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SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with inhaled fluticasone propionate are mild cough or wheezing; these effects may be minimized by using a bronchodilator inhaler (e.g. albuterol or Ventolin) first. Oral candidiasis or thrush (a fungal infection) may occur in between 1 in 50 and 1 in 20 persons who use fluticasone propionate (without a spacer), the risk being higher with higher doses. The risk for candidiasis in children is lower than in adults. Using a spacer and washing the mouth out with water following each use reduces the risk of candidiasis. Hoarseness may also occur, and here also, a spacer and washing the mouth out with water following each use reduces the risk.

High doses of inhaled glucocorticoids may decrease formation and increase break-down of bone thereby weakening bones and promoting fractures. Still higher doses may cause suppression of the body's ability to make its own natural glucocorticoid in the adrenal gland. It is possible that these effects are shared by higher-dose fluticasone propionate. People with suppression of their adrenal glands (which can be diagnosed by a doctor) would need increased amounts of glucocorticoids, probably by the oral or intravenous route, during periods of high physical stress when glucocorticoids are particularly important.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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