A 72-year-old man with COPD is prescribed fluticasone furoate/vilanterol. He has had two exacerbations requiring oral steroids in the past year and

Question

A 72-year-old man with COPD is prescribed fluticasone furoate/vilanterol. He has had two exacerbations requiring oral steroids in the past year and blood eosinophils are 0.35 x 10^9/L. He asks what adverse effect to watch for. What would you advise the patient?

Accepted Answer

seek advice for fever, worsening sputum or breathlessness because inhaled corticosteroids can increase pneumonia risk

Answer

stop the inhaler whenever sputum increases

Answer

expect black hairy tongue as the main serious effect

Answer

avoid rinsing the mouth because this reduces benefit

Answer

take the inhaler during exacerbations rather than regularly

COPD inhaled corticosteroid counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 72-year-old man with COPD is prescribed fluticasone furoate/vilanterol. He has had two exacerbations requiring oral steroids in the past year and blood eosinophils are 0.35 x 10^9/L. He asks what adverse effect to watch for. What would you advise the patient?