About inhaled fluticasone

Inhaled fluticasone is a medicine used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

You can take it using an inhaler (sometimes called a "puffer") which is available as an Evohaler or an Accuhaler. It's usually brown, orange or beige. This is called a preventer inhaler because it helps to prevent you from getting symptoms.

If you have severe asthma or COPD, you may need to use a nebuliser. A nebuliser is a machine that helps you breathe in your medicine as a mist, using a mask or a mouthpiece. You can use a nebuliser in hospital, or you may be given one to manage your condition at home. Fluticasone nebuliser liquid comes in individual doses called nebules.

Fluticasone inhalers and nebules are available on prescription.

Some inhalers contain fluticasone mixed with other medicines that help your breathing. Brand names include Flutiform, Relvar, Seretide and Trelegy.

Fluticasone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). This is not the same as an anabolic steroid.

It also comes as:

• a skin cream, for skin conditions such as eczema
• a nasal spray or nasal drops, for hay fever and cold-like symptoms caused by common allergies (allergic rhinitis), and nasal polyps