Consumer medicine information

Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler

Fluticasone propionate

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Fluticasone Cipla

Active ingredient

Fluticasone propionate

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler. It does not contain all of the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.

What Fluticasone Cipla Inhalers ('puffers') are used for

You may know your Inhaler better as a 'puffer'. Fluticasone Cipla puffers contain a medicine called fluticasone propionate. This medicine belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, frequently called 'steroids'. They are not 'anabolic steroids' which are the steroids sometimes misused by athletes.

Your Fluticasone Cipla puffer provides a measured amount of steroid for you to breathe into your lungs. By using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer regularly every day, the medicine reduces the swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in your lungs.

Your Fluticasone Cipla puffer contains the type of asthma medicine known as a 'preventer'. It does not give immediate relief from an asthma attack and may take up to a week to start to work. If your shortness of breath or wheeze does not get better after 7 days, tell your doctor. When used every day, your Fluticasone Cipla puffer helps to ease breathing problems and prevent asthma attacks.

This medicine is only one part of a general plan to help you manage your asthma. You should discuss this plan with your doctor. You may also be using a 'reliever puffer'. Keep using it according to your doctor's advice. Ask your doctor to check your treatment regularly.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why a Fluticasone Cipla puffer has been prescribed for you.

The medicine in Fluticasone Cipla puffers is not addictive.

Fluticasone Cipla puffers generally do not cause any problems with your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.

Before you use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer

When you must not use it

  • Do not use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer if you have ever had an allergic reaction to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
    Symptoms of an allergic reaction may be mild or severe. They usually include some or all of the following: wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash ("hives") or fainting.
  • Do not use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor says you should. It is important that asthma is managed well during pregnancy and you should not stop your medicine without asking your doctor.
    Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Do not use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
    If you use it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
  • Do not use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
  • If you're not sure whether you should be using an Fluticasone Cipla puffer, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to use it

You must tell your doctor if:

  • you are taking other steroid medicines by mouth or inhalation. If you are already taking steroid tablets, you should carry a warning card about needing extra oral steroids during periods of stress eg. worsening asthma attacks, chest infections, surgery, trauma and other major illnesses occurring at the same time. Discuss this with your doctor.
  • you have ever had to stop taking other asthma medicines.
  • you have tuberculosis (TB) of the lung or other long term lung infection.
  • you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may affect the way others work. For example, medicines like ketoconazole, used to treat fungal infection, and ritonavir used to treat HIV infection, may affect how Fluticasone Cipla puffer works. If you are taking these medicines, consult your doctor or pharmacist who will advise on what you should do.

How to use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer

Testing your inhaler
When you use the inhaler for the first time, you should test if it works properly.

  1. Remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides with your thumb and forefinger and pull apart.
  2. To make sure that it works, shake the inhaler well, point the mouthpiece away from you and press the canister to release four puffs into the air. If you have not used the inhaler for a week or more, release two puffs of medicine into the air.

How to use it

Remember that the medicine in your Fluticasone Cipla puffer is taken by inhalation only.

You will find the instructions on how to use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer on the leaflet in the pack. Follow the instructions carefully.

Cleaning your inhaler
 To prevent your inhaler from blocking, it is important to clean it at least once a week.

Hand-warming instruction
If the inhaler gets very cold, take the metal canister out of the plastic case and warm it in your hands for a few minutes before use. Never use anything else to warm it up.

How much to use

The pharmacist's label will usually tell you how many inhalations and how often to use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

For adults and adolescents over 16 years: The usual dose is in the range of 100 to 1000 micrograms twice daily.

For children from 1 to 16 years of age: Fluticasone Cipla puffer is not for use in patients aged under 16 years. The usual dose is in the range of 50 to 100 micrograms twice daily. A lower strength fluticasone (50 micrograms) inhalation can be available from other brand/s.

Your doctor will decide what dose you should take, how often you should take it, and what strength of Fluticasone Cipla puffer you should use.

You should visit your doctor or pharmacist regularly to check that you are using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer in the right way. If you are not breathing the medicine in correctly, the medicine may not be helping you as much as it could.

If you find it difficult to breathe in and press your Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler at the same time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. It may be better for you to use something called a 'spacer' with your Fluticasone Cipla puffer. Your doctor or pharmacist will explain to you what this is and how to use it.

If you change the make of spacer you use this may alter the amount of drug delivered to the lungs. You should let your doctor know if your asthma symptoms worsen.

If you have any questions about using a spacer, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

When not to use it

Do not use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness. You will need a different kind of medicine called a 'reliever' which your doctor will have told you to take.

How long to use it

You must use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer every day. Do not stop using it, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you.

If you forget to use it

You must use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer every day. If you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose when it is due.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest before the next dose is due, use a 'reliever puffer' in the usual way. You should get relief from your 'reliever puffer' within a few minutes.

If you have used too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 131126) for advice, if you think you may have taken too much of your medicine, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.

If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

While you are using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer

Things you must do

Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are using a Fluticasone Cipla puffer if you are about to be started on any new medicines.

If you have to go into hospital for an operation, take your Fluticasone Cipla puffer with you and tell the doctor what medicine(s) you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you experience a change in your vision.

Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed. Otherwise, your doctor may think that your medicine was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.

Things you must not do

Do not stop using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer, or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.

Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

Do not use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.

If your Fluticasone Cipla puffer does not have the usual effect

If your chest condition gets worse, tell your doctor. Your doctor may tell you to take extra puffs of your Fluticasone Cipla puffer or add another medicine (such as a 'reliever puffer') to your treatment.

IMPORTANT: If your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult just after you have used your Fluticasone Cipla puffer, you will need to use a 'reliever puffer' and tell your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if:

  • your 'reliever puffer' does not help your breathing as much as usual
  • the effect of your 'reliever puffer' does not last as long as usual
  • you need more puffs of your 'reliever puffer' than usual to get relief.

Side-Effects

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any problems while using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine, or are not listed in this leaflet.

Like other medicines, Fluticasone Cipla puffers may cause some side-effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

The most commonly reported side- effects are:

  • a sore throat or tongue. This may be due to 'thrush' (candida infection)
  • hoarseness or throat irritation

Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice any of these signs.

For these, it may be helpful to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer. Your doctor may prescribe treatment for the 'thrush' in your mouth while you continue to use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer.

Your doctor may prescribe treatment for the 'thrush' in your mouth while you continue to use your Fluticasone Cipla puffer.

It is possible that some people, particularly those taking higher doses of Fluticasone Cipla puffer for a long time, may rarely suffer from the following side effects:

  • rounded face
  • loss of bone density
  • eye problems (eg. cataract, glaucoma)
  • slowing of growth in children. It is unclear what, if any, difference this makes to their final height
  • soreness in the oesophagus.

Taking high doses of steroids for a long time this could affect the adrenal glands, which make the body's own steroid. Your doctor may do tests to check how the adrenal glands are working. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have.

It is important that:

  • treatment with your Fluticasone Cipla puffer should not be stopped suddenly
  • all doctors treating you are aware that you are on inhaled steroids. If your body is stressed by, for example, severe infection, surgical operation, an accident etc, you may need steroid tablets or injections for a time.

Very rarely the person taking the medicine may feel anxious, have disturbed sleep or notice increased irritability (mainly in children).

There may be an increase in the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. If you have diabetes, more frequent blood sugar monitoring and possibly adjustment of your usual diabetes treatment may be required.

If you feel unwell in any other way or have any symptoms that you do not understand, you should ask your doctor immediately.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

If you think you are having an allergic reaction to your Fluticasone Cipla puffer, tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital. Symptoms usually include some or all of the following:

  • wheezing
  • swelling of the lips/mouth, tongue or throat
  • difficulty in breathing
  • hay fever
  • lumpy rash ("hives")
  • fainting

This is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side-effects not yet known.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand anything in this list.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.

After using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer

Storage

Straight after use, replace mouthpiece cover firmly and click it into position. Do not use excessive force.

Keep this medicine where young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Keep your Fluticasone Cipla puffer away from heat (store below 25°C, and bright sunlight.

Keep your Fluticasone Cipla puffer away from frost. Do not put it in the refrigerator.

Do not leave it in the car or on window sills. Heat can destroy some medicines.

If your Fluticasone Cipla puffer becomes very cold, it may not work properly. To warm it, pull out the metal can from its plastic holder and warm it in your hand for a few minutes. Do not warm the can in any other way. Push the can firmly back into its holder before using.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop using your Fluticasone Cipla puffer, or the product has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any Fluticasone Cipla puffer left over.

WARNING: The metal can is pressurised. Do not burn it or puncture it, even when it is empty. You can recycle the plastic holder and cap of your Fluticasone Cipla puffer with other plastic things.

Product description

What Fluticasone Cipla puffer looks like

A Fluticasone Cipla puffer consists of a plastic holder which contains a small metal can. The holder has a mouthpiece which is covered by a cap.

Ingredients

Fluticasone Cipla puffers contain the medicine called fluticasone propionate. They are available in the following strengths:

Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler, containing 125 micrograms of fluticasone propionate in each puff. Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler125 microgram are a rigid, aluminium, container fitted with a metered dose valve, containing a white homogeneous suspension, fitted to a plastic actuator with a white body and yellow coloured cap.

Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler, containing 250 micrograms of fluticasone propionate in each puff. Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler250 microgram are a rigid, aluminium, container fitted with a metered dose valve, containing a white homogeneous suspension, fitted to a plastic actuator with a white body and yellow coloured cap.

Fluticasone Cipla puffers contain the inactive ingredient norflurane. Cans containing 120 puffs is available.

Other types of asthma medicines

Your Fluticasone Cipla puffer contains the kind of asthma medicine known as a 'preventer'. There are other types of inhalers that relieve your breathing problems when you are wheezing or your chest is tight. These medicines are called 'relievers'. Your doctor may tell you to use a 'reliever' in addition to your Fluticasone Cipla puffer.

Sponsor

Cipla Australia Pty Ltd.,
Level 1, 132-136 Albert Road
South Melbourne, VIC 3205

Further Information

Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to give you advice on the treatment of your condition. You may also be able to find general information about your disease and its treatment from books, for example in public libraries.

Do not throw this leaflet away. You may need to read it again.

This leaflet was reviewed on 29-01-2020.

Published by MIMS July 2020

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Fluticasone Cipla

Active ingredient

Fluticasone propionate

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Fluticasone propionate.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Fluticasone propionate is a white or almost white powder. It is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in methylene chloride, slightly soluble in ethanol (96 per cent).

Chemical structure.


Chemical name: S-Fluoromethyl 6α, 9α-difluoro-11β-hydroxy -16α-methyl-3-oxo-17 α-propionyloxy-androsta- 1, 4-diene-17β-carbothioate.
Molecular formula: C25H31F3O5S.
Molecular weight: 500.6.

CAS number.

80474-14-2.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler contains a pressurised inhalation suspension, delivering either 125 or 250 micrograms of fluticasone propionate per actuation.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Pressurised inhalation.
A rigid, aluminium container fitted with a metered dose valve, containing a white homogeneous suspension, fitted with a plastic actuator with a white body and yellow coloured cap.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Fluticasone propionate given by inhalation at recommended doses has potent glucocorticoid activity in the airway. The potent anti-inflammatory action improves the symptomatic control of asthma, allows reduction of other drugs, such as rescue bronchodilators, and may limit the risk of decline in lung function over time. The low systemic bioavailability of fluticasone propionate provides a better risk: benefit outcome without the adverse effects that accompany systemically administered corticosteroids.

Clinical trials.

Adults and children over 4 years of age.

Fluticasone propionate Inhaler and Accuhaler.

The clinical trial program evaluated the efficacy and safety of inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) in over 6,000 patients with mild, moderate or severe asthma. The studies ranged from a few weeks to 12 months in duration, and included paediatric (≥ 4 years old), adult and elderly patients. Most studies were double-blind in design; some were placebo-controlled, while others included beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide as the comparator. Fluticasone propionate was demonstrated to be an effective and well tolerated inhaled corticosteroid suitable for the treatment of asthmatics of all ages with varying disease severity. The onset of therapeutic effect occurred within 4 to 7 days. Maximum improvement in lung function occurred as early as 3 months, and response was well sustained over periods of up to 12 months.
In some studies where fluticasone propionate was administered at half the dosage of beclomethasone dipropionate and budesonide, inhaled fluticasone propionate was shown to be at least as effective as the comparator in patients with mild to moderate or severe asthma.
Fluticasone propionate 1 mg twice daily was also shown to provide an oral corticosteroid-sparing effect in a small group of adult patients. Over 6 months, mean prednisolone needs were markedly reduced from 11.9 mg to 6 mg, accompanied by sustained improvements in lung function.
Fluticasone propionate Inhaler and Accuhaler are clinically equivalent.
Throughout the proposed therapeutic range and in studies extended to 12 months, the geometric mean cortisol concentration for both children and adults remained within the normal range. Individual patient data indicated that the incidence of clinically relevant reductions in serum cortisol concentrations was very low. Twelve-month data comparing fluticasone propionate 1.5 mg/day to beclomethasone dipropionate 1.5 mg/day demonstrated no difference in plasma cortisol concentration at any time point. At the dose of 2 mg/day fluticasone propionate over 12 months, there was a net increase of 7% of patients whose serum cortisol concentrations fell below the lower limit of normal; although this may have been partly due to past or concurrent treatment with oral corticosteroids.
In addition, five clinical studies were conducted with fluticasone propionate CFC-free inhaler, in which 885 adults were treated at doses of 100 micrograms twice daily, 250 micrograms twice daily, 500 micrograms twice daily and 1000 micrograms twice daily over periods of 4 weeks to 12 months. One further study was conducted in children, in which 158 children received 100 micrograms twice daily fluticasone propionate from CFC-free inhaler for four weeks. These studies established the clinical efficacy and safety of the CFC-free formulations, and their equivalence with previous CFC-containing formulations.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Following inhaled doses of 2000 microgram per day (1000 microgram twice daily) for 14 days in healthy volunteers, peak plasma concentrations of about 0.3 nanogram/mL were observed at 30-60 minutes post-dosing.

Absorption.

The absolute bioavailability of fluticasone propionate for each of the available inhaler devices has been estimated from within and between study comparisons of inhaled and intravenous pharmacokinetic data based on AUC(0-infinity) data. In healthy adult subjects the absolute bioavailability has been estimated for Fluticasone propionate Accuhaler (8%) and Fluticasone propionate Inhaler (10.9%) respectively. Since the bioavailability of the swallowed portion of an inhaled dose which reaches the gastrointestinal tract is virtually zero, the systemic absorption would be a reflection of the amount of drug reaching the lungs.
Fluticasone propionate has many pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features similar to those of other inhaled glucocorticoids used for the treatment of asthma. However, in contrast to these other steroids, a combination of incomplete gastrointestinal absorption and high first pass metabolic extraction ensures that virtually no fluticasone propionate swallowed after oral inhalation reaches the systemic circulation.

Distribution.

Following intravenous administration, the pharmacokinetics of fluticasone propionate are proportional to the dose. Fluticasone propionate is extensively distributed within the body. The volume of distribution at steady state is approximately 300 litres and has a very high clearance which is estimated to be 1.1 litre/minute indicating extensive hepatic extraction. Peak plasma fluticasone propionate concentrations are reduced by approximately 98% within 3-4 hours and only low plasma concentrations are associated with the terminal half-life, which is approximately 8 hours.

Metabolism.

In animals and humans, propellant HFA-134a was eliminated rapidly in the breath, with no evidence of metabolism or accumulation in the body. Time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) and mean residence time are both extremely short, leading to a transient appearance of HFA-134a in the blood with no evidence of accumulation.

Excretion.

Studies with radiolabelled and unlabelled fluticasone propionate administered orally to human volunteers indicate that the majority of the dose (87%-100%) is excreted in the faeces, with up to 75% as unchanged drug, depending on the dose administered. Between 1% and 5% of the dose is excreted as metabolites in urine.
Single oral doses of 16 mg in healthy volunteers produced plasma levels of less than 0.5 nanogram/mL.
Single intravenous doses of 2 mg in healthy volunteers revealed that the clearance of fluticasone propionate approximates liver blood flow (900 mL/min), with renal clearance (0.11 mL/min) accounting for less than 1%. These results indicate that hepatic extraction is almost complete and that oral bioavailability is close to zero.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

There was no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic activity for fluticasone propionate in the standard battery of genotoxicity assays.

Carcinogenicity.

No evidence of a tumorigenic effect was observed in either a 2 year study in rats receiving doses of fluticasone propionate up to 57 microgram/kg/day by inhalation or in an 18 month study in mice receiving oral doses of fluticasone propionate up to 1 mg/kg/day.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

For use in the prophylactic management of asthma in adults and adolescents over 16 years of age.

4.3 Contraindications

Fluticasone propionate is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any components of the preparations (see Section 6.1 List of Excipients).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

The management of asthma should follow a stepwise programme, and patient response should be monitored clinically and by lung function tests. Increasing use of short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists to control symptoms indicates deterioration of asthma control. Under these conditions, the patient's therapy plan should be reassessed. Sudden and progressive deterioration in asthma control is potentially life-threatening and consideration should be given to increasing corticosteroid dosage. In patients considered at risk, daily peak flow monitoring may be instituted.
Lack of response or severe exacerbations of asthma may be an indication for review of the patient. Treatment options may include increasing the dose of inhaled fluticasone propionate and, if necessary, giving a systemic steroid and/or an antibiotic if there is an infection.
Fluticasone propionate is not for use in acute attacks but for routine long-term management. Patients will require a fast- and short-acting inhaled bronchodilator to relieve acute asthmatic symptoms.
Treatment with fluticasone propionate should not be stopped abruptly.
There have been very rare reports of increases in blood glucose levels (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)) and this should be considered when prescribing to patients with a history of diabetes mellitus.
As with all inhaled corticosteroids, special care is necessary in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis.
A drug interaction study in healthy subjects has shown that ritonavir (a highly potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor) can greatly increase fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations, resulting in markedly reduced serum cortisol concentrations. During post-marketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Therefore, concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and ritonavir should be avoided, unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side-effects.
As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur rarely, with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a fast and short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Fluticasone propionate should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed, and if necessary alternative therapy instituted if necessary.

Fluticasone propionate inhaler.

Patients' inhaler technique should be checked to make sure that inhaler actuation is synchronised with inspiration to ensure optimum delivery of the drug to the lungs.

Spacer devices.

Most patients will benefit from the consistent use of a spacer device with their metered dose inhaler (MDI or 'puffer'), particularly those with poor inhaler technique. Use of a spacer will also decrease the amount of drug deposited in the mouth and back of the throat, and therefore reduce the incidence of local side effects such as 'thrush' and a hoarse voice.
A change in the make of spacer may be associated with alterations in the amount of drug delivered to the lungs. The clinical significance of these alterations is uncertain. However, in these situations, the person should be monitored for any loss of asthma control.
If using a spacer, the patient should be instructed to actuate the inhaler into the spacer and then slowly breathe in as far as possible. Hold your breath for as long as comfortable, before breathing out slowly. This should be repeated for each actuation of the drug into the spacer. Any delays between actuation and inhalation should be kept to a minimum.
Static on the walls of the spacer may cause variability in drug delivery. Patients should be instructed to wash the spacer in warm water and detergent and allow it to air dry without rinsing or drying with a cloth. This should be performed before initial use of the spacer and at least monthly thereafter.

Possible systemic effects, including adrenocortical function, bone density and growth.

Inhaled steroids are designed to direct glucocorticoid delivery to the lungs in order to reduce overall systemic glucocorticoid exposure and side effects. With sufficient doses however, all inhaled steroids can have adverse effects; possible systemic effects include Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, depression of the hypothalmic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis (see Section 4.9 Overdose), reduction of bone density, retardation of growth rate, cataract and glaucoma and central serous chorioretinopathy. If a patient presents with a change in vision, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes.
The lowest doses of inhaled corticosteroids that cause suppression of the HPA axis (as indicated by the 24 hour urinary cortisol concentrations), effects on bone mineral density or growth retardation in children has not yet been established. Some depression of plasma cortisol may occur in a small number of adult patients receiving inhaled FP at recommended and higher doses but it is not possible to predict which patients are at risk based solely on dose, previous history or length of exposure to inhaled or oral steroids. Adrenal function and adrenal reserve usually remain within normal range on inhaled fluticasone propionate therapy. To minimise the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, each patient should be titrated down to the lowest dose that effectively controls his/her asthma (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Medical emergency.

Patients in a medical or surgical emergency, who in the past have required high doses of other inhaled steroids and/or intermittent treatment with oral steroids, remain at risk of impaired adrenal reserve for a considerable time after transferring to inhaled fluticasone propionate. The extent of the adrenal impairment may require specialist advice before elective procedures. The possibility of residual impaired adrenal response should always be borne in mind in emergency and elective situations likely to produce stress and appropriate corticosteroid treatment must be considered (see Section 4.9 Overdose).

Transfer of patients being treated with oral corticosteroids.

Because of the possibility of impaired adrenal response, patients transferring from oral steroid therapy to inhaled fluticasone propionate should be treated with special care and adrenocortical function regularly monitored.
Following introduction of inhaled fluticasone propionate, withdrawal of systemic therapy should be gradual and patients whose adrenocortical function is still impaired should carry a steroid warning card indicating that they may need supplementary systemic steroid during periods of stress, e.g. worsening asthma attacks, chest infections, major intercurrent illness, surgery, trauma, etc.
In rare cases inhaled therapy may unmask underlying eosinophilic conditions (e.g. Churg-Strauss syndrome). These cases have usually been associated with reduction or withdrawal of oral corticosteroid therapy. A direct causal relationship has not been established.
Similarly, replacement of systemic steroid treatment with inhaled therapy sometimes unmasks allergies such as allergic rhinitis or eczema previously controlled by the systemic drug. These allergies should be symptomatically treated with antihistamine and/or topical preparations, including topical steroids.

Use in the elderly.

There are no special precautions for use in the elderly.

Paediatric use.

The growth of paediatric patients receiving corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate, should be monitored. The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits obtained.
In children taking recommended doses of inhaled fluticasone propionate, adrenal function and adrenal reserve usually remain within the normal range. However, the possible effects of previous or intermittent treatment with oral steroids should not be discounted. Nevertheless, the benefits of inhaled fluticasone propionate should minimise the need for oral steroids.
The lowest dose of Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler contains 125 micrograms of fluticasone. Children and adolescents requiring a lower dose will need to be prescribed an alternative brand product.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Under normal circumstances, low plasma concentrations of fluticasone propionate are achieved after inhaled dosing, due to extensive first pass metabolism and high systemic clearance mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4 in the gut and liver. Hence, clinically significant drug interactions mediated by fluticasone propionate are unlikely.
A drug interaction study in healthy subjects has shown that ritonavir (a highly potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor) can greatly increase fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations, resulting in markedly reduced serum cortisol concentrations. During post-marketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate and ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Therefore, concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and ritonavir should be avoided, unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side-effects.
Studies have shown that other inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 produce negligible (erythromycin) and minor (ketoconazole) increases in systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate without notable reductions in serum cortisol concentrations. Nevertheless, care is advised when co-administering potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) as there is potential for increased systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

There are no data on human fertility. No effects of fluticasone propionate on male or female fertility were observed in rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 microgram/kg/day.
(Category B3)
There are limited data in pregnant women. Administration of fluticasone propionate during pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus.
An observational retrospective epidemiological cohort study utilising electronic health records from the United Kingdom was conducted to evaluate the risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) following first trimester exposure to inhaled fluticasone propionate alone and salmeterol-fluticasone propionate combination relative to non-fluticasone propionate containing inhaled corticosteroids. No placebo comparator was included in this study.
Within the asthma cohort of 5,362 first trimester inhaled corticosteroid-exposed pregnancies, 131 diagnosed MCMs were identified: 1,612 (30%) were exposed to fluticasone propionate or salmeterol-fluticasone propionate of which 42 diagnosed MCMs were identified. The adjusted odds ratio for MCMs diagnosed by 1 year was 1.1 (95% CI: 0.5-2.3) for fluticasone propionate exposed vs non-fluticasone propionate inhaled corticosteroid exposed women with moderate asthma and 1.2 (95%: 0.7-2.0) for women with considerable to severe asthma. No difference in the risk of MCMs was identified following first trimester exposure to fluticasone propionate alone versus salmeterol-fluticasone propionate combination. Absolute risks of MCM across the asthma severity strata ranged from 2.0 to 2.9 per 100 fluticasone propionate-exposed pregnancies which is comparable to results from a study of 15,840 pregnancies unexposed to asthma therapies in the General Practice Research Database (2.8 MCM events per 100 pregnancies).
Results from the retrospective epidemiological study did not find an increased risk of MCMs following exposure to fluticasone propionate when compared to other inhaled corticosteroids, during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Corticosteroids are known to induce fetotoxic and teratogenic effects in rodent studies. However, equivalent effects have not been reported when these compounds have been given to humans during pregnancy. Teratology studies with fluticasone propionate in mice and rats have shown the expected fetotoxic and teratogenic effects at SC doses of 100 to 150 microgram/kg/day and above. In an inhalational teratology study in rats, fluticasone propionate was not teratogenic at inhalational doses up to 68.7 microgram/kg/day, but reduced foetal bodyweight and delayed foetal development were noted at maternal doses of 25.7 microgram/kg/day and greater. Mean foetal weight, retardation of ossification, and decreased postnatal viability were observed in rats receiving fluticasone propionate at 50 microgram/kg/day SC. As for previous compounds of this class, these effects are unlikely to be relevant to human therapy.
 The excretion of fluticasone propionate into human breast milk has not been investigated.
Subcutaneous administration of tritiated drug to lactating rats resulted in measurable radioactivity in both plasma and milk (levels in milk were 3-7 times plasma levels) 1-8 hours post-dose.
However, the amount of fluticasone propionate ingested by the newborn is estimated to be very small as a consequence of very low maternal plasma concentration of fluticasone propionate.
Administration during lactation should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the child.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Adverse events are listed below by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1000) and very rare (< 1/10,000) including isolated reports. Very common, common and uncommon events were generally determined from clinical trial data. Rare and very rare events were generally determined from spontaneous data.

Infections and infestations.

Very common: candidiasis (thrush) of the mouth and throat.
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat (thrush) occurs in some patients. Patients may find it helpful to rinse out their mouth with water after inhalation. Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy whilst still continuing with the fluticasone propionate.
Rare: oesophageal candidiasis.

Immune system disorders.

Hypersensitivity reactions with the following manifestations have been reported.
Uncommon: cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions.
Rare: angioedema (mainly facial and oropharyngeal oedema), respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea and/or bronchospasm). Very rare: anaphylactic reactions.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Common: contusions.

Endocrine disorders.

Possible systemic effects include (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Rare: adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract, glaucoma.
There have also been reports of Cushing's syndrome and Cushingoid features.

Psychiatric disorders.

Very rare: anxiety, sleep disorders and behavioural changes, including hyperactivity and irritability (predominantly in children).

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Very rare: hyperglycaemia.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Common: hoarseness.
In some patients fluticasone propionate may cause hoarseness. It may be helpful to rinse out the mouth with water immediately after inhalation.
Rare: paradoxical bronchospasm (see Section 4.4 Special warnings and Precautions for Use).

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Note.

50 micrograms per actuation inhaler for children and adolescents at 1 to 15 year-old can be available from other brand/s. Other dosage forms such as Accuhaler, disks and diskhaler can be available from other brand/s.
Fluticasone propionate has a marked anti-inflammatory effect in the lungs. It reduces symptoms and exacerbations of asthma in patients receiving either no prophylactic treatment or other available anti-asthma therapy.
Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler is administered via the inhaled route only. It is intended that each prescribed dose is given by a minimum of 2 inhalations.
In patients who find co-ordination of a pressurised metered-dose inhaler difficult, a spacer may be used with Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler.
Patients should be made aware of the prophylactic nature of therapy with inhaled fluticasone propionate and that it should be taken regularly even when they are asymptomatic. The onset of therapeutic effect is within 4 to 7 days.
If patients find that relief with short-acting bronchodilator treatment becomes less effective or they need more inhalations than usual, medical attention must be sought.
The dosage of fluticasone propionate should be adjusted according to the individual response.
See Section 2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition for further information.
The Australian Asthma Handbook provides an additional source of reference information for prescribers.

Adults and adolescents over 16 years.

100 to 1000 micrograms twice daily.

Prophylactic management.

Mild asthma.

(PEF values greater than 80% predicted at baseline with less than 20% variability.) Patients requiring intermittent symptomatic bronchodilator asthma medication on more than an occasional basis.

Moderate asthma.

(PEF values 60-80% predicted at baseline with 20-30% variability.) Patients requiring regular asthma medication and patients with unstable or worsening asthma on currently available prophylactic therapy or bronchodilator alone.

Severe asthma.

(PEF values less than 60% predicted at baseline with greater than 30% variability.) Patients with severe chronic asthma. On introduction of inhaled fluticasone propionate many patients who are dependent on systemic corticosteroids for adequate control of symptoms may be able to reduce significantly or to eliminate their requirement for oral corticosteroids.
Patients should be given a starting dose of inhaled fluticasone propionate which is appropriate for the severity of their disease.

Mild asthma.

100 to 250 micrograms twice daily.

Moderate asthma.

250 to 500 micrograms twice daily.

Severe asthma.

500 to 1000 micrograms twice daily.
Once asthma symptoms have been controlled, the dose of fluticasone propionate should be reduced to the lowest dose which maintains control of asthma symptoms.
Alternatively, the starting dose of fluticasone propionate may be gauged at half the total daily dose of beclomethasone dipropionate as administered by metered-dose inhaler or equivalent. Any initial lack of effect using this guideline may indicate too small a dose rather than a treatment failure.
If patients find that relief with short-acting bronchodilator treatment becomes less effective or they need more inhalations than usual, medical attention must be sought.
If lower doses are required, an alternative brand of fluticasone propionate may be required to deliver the appropriate dose.

Children.

Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler is not recommended for use in children below 16 years age, as the lowest strength available is 125 micrograms of fluticasone.

Special patient groups.

There is no need to adjust the dose in elderly patients or in those with hepatic or renal impairment.

Use of the device.

Shake the inhaler well before use.

Testing the inhaler.

Before using for the first time patients should remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides of the cover, shake the inhaler well, hold the inhaler between fingers and thumb with their thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece and release four puffs into the air.
The inhaler should be shaken immediately before releasing each puff. If the inhaler has not been used for a week or more the mouthpiece cover should be removed, the patient should shake the inhaler well and should release two puffs into the air.

Cleaning.

Inhaler should be cleaned at least once a week.

Hand-warming instruction.

If the inhaler gets very cold, take the metal canister out of the plastic case and warm it in your hands for a few minutes before use. Never use anything else to warm it up.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Fluticasone propionate is unlikely to produce an effect.

4.9 Overdose

Acute inhalation of fluticasone propionate doses in excess of those approved may lead to temporary suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This does not usually require emergency action, as normal adrenal function typically recovers within a few days.
If higher than approved doses are continued over prolonged periods, significant adrenocortical suppression is possible. There have been very rare reports of acute adrenal crisis occurring in children exposed to higher than approved doses (typically 1000 microgram daily and above), over prolonged periods (several months or years). Presenting symptoms are typically vague and may include anorexia, abdominal pain, weight loss, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, hypoglycaemia, and seizures. Situations which could potentially trigger acute adrenal crisis include exposure to trauma, surgery, infection or any rapid reduction in dosage. Additional systemic corticosteroid cover should be considered during periods of stress or elective surgery.
It is not recommended that patients receive higher than approved doses. It is important to review therapy regularly and titrate down to the lowest dose at which effective control of disease is maintained (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Norflurane (a CFC-free propellant).

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Fluticasone Cipla Inhalers should be stored below 25°C. Protect from frost and direct sunlight. As with most inhaled medications in pressurised canisters, the therapeutic effect of this medication may decrease when the canister is cold. The canister should not be punctured, broken or burnt even when apparently empty. Replace the mouthpiece cover firmly and snap it into position.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Fluticasone Cipla Inhaler is available in aluminium metered dose aerosol can containing 120 doses.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

Summary Table of Changes