Drug Name

Flonase (Fluticasone)

Drug Uses

Flonase Spray is used for treatment of allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms including congestion, sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

How Taken

Use Flonase Spray as directed by your doctor.

• Shake gently before each use.
• To use a nose spray, gently blow your nose. Sit down and tilt your head back slightly. Place the tip of the spray container into the nose. Using a finger from your other hand, press against the opposite nostril to close it off. Breathe gently through the open nostril and squeeze the spray container. If you are using more than 1 spray, wait for 1 to 2 minutes between sprays. After using the medicine, rinse the tip of the spray unit in hot water and dry with a clean tissue to prevent contamination.
• Symptoms can start to improve as soon as 12 hours after you start using Flonase Spray, and should improve within a couple of days. The full benefit may not be achieved until you have used Flonase Spray for several days.
• Use Flonase Spray on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• Using Flonase Spray at the same time each day will help you remember to use it.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Flonase Spray is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammatory reactions in the nasal airway in response to allergens and irritants in the air.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Flonase Spray, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Flonase Spray between 39 and 86 degrees F (4 and 30 degrees C). Keep Flonase Spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Flonase Spray if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Flonase Spray.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Use caution if you switch from an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) to Flonase Spray. It may take several months for your body to make enough natural steroids to handle events that cause physical stress. Such events may include injury, surgery, infection, loss of blood electrolytes, or a sudden asthma attack. These may be severe and sometimes fatal. Contact your doctor right away if any of these events occur. You may need to take an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) again. Carry a card at all times that says you may need an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) if any of these events occur.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Flonase Spray before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• If you have not had chickenpox or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
• Avoid spraying in the eyes.
• Flonase Spray should not be used in children younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Flonase Spray.
• Proscar is not recommended for use in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Flonase Spray while you are pregnant. It is not known if Flonase Spray is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Flonase Spray, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• aches and pains; asthma symptoms; bronchitis; changes in or loss of senses of smell and taste; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; fever; flu-like symptoms (headache, tiredness, muscle aches, fever); infection of the nose and throat; nasal irritation or burning; nausea; nosebleed; runny nose; sore throat; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); cataracts; growth suppression in children; hoarseness; increased pressure in the eye; infection or pain in the nose or throat; nasal septum perforation; repeated nosebleeds; voice changes.

More Information

Flonase Spray is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.