Flovent Side Effects: What You Should Know

Flovent (Fluticasone Propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 and older. Like all medications, it can cause side effects. Most are mild and manageable, but some require medical attention. Here's what to expect and when to be concerned.

What Is Flovent?

Flovent is the brand name for Fluticasone Propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It works by reducing inflammation in the airways, which helps prevent asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It's a maintenance medication — meaning you take it every day to prevent symptoms, not to treat sudden asthma attacks. For more details, see our full guide on what Flovent is and how it's used.

Note: Brand-name Flovent HFA was discontinued in January 2024, but authorized generic Fluticasone Propionate HFA inhalers are available in the same strengths (44 mcg, 110 mcg, 220 mcg).

Common Side Effects

These side effects are relatively frequent and usually mild. They often improve as your body adjusts to the medication:

• Oral thrush (candidiasis) — A fungal infection in the mouth and throat that can cause white patches, soreness, or difficulty swallowing. Affects up to 10% of users. This is one of the most well-known side effects of inhaled corticosteroids.
• Hoarseness or voice changes (dysphonia) — The medication can irritate the vocal cords, making your voice raspy or weak.
• Upper respiratory tract infections — Colds and similar infections may be slightly more frequent.
• Throat irritation — Soreness or a scratchy feeling in the throat after inhalation.
• Headache — Mild headaches that typically resolve on their own.
• Nasal congestion and sinusitis — Stuffiness or sinus pressure.
• Cough — Some people experience coughing right after inhaling the medication.

Serious Side Effects

These are less common but require prompt medical attention. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Adrenal suppression — High doses or prolonged use can suppress your body's natural cortisol production. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure. This is more likely if you're switching from oral corticosteroids to inhaled Flovent.
• Growth suppression in children — Studies show inhaled corticosteroids can reduce growth velocity by 0.5–1 cm per year in children. Your child's doctor should monitor their height regularly.
• Increased infection risk — Corticosteroids suppress immune function. Be cautious around people with chickenpox or measles. If you haven't had these diseases or been vaccinated, tell your doctor.
• Eye problems — Long-term use may increase the risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Report any vision changes, eye pain, or blurred vision.
• Cushing's syndrome features — Rare with inhaled doses, but high doses can cause weight gain in the face and trunk, stretch marks, and high blood sugar.
• Paradoxical bronchospasm — In rare cases, using the inhaler can actually trigger wheezing and breathing difficulty instead of relieving it. If this happens, stop using the inhaler and use your rescue inhaler immediately.
• Allergic reactions — Rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency care for signs of anaphylaxis.
• Bone density loss — Long-term high-dose use may reduce bone density, increasing fracture risk.

Side Effects in Specific Populations

Children

The main concern for children is growth suppression. Pediatricians should monitor height regularly and use the lowest effective dose. Oral thrush is also common in kids who don't rinse their mouths after using the inhaler.

Pregnant Women

Flovent is Pregnancy Category C — meaning animal studies showed some risk, but there aren't enough studies in pregnant women. However, uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy also carries significant risks. Most doctors consider inhaled corticosteroids safer than uncontrolled asthma for both mother and baby.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more susceptible to systemic effects like bone density loss, cataracts, and glaucoma. Dose monitoring is important.

Patients with Liver Problems

Hepatic impairment can increase the systemic exposure of Fluticasone Propionate, raising the risk of systemic side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.

How to Manage Common Side Effects

Most of Flovent's common side effects can be reduced with simple techniques:

• Rinse your mouth after every use. Swish water around your mouth and spit it out. This is the single most effective way to prevent oral thrush and throat irritation.
• Use a spacer with the HFA inhaler. A spacer device helps more medication reach your lungs and less deposit in your mouth and throat, reducing thrush and hoarseness risk.
• Don't exceed your prescribed dose. Higher doses increase the risk of systemic side effects without necessarily improving asthma control.
• Keep regular checkups. Your doctor can monitor for eye changes, bone density, and growth in children.
• If hoarseness is bothersome, talk to your doctor about trying a different inhaler device or adjusting the dose.

For information on potential drug interactions that could affect side effects, see our guide on Flovent drug interactions. In particular, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like Ritonavir and Ketoconazole can dramatically increase Flovent's systemic effects and worsen side effects.

Final Thoughts

Flovent is a well-established asthma medication with a long safety track record. Most side effects are mild and manageable — especially with proper inhaler technique and mouth rinsing. Serious side effects are rare at standard doses but should be monitored. If you're concerned about any symptoms while taking Flovent, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication. If you need help finding the authorized generic Fluticasone Propionate inhaler at an affordable price, visit Medfinder or check our savings guide.