Axotide Accuhaler and MDI (Fluticasone Propionate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Axotide Accuhaler and MDI Used For?
Axotide contains fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid (steroid) medicine that helps manage asthma. It's a 'preventer' medication that reduces swelling and irritation in your lung airways when used regularly.
Primary Uses
Axotide is used to prevent asthma attacks and ease breathing problems. It helps reduce inflammation in the small air passages of your lungs, making breathing easier over time.
How It Works
This medicine belongs to corticosteroids (not anabolic steroids). When inhaled regularly, it reduces swelling and irritation in your lung airways. It's a 'preventer' medicine that may take up to a week to start working and doesn't provide immediate relief during asthma attacks.
Good to know: The medicine in Axotide is not addictive and these are not the same steroids sometimes misused by athletes.
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How to Take Axotide Accuhaler and MDI
Axotide is taken by inhalation only. You must use it every day, even when feeling better, unless your doctor tells you to stop. Follow the instructions in your pack carefully.
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. Your doctor will decide your specific dose and strength. Children under 8 years usually need a 'spacer' device. Visit your doctor or pharmacist regularly to ensure you're using the inhaler correctly.
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 and continue with your regular schedule. 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/candida 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 reactions (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 Axotide should not be used and conditions your doctor needs to know about before prescribing this medicine.
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 the expiry date has passed or packaging is damaged. Always check ingredients to ensure you can safely use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you're taking other steroid medicines, have ever had to stop other asthma medicines, have tuberculosis or other long-term lung infections, or have allergies 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're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Generally not recommended unless your doctor specifically advises it. It's important that asthma is well-managed during pregnancy, so don't stop your medicine without asking your doctor first.
Sudden breathing difficulty: If your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult just after using Axotide, use your 'reliever puffer' immediately and tell your doctor right away.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Axotide 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 generally doesn't affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and no specific alcohol warnings are mentioned.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Axotide generally does not cause problems with your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Storage
Store below 30°C away from heat and bright sunlight. Keep away from frost – do not refrigerate. Don't leave in cars or on window sills. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground. If the inhaler becomes very cold, warm the metal can in your hand for a few minutes before use.
Overdose Information
If you think you've used too much Axotide, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Axotide may take up to a week to start working. It's a 'preventer' medicine that needs to be used regularly every day to be effective, unlike 'reliever' medicines that work immediately.
No, the medicine in Axotide is not addictive. These are corticosteroids, not the anabolic steroids sometimes misused by athletes.
Do not stop using Axotide suddenly, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to. You must use it every day to prevent asthma attacks and maintain control of your breathing.
No, do not use Axotide to treat sudden breathing attacks. You need a different 'reliever' medicine for immediate relief during asthma attacks. Axotide is a 'preventer' that works over time.
Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using Axotide. This helps prevent thrush (candida infection) in your mouth and throat.
Yes, children from 1 to 16 years can use Axotide with proper dosing (50-100 micrograms twice daily). Children under 8 years usually need a 'spacer' device. There may be some slowing of growth, but the significance for final height is unclear.
Tell your doctor immediately if your reliever inhaler doesn't help as much as usual, doesn't last as long, or you need more puffs than normal for relief. This could indicate worsening asthma.
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.