Fluticasone

Fluticasone is a steroid. As an inhaler it prevents asthma and COPD symptoms. As a nasal spray it treats hay fever.

Type of medicine

Corticosteroid (preventer inhaler and nasal spray)

Also known as

Flixotide, Flixonase, Avamys, Seretide (with salmeterol), Relvar (with vilanterol), Trelegy (triple inhaler), Cutivate

Comes as

inhalers, nasal spray, nasal drops, cream, ointment

How you get it

Some forms from a pharmacy without a prescription

What it is used for

Preventing asthma symptoms (inhalers)
COPD (combination inhalers)
Hay fever and nasal allergies (nasal spray, some available from pharmacies)
Nasal polyps (nasal drops)
Eczema and other inflamed skin conditions (cream, ointment)

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Fluticasone is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, nose or skin, so they are less sensitive to triggers.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Fluticasone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

hoarse voice or sore throat
oral thrush
nosebleeds or a dry nose
headache

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

wheezing that gets worse straight after using the inhaler
blurred vision or other changes in eyesight
with COPD inhalers, signs of a chest infection such as a high temperature and more phlegm

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler.
Use preventer inhalers every day, even when you feel well.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.