Axotide Accuhaler (Fluticasone Propionate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Axotide Accuhaler Used For?
Axotide Accuhaler contains fluticasone propionate, a steroid medicine that helps manage asthma by reducing swelling and irritation in your lung airways.
Primary Uses
Axotide Accuhaler is used to reduce swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in your lungs. It’s a ‘preventer’ medicine that helps ease breathing problems and prevent asthma attacks when used daily as part of your asthma management plan.
How It Works
This is a ‘preventer’ type of asthma medicine, not a ‘reliever’. It doesn’t give immediate relief from an asthma attack and may take up to a week to start working. When used every day, it helps prevent asthma symptoms and attacks by reducing inflammation in your airways.
Good to know: The medicine in Axotide Accuhaler is not addictive.
How to Take Axotide Accuhaler
Axotide Accuhaler is taken by inhalation only. Follow the instructions in the pack carefully for proper use.
Dosage Instructions
For adults: The usual dose ranges from 100 to 1000 micrograms twice daily. For children: The usual dose is 100 micrograms twice daily. Your doctor will decide the exact dose, frequency, and strength that’s right for you. You must use your Axotide Accuhaler every day, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you become wheezy or feel chest tightness before your next dose, use your ‘reliever puffer’ as usual.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not use Axotide Accuhaler to treat sudden breathing attacks – you need a ‘reliever’ medicine for that.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- sneezing
- irritation or dryness in nose or throat
- bad taste or smell
- nose bleed
- sore throat or tongue (may be due to thrush)
- hoarseness or throat irritation
- rounded face
- disturbed sleep or increased irritability (mainly in children)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma)
- allergic reactions (wheezing, swelling of lips/mouth, difficulty breathing, hay fever, hives, fainting)
- increased blood sugar levels
- loss of bone density
- slowing of growth in children
- soreness in the food pipe
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Axotide Accuhaler.
Who Should Not Take Axotide Accuhaler
Do not use if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any ingredients listed. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or if packaging is torn or tampered with.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, are taking other steroid medicines, have ever had to stop taking other asthma medicines, have tuberculosis or other long-term lung infections, or are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives, or other medicines. If you’re taking steroid tablets, you should carry a warning card about needing extra oral steroids during stress periods.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Generally not recommended unless your doctor says you should, as it’s important that asthma is managed well during pregnancy.
Sudden breathing difficulty: If your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult just after using Axotide Accuhaler, use a ‘reliever puffer’ and tell your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Axotide Accuhaler and affect how it works.
Tell your healthcare providers: Always tell doctors, dentists, and pharmacists that you’re using Axotide Accuhaler, especially if starting new medicines.
- ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
- ritonavir (used to treat HIV infection)
Alcohol & Driving
Axotide Accuhaler is unlikely to affect your daily activities.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Axotide Accuhaler is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Store your Axotide Accuhaler upright at below 30°C, protected from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep in the foil overwrap until first use, then discard the overwrap. Don’t store in bathrooms or near sinks, and don’t leave in cars or on window sills as heat and dampness can damage the medicine. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Axotide Accuhaler, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if you have no symptoms of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Axotide Accuhaler may take up to a week to start working. It’s a ‘preventer’ medicine, not a ‘reliever’, so it doesn’t give immediate relief from asthma attacks.
No, the medicine in Axotide Accuhaler is not addictive.
Do not stop using Axotide Accuhaler suddenly or change the dose without first checking with your doctor. You must use it every day, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if your ‘reliever puffer’ doesn’t help your breathing as much as usual, doesn’t last as long as usual, or you need more puffs than usual to get relief.
No, do not use Axotide Accuhaler to treat sudden attacks of breathlessness. You need a different ‘reliever’ medicine that your doctor will have prescribed for sudden attacks.
Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using your Axotide Accuhaler to help prevent thrush. Your doctor may prescribe treatment for thrush while you continue using the Accuhaler.
Store it upright at below 30°C, protected from direct sunlight. Don’t freeze it, and keep it in the foil overwrap until first use. Don’t store in bathrooms or leave in cars.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.