Flonase

Flonase Drug Information

• Flonase Overview

  Fluticasone is used to relieve seasonal and year-round allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms, such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, and sneezing. It can also help relieve allergy eye symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes. Flonase belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works in your nose to block the effects of substances that cause allergies (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold) and to reduce swelling.

• How to Use Flonase

  If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before using Flonase. If your doctor has prescribed Flonase, read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start using fluticasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Flonase in the nose as directed by your doctor or the product package, usually once or twice a day. Do not spray in your eyes. Gently blow your nose before using Flonase. Shake the container gently before each use. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or longer. The Dosage of Flonase is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use Flonase more often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. You may be directed to start with a higher dose of Flonase for the first several days until you have begun to feel better, then decrease your dose. Children may need to use Flonase for a shorter amount of time to lower the risk of side effects. If a child is using the over-the-counter product, read the package information to see how long he/she should use it and when you should check with the doctor. Use Flonase regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Clean the applicator regularly. Keep track of the number of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays on the package label. Flonase does not work right away. You may feel an effect as soon as 12 hours after starting treatment, but it may take several days before you get the full benefit. If your condition does not improve after 1 week, or if it worsens, stop using Flonase and consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

• Flonase Precautions

  Before using fluticasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Flonase may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Flonase, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery), infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye infection), certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts), liver disease. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Flonase or have used Flonase within the past few months. Though it is unlikely, Flonase may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked. During pregnancy, Flonase should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Flonase passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Flonase Misdose

  If you are using Flonase on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Flonase Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Other medications can affect the removal of fluticasone from your body, which may affect how fluticasone works. Examples include HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), among others.

• Flonase Side Effects

  What are Flonase side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Flonase may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Flonase as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Flonase

  The side effects of Flonase may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Flonase. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Flonase may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Flonase, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Flonase.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Flonase, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Flonase and the side effects associated with Flonase are described in the following:

  Common Flonase Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • pharyngitis
  • dry nose
  • nasal passage irritation
  • headache disorder
  • epistaxis

  Less Frequent Flonase Side Effects

  Severe

  • lesion of nasal mucosa
  • bronchitis
  • urticaria
  • dizziness

  Less Severe

  • sore throat
  • sinusitis
  • nasal congestion
  • crusted nasal mucosa
  • rhinorrhea
  • xerostomia
  • fever
  • dysgeusia
  • sneezing
  • cough
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • nasal pain

  Rare or Very Rare Flonase Side Effects

  Severe

  • nasal candidiasis
  • pharyngeal candidiasis
  • glaucoma
  • cataracts
  • nasal septal perforation
  • contact dermatitis
  • wheezing
  • adrenal cortical insufficiency
  • immunosuppression
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • skin rash
  • impaired wound healing
  • hypercortisolism

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • conjunctivitis
  • dry eye
  • flu-like symptoms
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain with cramps

• Flonase Storage

  Different brands of Flonase have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Flonase when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.