Flonase

Generic Name: fluticasone (Nasal route)

floo-TIK-a-sone

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

• Flonase
• Veramyst

Available Dosage Forms:

• Spray

Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid, Intermediate

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Uses For Flonase

Fluticasone belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). Corticosteroids belong to the family of medicines called steroids. Fluticasone is sprayed into the nose to help relieve the stuffy or runny nose, irritation, sneezing, and discomfort of hay fever, other nasal allergies, and these symptoms when not caused by allergies.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using Flonase

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of nasal fluticasone in children up to 4 years of age with use in other age groups. Corticosteroids taken by mouth or injection have been shown to slow growth in children and cause reduced adrenal gland function. Before nasal fluticasone is given to a child, you and the child's doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

Geriatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of nasal corticosteroids in the elderly with use in other age groups, these medicines are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Pregnancy

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Atazanavir
• Bupropion
• Clarithromycin
• Darunavir
• Indinavir
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Telithromycin
• Tipranavir

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Glaucoma—Rare cases of glaucoma have been reported following use of nasal corticosteroids, including nasal fluticasone

• Herpes simplex (virus) infection of the eye or
• Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal)—Nasal corticosteroids may cover up the signs of these infections

• Injury to the nose (recent) or
• Nose surgery (recent) or
• Sores in the nose—Nasal corticosteroids may prevent proper healing of these conditions

• Tuberculosis (active or history of)—Nasal corticosteroids may cover up the signs of this infection or cause it to start up again

Proper Use of fluticasone

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain fluticasone. It may not be specific to Flonase. Please read with care.

This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine.

Before using this medicine, prime the pump on the medicine bottle and clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose. Then, insert the nosepiece into the nostril, and with the head tilted slightly forward, spray while breathing in gently through the nostril.

Avoid spraying in the eyes.

In order for this medicine to help you, it must be used regularly as ordered by your doctor. This medicine usually begins to work in about 12 hours, but several days may pass before you feel its full effects.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the lining of the nose and the chance of unwanted effects.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For nasal spray dosage form:
  • For allergies:
    • Adults—2 sprays in each nostril once a day, or 1 spray in each nostril two times a day. Later, your doctor may decrease your dose to 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
    • Children 4 years of age and older (including teenagers)—1 spray in each nostril once a day. Your doctor may need to increase the dose in some children, up to 2 sprays in each nostril once a day, or 1 spray in each nostril twice a day.
    • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using Flonase

If you will be using this medicine for more than a few weeks, your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.

Check with your doctor:

• if signs of a nose, sinus, or throat infection occur.
• if your symptoms do not improve within 3 weeks.
• if your condition gets worse.

Flonase Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds
• cough
• headache
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• vomiting

• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• excessive mucus
• fever
• general aches and pains
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain
• weakness
• runny nose

• White patches inside nose or throat

• Blindness
• blurred vision
• bone fractures
• excess facial hair growth in females
• fullness of face, neck, and trunk
• high blood pressure
• impotence in males
• increased thirst or urination
• lack of menstrual periods
• muscle wasting
• weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Burning, dryness, or other irritation inside the nose
• sore throat

• Runny nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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