Axotide Accuhaler and MDI (Fluticasone Propionate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Axotide Accuhaler and MDI Used For?
Axotide puffer contains fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid medicine that helps manage asthma. It’s a ‘preventer’ medicine that reduces swelling and irritation in your lung airways when used regularly.
Primary Uses
Axotide is used to ease breathing problems and prevent asthma attacks. It’s designed for daily use to control asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief during an attack.
How It Works
The medicine reduces swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in your lungs. It may take up to a week to start working effectively. This is a ‘preventer’ medicine, not a quick-relief treatment.
Good to know: The medicine in Axotide puffers is not addictive.
How to Take Axotide Accuhaler and MDI
Axotide is taken by inhalation only. Follow the instructions on the leaflet in your pack carefully. Your doctor will decide the right dose and strength for you.
Dosage Instructions
For adults: The usual dose ranges from 100 to 1000 micrograms twice daily. For children aged 1 to 16 years: The usual dose ranges from 50 to 100 micrograms twice daily. Children under 8 years usually need to use a ‘spacer’ device. You must use your Axotide puffer every day, even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, don’t worry. Just take your next dose when it’s due. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. If you become wheezy before your next dose, use your ‘reliever puffer’ as usual.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not use Axotide to treat sudden breathing attacks – you need a different ‘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:
- sore throat or tongue (may be due to thrush infection)
- hoarseness or throat irritation
- soreness in the esophagus
- feeling anxious
- disturbed sleep
- increased irritability (mainly in children)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reaction (wheezing, swelling of lips/mouth/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, hay fever, lumpy rash, fainting)
- eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma)
- loss of bone density
- rounded face
- slowing of growth in children
- increased blood sugar levels
Important Warnings
There are important situations when you should not use Axotide or need special medical supervision while using it.
Who Should Not Take Axotide Accuhaler and MDI
Do not use if you’re allergic to fluticasone propionate or any ingredients. Do not use if you’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically says you should. Always check the expiry date and packaging integrity before use.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you’re 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 already taking steroid tablets, you should carry a warning card about needing extra steroids during stress periods.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Axotide during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It’s important that asthma is well-managed during pregnancy.
Emergency Warning: If your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult just after using your Axotide puffer, use your ‘reliever puffer’ and tell your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Axotide and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.
- ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
- ritonavir (used to treat HIV infection)
- other steroid medicines (by mouth or inhalation)
Alcohol & Driving
Axotide puffers generally do not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Axotide puffers generally do not cause any problems with your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Storage
Store your Axotide puffer below 30°C, away from heat and bright sunlight. Keep away from frost – do not put in the refrigerator. Do not store in the car, on window sills, in the bathroom, or near a sink. Keep where young children cannot reach it. If the puffer becomes very cold, warm the metal can in your hand for a few minutes before use.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Axotide puffer, 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 there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Axotide may take up to a week to start working effectively. It’s a ‘preventer’ medicine that needs to be used regularly every day to control asthma symptoms.
No, do not use Axotide to treat sudden breathing attacks. You need a different ‘reliever’ medicine for immediate relief during asthma attacks.
No, the medicine in Axotide puffers is not addictive.
You must continue using your Axotide puffer every day, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop using it suddenly.
It may be helpful to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using your Axotide puffer to help prevent throat irritation and thrush infections.
Yes, children from 1 to 16 years can use Axotide with appropriate dosing (50-100 micrograms twice daily). Children under 8 years usually need to use a ‘spacer’ device with the inhaler.
Tell your doctor immediately if your reliever puffer doesn’t help as much as usual, doesn’t last as long as usual, or if you need more puffs than usual to get relief.
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.