Fluticasone propionate 50 and 125 micrograms.
Each canister of FLIXOTIDE 50 Evohaler supplies 120 actuations.
Each canister of FLIXOTIDE 125 Evohaler supplies 120 actuations.
FLIXOTIDE 50 Evohaler and 125 Evohaler are pressurised metered-dose inhalers which deliver 50 micrograms and 125 micrograms of fluticasone propionate per actuation into the mouthpiece of a specially designed actuator.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Hydroxyfluoroalkane 134a, 1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a).
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: FLIXOTIDE given by inhalation at recommended doses has a potent glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory action within the lungs, resulting in reduced symptoms and exacerbations of asthma.
Clinical Studies: COPD: There is a significant reduction of symptoms of COPD and an improvement in lung function regardless of patient age, gender, lung base line function, smoking status or atopy status. This can result in a significant improvement in the quality of life.
Fluticasone propionate containing medications in asthma during pregnancy: An observational retrospective epidemiological cohort study utilising electronic health records from the United Kingdom was conducted to evaluate the risk of MCMs following first trimester exposure to inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) alone and salmeterol-FP combination relative to non-FP containing ICS. No placebo comparator was included in this study.
Within the asthma cohort of 5362 first trimester ICS-exposed pregnancies, 131 diagnosed MCMs were identified; 1612 (30%) were exposed to FP or salmeterol-FP of which 42 diagnosed MCMs were identified. The adjusted odds ratio for MCMs diagnosed by 1 year was 1.1 (95% CI: 0.5 - 2.3) for FP exposed vs non-FP ICS-exposed women with moderate asthma and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.7 - 2.0) for women with considerable to severe asthma. No difference in the risk of MCMs was identified following first trimester exposure to FP alone versus salmeterol-FP combination. Absolute risks of MCM across the asthma severity strata ranged from 2.0 to 2.9 per 100 FP-exposed pregnancies which is comparable to results from a study of 15,840 pregnancies unexposed to asthma therapies in the General Practice Research Database (2.8 MCM events per 100 pregnancies).
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: The absolute bioavailability of fluticasone propionate for each of the available inhaler devices has been estimated from within and between study comparisons of inhaled and intravenous pharmacokinetic data. In healthy adult subjects the absolute bioavailability has been estimated for fluticasone propionate Accuhaler/Diskus (7.8%), fluticasone propionate Diskhaler (9.0%) and fluticasone propionate Evohaler (10.9%) respectively. In patients with asthma or COPD a lesser degree of systemic exposure to inhaled fluticasone propionate has been observed. Systemic absorption occurs mainly through the lungs and is initially rapid then prolonged. The remainder of the inhaled dose may be swallowed but contributes minimally to systemic exposure due to the low aqueous solubility and pre-systemic metabolism, resulting in oral availability of less than 1%. There is a linear increase in systemic exposure with increasing inhaled dose.
Distribution: Fluticasone propionate has a large volume of distribution at steady-state (approximately 300 l). Plasma protein binding is moderately high (91%).
Metabolism: Fluticasone propionate is cleared very rapidly from the systemic circulation, principally by metabolism to an inactive carboxylic acid metabolite, by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4. Care should be taken when co-administering known CYP3A4 inhibitors, as there is potential for increased systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate.
Elimination: The disposition of fluticasone propionate is characterised by high plasma clearance (1150 ml/min) and a terminal half-life of approximately 8 hours. The renal clearance of fluticasone propionate is negligible (less than 0.2%) and less than 5% as the metabolite.
Toxicology: Non-Clinical Information: Toxicology has shown only those class effects typical of potent corticosteroids, and these only at doses in excess of those proposed for therapeutic use. No novel effects were identified in repeat dose toxicity tests, reproductive studies or teratology studies.
Fluticasone propionate is devoid of mutagenic activity in vitro and in vivo and showed no tumorigenic potential in rodents. It is both non-irritant and non-sensitising in animal models.
The non-CFC propellant, HFA134a, has been shown to have no toxic effect at very high vapour concentrations, far in excess of those likely to be experienced by patients, in a wide range of animal species exposed daily for periods of two years.
Asthma: FLIXOTIDE has a marked anti-inflammatory effect in the lungs.
It reduces symptoms and exacerbations of asthma in patients previously treated with bronchodilator alone or with other prophylactic therapy.
Severe asthma requires regular medical assessment as death may occur. Patients with severe asthma have constant symptoms and frequent exacerbations, with limited physical capacity, and PEF values below 60% predicted at baseline with greater than 30% variability, usually not returning entirely to normal after a bronchodilator. These patients will require high dose inhaled (see Dosage & Administration) or oral corticosteroid therapy. Sudden worsening of symptoms may require increased corticosteroid dosage which should be administered under urgent medical supervision.
Adults: Prophylactic management in: Mild asthma (PEF values greater than 80% predicted at baseline with less than 20% variability): Patients requiring intermittent symptomatic bronchodilator asthma medication on more than an occasional basis.
Moderate asthma (PEF values 60-80% predicted at baseline with 20-30% variability): Patients requiring regular asthma medication and patients with unstable or worsening asthma on currently available prophylactic therapy or bronchodilator alone.
Severe asthma (PEF values less than 60% predicted at baseline with greater than 30% variability): Patients with severe chronic asthma. On introduction of inhaled FLIXOTIDE many patients who are dependent on systemic corticosteroids for adequate control of symptoms may be able to reduce significantly or to eliminate their requirement for oral corticosteroids.
Children: Any child who requires preventative asthma medication, including patients not controlled on currently available prophylactic medication.
Patients should be made aware of the prophylactic nature of therapy with inhaled FLIXOTIDE and that it should be taken regularly even when they are asymptomatic.
FLIXOTIDE is for inhalation by oral inhalation only.
It is intended that each prescribed dose is given by a minimum of two inhalations.
In patients who find coordination of a pressurised metered dose inhaler difficult a spacer may be used with FLIXOTIDE inhaler.
Asthma: The onset of therapeutic effect is four to seven days, although some benefit may be apparent as soon as 24 hours for patients who have not previously received inhaled steroids.
If patients find that relief with short-acting bronchodilator treatment becomes less effective or they need more inhalations than usual, medical attention must be sought.
Adults and children over 16 years of age: 100 to 1000 micrograms twice daily.
Patients should be given a starting dose of inhaled FLIXOTIDE which is appropriate for the severity of their disease: Mild asthma: 100 to 250 micrograms twice daily.
Moderate asthma: 250 to 500 micrograms twice daily.
Severe asthma: 500 to 1000 micrograms twice daily.
The dose may then be adjusted until control is achieved or reduced to the minimum effective dose, according to the individual response.
Alternatively, the starting dose of fluticasone propionate may be gauged at half the total daily dose of beclomethasone dipropionate or equivalent as administered by metered-dose inhaler.
Children 4 years of age and over: 50 to 200 micrograms twice daily.
Many children's asthma will be well controlled using the 50 to 100 micrograms twice daily dosing regime. For those patients whose asthma is not sufficiently controlled, additional benefit may be obtained by increasing the dose up to 200 micrograms twice daily.
Children should be given a starting dose of inhaled FLIXOTIDE that is appropriate for the severity of the disease.
The dose may then be adjusted until control is achieved, or reduced to the minimum effective dose, according to individual response.
Children 4 years of age and over: It should be noted that only the 50 microgram device is suitable for the administration of this dose.
This presentation of FLIXOTIDE may not offer the required paediatric dose, in which case an alternative presentation of FLIXOTIDE should be considered (e.g dry powder inhalers).
Children aged 1 to 4 years: Inhaled FLIXOTIDE is of benefit to younger children in the control of frequent and persistent asthma symptoms.
Clinical trials in 1 to 4 year old children have shown that the optimal control of asthma symptoms is achieved with 100 micrograms twice daily, administered via a pediatric spacer device with a face mask.
The diagnosis and treatment of asthma should be kept under regular review.
Special patient groups: There is no need to adjust the dose in elderly patients or in those with hepatic or renal impairment.
Acute inhalation of FLIXOTIDE doses in excess of those approved may lead to temporary suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This does not usually require emergency action, as normal adrenal function typically recovers within a few days.
If higher than approved doses are continued over prolonged periods, significant adrenocortical suppression is possible. There have been very rare reports of acute adrenal crisis occurring in children exposed to higher than approved doses (typically 1000 micrograms daily and above), over prolonged periods (several months or years); observed features included hypoglycaemia and sequelae of decreased consciousness and/or convulsions. Situations which could potentially trigger acute adrenal crisis include exposure to trauma, surgery, infection or any rapid reduction in dosage.
Patients receiving higher than approved doses should be managed closely and the dose reduced gradually.
Hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the preparation.
Increasing use of short-acting inhaled beta2-agonists to control asthma symptoms indicates deterioration of asthma control. Under these conditions, the patient's therapy plan should be reassessed.
Sudden and progressive deterioration in asthma control is potentially life-threatening and consideration should be given to increasing corticosteroid dosage. In patients considered at risk, daily peak flow monitoring may be instituted.
FLIXOTIDE is not for use in acute attacks, but for routine long-term management. Patients will require a fast- and short-acting inhaled bronchodilator to relieve acute asthmatic symptoms.
Lack of response or severe exacerbations of asthma should be treated by increasing the dose of inhaled FLIXOTIDE and, if necessary, by giving a systemic steroid and/or an antibiotic if there is an infection.
There was an increased reporting of pneumonia in studies of patients with COPD receiving FLIXOTIDE 500 micrograms (see Adverse Reactions). Physicians should remain vigilant for the possible development of pneumonia in patients with COPD as the clinical features of pneumonia and exacerbation frequently overlap.
Systemic effects may occur with any inhaled corticosteroid, particularly at high doses prescribed for long periods; these effects are much less likely to occur than with oral corticosteroids (see Overdosage). Possible systemic effects include Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract, glaucoma, and central serous chorioretinopathy. It is important, therefore, that the dose of inhaled corticosteroid is titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control is maintained (see Adverse Reactions).
It is recommended that the height of children receiving prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroid is regularly monitored.
Because of the possibility of impaired adrenal response, patients transferring from oral steroid therapy to inhaled FLIXOTIDE therapy should be treated with special care, and adrenocortical function regularly monitored.
Following introduction of inhaled FLIXOTIDE, withdrawal of systemic therapy should be gradual and patients encouraged to carry a steroid warning card indicating the possible need for additional therapy in times of stress.
The possibility of impaired adrenal response should always be considered in emergency situations (including surgery), and also in elective situations likely to produce stress, especially in patients taking high doses for an extended duration of time. Additional corticosteroid treatment appropriate to a given clinical situation must be considered (see Overdosage).
Similarly, replacement of systemic steroid treatment with inhaled therapy may unmask allergies such as allergic rhinitis or eczema previously controlled by the systemic drug. These allergies should be symptomatically treated with antihistamines and/or topical preparations, including topical steroids.
Treatment with FLIXOTIDE should not be stopped abruptly.
There have been very rare reports of increases in blood glucose levels (see Adverse Reactions) and this should be considered when prescribing to patients with a history of diabetes mellitus.
As with all inhaled corticosteroids, special care is necessary in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis.
During post-marketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Therefore, concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and ritonavir should be avoided, unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side-effects (see Interactions).
As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. FLIXOTIDE Evohaler should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed, and alternative therapy instituted if necessary (see Adverse Reactions).
Patients' inhaler technique should be checked to make sure that inhaler actuation is synchronised with inspiration to ensure optimum delivery of the drug to the lungs.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: FLIXOTIDE is unlikely to produce an effect.
Fertility: There are no data on human fertility. Animal studies indicate no effects of fluticasone propionate on male or female fertility.
Pregnancy: There are limited data in pregnant women. Administration of FLIXOTIDE during pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus.
Results from a retrospective epidemiological study did not find an increased risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) following exposure to fluticasone propionate when compared to other inhaled corticosteroids, during the first trimester of pregnancy (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Clinical Studies under Actions).
Reproductive studies in animals have shown only those effects characteristic of glucocorticosteroids at systemic exposures in excess of those seen at the recommended inhaled therapeutic dose.
Lactation: The excretion of fluticasone propionate into human breast milk has not been investigated. When measurable plasma levels were obtained in lactating laboratory rats following subcutaneous administration there was evidence of fluticasone propionate in the breast milk. However, plasma levels in patients following inhaled application of fluticasone propionate at recommended doses are likely to be low.
Administration during lactation should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the child.
Adverse events are listed as follows by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 and <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1000 and <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1000) and very rare (<1/10,000) including isolated reports. Very common, common and uncommon events were generally determined from clinical trial data. Rare and very rare events were generally determined from spontaneous data.
Infections and infestations: Very common: Candidiasis of mouth and throat.
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat (thrush) occurs in some patients. Such patients may find it helpful to rinse out their mouth with water after using their medication.
Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy whilst still continuing with FLIXOTIDE.
Common: Pneumonia (in COPD patients).
Rare: Oesophageal candidiasis.
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions with the following manifestations have been reported: Uncommon: Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions.
Very rare: Angioedema (mainly facial and oropharyngeal oedema), respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea and/or bronchospasm) and anaphylactic reactions.
Endocrine disorders: Possible systemic effects include (see Precautions): Very Rare: Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation, decreased bone mineral density, cataract, glaucoma.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Very rare: Hyperglycaemia.
Psychiatric disorders: Very rare: Anxiety, sleep disorders and behavioural changes, including hyperactivity and irritability (predominantly in children).
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Common: Hoarseness.
In some patients inhaled FLIXOTIDE may cause hoarseness. It may be helpful to rinse out the mouth with water immediately after inhalation.
Very rare: Paradoxical bronchospasm (see Precautions).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Common: Contusions.
Under normal circumstances, low plasma concentrations of fluticasone propionate are achieved after inhaled dosing, due to extensive first pass metabolism and high systemic clearance mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4 in the gut and liver. Hence, clinically significant drug interactions mediated by fluticasone propionate are unlikely.
A drug interaction study in healthy subjects has shown that ritonavir (a highly potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor) can greatly increase fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations, resulting in markedly reduced serum cortisol concentrations. During post-marketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving intranasal or inhaled fluticasone propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Therefore, concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and ritonavir should be avoided, unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side-effects.
Studies have shown that other inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 produce negligible (erythromycin) and minor (ketoconazole) increases in systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate without notable reductions in serum cortisol concentrations. Nevertheless, care is advised when co-administering potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) as there is potential for increased systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate.
Incompatibilities: None reported.
Replace the mouthpiece cover firmly and snap it into position.
FLIXOTIDE Evohaler should not be stored above 30°C.
Protect from frost and direct sunlight.
As with most inhaled medications in pressurised canisters, the therapeutic effect of this medication may decrease when the canister is cold.
Pressurised container. Do not expose to temperatures higher than 50°C. The canister should not be punctured, broken or burnt even when apparently empty.
R03BA05 - fluticasone ; Belongs to the class of other inhalants used in the treatment of obstructive airway diseases, glucocorticoids.
Flixotide evohaler 125 mcg/dose
120 dose x 1's
Flixotide evohaler 50 mcg/dose
120 dose x 1's
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