IMPORTANT NOTE The following information is
intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
TITLE FLUTICASONE - NASAL SPRAY
HOW TO PRONOUNCE (flew-TICK-uh-sown)
COMMON BRAND NAMES Flonase
USES This is a nasal corticosteroid that works
directly on nasal tissue to reduce swelling and inflammation.
The medication is used to treat itching, runny nose, postnasal
drip, nasal congestion and sneezing in people with a history of
rhinitis.
HOW TO TAKE To get the most benefit from this
medication, make sure you understand how to use the nasal spray
properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use
the pump and nasal adapter. Shake gently before each use. Before
using the medication for the first time, the unit must be "primed"
with 3 to 4 pumps of the spray. Use this medication exactly as
prescribed. Do not use more than two sprays in each nostril daily.
It may take a few days before the benefits of the medication are
noticed. If no improvement occurs after several days, notify your
doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS The more common side effects are nose bleeding, blood
in nasal mucus, or nasal burning or irritation. Less common or
rare occurrences are headache, sneezing, runny nose, nasal dryness,
congestion, or stomach upset. If these effects continue or become
bothersome, inform your doctor. Long-term use of nasal steroids
may cause fungal infections of the nose or throat. Inform your
doctor if you develop an infection. The medication may be discontinued
while the infection is treated. Very unlikely to occur but report:
vision problems, headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual
weakness, weight loss, nausea, dizziness. In the very unlikely
event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek
immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS Tell your doctor your medical history,
especially of: any allergies, eye problems (glaucoma), infections,
recent nasal surgery, nasal sores. If you are prescribed doses
higher than those usually recommended, avoid exposure to chickenpox
or measles. If you do become exposed, notify your doctor promptly.
Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed
into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences
that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is
especially true for children and for those who have used this
for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems
such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution
applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult
your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised
when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur
with intranasal steroids (fluticasone), this medication may temporarily
slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect
final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It
is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS Tell your doctor of all other
prescription or nonprescription medicines you use, especially
of: other nasal products (such as cold products), other corticosteroids
(e.g., prednisone), antibiotics. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE If overdose is suspected, contact your
local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES Do not share this medication with others.
Watering or itching eyes often associated with allergies are not
significantly relieved by this medication. Inform all your doctors
you use (or have used) this medication.
MISSED DOSE Use the missed dose as soon as remembered
unless it is almost time for the next dose. If so, skip the missed
dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the doses to catch up.
STORAGE Store at room temperature and
keep away from moisture and sunlight.