Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Fluticasone is a combination product used to treat Asthma. It contains fluticasone and salmeterol. Both together work for the relief from asthma in patients 4 years and older. It is also useful in other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How does Fluticasone works?

Fluticasone is a combination product of fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone is in a class of medication called steroids. This reduce swelling in the airways. It also prevents the release of substance in the body that causes inflammation. Salmeterol belonged to the class off drugs called long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). It helps to relax and open air passages in the lungs and breathing passages. This removes any block that can affect normal bring in the lungs.

Together they give relief from the symptoms of asthma. But it must be used with a short acting medicine for an asthma attack that needs emergency attention.

What are the uses of Fluticasone?

Fluticasone is useful to treat various symptoms of Asthma as discussed below.

• Prevents the release of cells that causes inflammation in the body.
• Relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
• Prevents asthma attacks.
• Prevents worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
• This can be associated with chronic bronchitis and or emphysema.
• It is used as a long treatment of COPD.
• For people with asthma the medicine is a short term treatment when symptoms are under control.

How to take Fluticasone?

Fluticasone is available in the form of inhaler/ spray bottles of 250/50 mcg. The general dose of Fluticasone (Advair) is two inhalations in a day, one in the morning and evening. It depends upon previous therapy and asthma severity. Maximum dose is 440 mcg two time a day.

What is the precaution in taking Fluticasone?

Certain precaution is necessary in using fluticasone. They are as follows.

• You should take each inhalation at a difference of 12 hours.
• You should use short acting beta 2 agonist for asthma attacks in between the two dose.
• Maximum benefit can take 1 week of longer. So continue to use the does.
• Doctor may increase the dose, if the response does not improve in 2 weeks of therapy.
• Advanced treatment may need initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA.
• You should use this medication with caution if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Safety is not established in patients younger than 4 years.

Cost of Fluticasone (Generic & Brand)

The brand name medication of Fluticasone is Advair. Fluticasone is a generic drug. It is cheaper than the brand Advair. The difference in the cost is because of the packing pricing and the brand name of the company. Generic medicines are cheaper due to the various cost cutting measure. You can buy cheap Fluticasone (Advair) as a generic drug.

*Cost of 1 spray bottle (250/50 mcg) of Fluticasone is $ 68.

*Cost of brand Advair (250/50 mcg) is $339.00.

You can see the difference between the above two so go for Generic Version.