.5mg of which is fluticasone.

How to use Flohale inhaler

All treatments come with a patient information leaflet, and you should refer to this if you’re unsure on how to use your inhaler. If you have any questions about how to use your inhaler, sign in to your account and send our doctor a message. They should be able to help.

To use a Flohale normal inhaler (often referred to as a Flohale puffer):

• breathe slowly
• stand or sit up straight
• remove the mouthpiece cover
• shake the inhaler three to four times
• hold the inhaler upright with your thumb at the base
• breathe out as far as you can
• place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it
• breathe in through your mouth, and as you do, press down on the canister to release a dose of Flohale into your mouth
• continue to breathe in steadily and deeply
• hold your breath as you remove the inhaler from your mouth
• continue to hold your breath for a few seconds
• if your doctor has told you to take more than one puff, wait 30 seconds before repeating the steps above.
• after completing your final dose, rinse your mouth with water.

Fluticasone propionate is also available as Flohale nasal spray which is mostly used for allergic rhinitis. It is often prescribed when a Flohale aerosol inhaler is not suitable or when Flohale is used to treat an allergy.

To use Flohale nasal spray:

• blow your nose
• tilt your head back
• insert the top of the spraying device into your nostril
• place your finger over the other nostril
• release one spray and breathe in deeply
• hold your breath for a few seconds
• repeat as needed

How to use Flohale Rotahaler

If you’re unclear on how to use it, you should take a look at the package information leaflet that comes with your medication, or seek advice from our doctor.

To use your Flohale rotahaler:

• hold the rotahaler in a vertical position and place the two halves of it in such a way that the fin is not directly below the rotacap hole
• with one hand hold the mouthpiece firmly and then rotate the base
• exhale as much as you can and place the mouthpiece of the rotahaler between your teeth
• close your lips tightly around it
• breathe in through your mouth deeply and steadily with your head tilted slightly backward
• hold your breath for 10 seconds before breathing out slowly
• open the rotahaler and throw away the empty capsule

What should I do if Flohale doesn’t work?

If you feel like your inhaler isn’t keeping your asthma symptoms under control, you should send our doctor a message. If your breathing suddenly gets worse, you should seek medical attention immediately or go to hospital straight away.

Like all medicines, the Flohale normal inhaler and Flohale rotahaler can cause side effects. If this happens you should check the package information leaflet that comes with your medication for advice.

How often can you take Flohale?

Typically, you use Flohale normal inhaler and rotahaler twice a day.

If you feel that your inhaler is not controlling your asthma, it’s important to contact our doctor. Signs that your asthma is not well controlled include:

• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• coughing
• chest tightness