Fluticasone (Flovent) for COPD

Fluticasone (brand name Flovent) is a prescription corticosteroid used to prevent breathing difficulties, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing caused by respiratory disorders such as COPD. It works by decreasing swelling and irritation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

How does fluticasone for COPD work?

Fluticasone is a synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Inflammation is an important component in people with COPD. Corticosteroids have various actions on multiple cell types involved in inflammation. It is this anti-inflammatory action that contributes to their effectiveness.

Despite fluticasone’s effectiveness, relief of symptoms won’t be experienced until one or two weeks after starting the treatment.

Indications and side effects

Fluticasone is a prescription corticosteroid for long-term treatment of respiratory disorders, such as asthma and COPD. It is not supposed to relieve sudden breathing problems, so it won’t replace a rescue inhaler.

Common fluticasone side effects include a cold or upper respiratory tract infections, throat irritation, headache, fever, diarrhea and ear infection.

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