Information About Flonase
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.
FLUTICASONE - NASAL SPRAY
(flew-TICK-uh-sown)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): 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 USE: 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 an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, 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. 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.
Caution is advised in children as this drug may affect growth
patterns. Consult child's doctor. Avoid use in children under
4.
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.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166
(USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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