Flonase

Flonase

     * Generic Name: fluticasone propionate nasal spray
     * Brand Name: Flonase


     * What is fluticasone nasal?
     * What are the possible side effects of fluticasone nasal?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       fluticasone nasal?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
       fluticasone nasal?
     * How should I use fluticasone nasal?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while using fluticasone nasal?
     * What other drugs will affect fluticasone nasal?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is fluticasone nasal?

   Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in
   the body that cause inflammation.

   Fluticasone nasal (for the nose) is used to treat nasal
   congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes
   caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

   The Xhance brand of this medicine is for use only in adults. Veramyst
   may be used in children as young as 2 years old. Flonase is for use in
   adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

   Fluticasone nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of fluticasone nasal?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives, rash; feeling light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of
   your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * severe or ongoing nosebleeds;
     * noisy breathing, runny nose, or crusting around your nostrils;
     * redness, sores, or white patches in your mouth or throat;
     * blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
     * any wound that will not heal; or
     * signs of low adrenal gland hormones--flu-like symptoms, headache,
       depression, weakness, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting,
       stomach pain, craving salty foods, and feeling light-headed.

   Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if
   your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

   Common side effects may include:
     * minor nosebleed, burning or itching in your nose;
     * sores or white patches inside or around your nose;
     * cough, trouble breathing;
     * headache, back pain;
     * sinus pain, sore throat, fever; or
     * nausea, vomiting.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone nasal?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone
nasal?

   You should not use fluticasone nasal if you are allergic to it.

   Fluticasone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to
   get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or recently
   had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had
   within the past several weeks.

   To make sure fluticasone nasal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have ever had:
     * sores or ulcers inside your nose;
     * injury of or surgery on your nose;
     * tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
     * glaucoma or cataracts;
     * liver disease;
     * osteoporosis; or
     * herpes simplex virus of your eyes.

   If you use fluticasone nasal without a prescription and you have any
   medical conditions, ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe
   for you.

   Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may
   increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may
   also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.

   It is not known whether fluticasone nasal will harm an unborn baby. Ask
   a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

   It is not known whether fluticasone nasal passes into breast milk or if
   it could affect a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine
   if you are breast-feeding.

How should I use fluticasone nasal?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
   Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
   Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the
   same symptoms you have.

   The usual dose of fluticasone nasal is 1 to 2 sprays into each
   nostril once or twice per day. Your dose will depend on the
   fluticasone brand or strength you use, and your dose may change once
   your symptoms improve. Follow all dosing instructions very carefully.

   Xhance is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Do
   not use Flonase in a child younger than 4 years old. Do not use
   Veramyst in a child younger than 2 years old.

   Any child using fluticasone nasal should be supervised by an adult
   while using the nasal spray.

   This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective
   use, and directions for priming the nasal spray device. Follow these
   directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Shake the nasal spray just before each use.

   If you switched to fluticasone from another steroid medicine, do not
   stop using the other steroid suddenly or you may have unpleasant
   withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about tapering your
   steroid dose before stopping completely.

   To be sure fluticasone nasal is not causing harmful effects on your
   nose or sinuses, your doctor may need to check your progress on a
   regular basis.

   It may take up to several days before your symptoms improve. Keep using
   the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not
   improve after a week of treatment.

   Store fluticasone nasal in an upright position at room temperature,
   away from moisture and heat. Throw the spray bottle away after you have
   used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it
   is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine
   to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   An overdose of fluticasone nasal is not expected to produce life
   threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can
   lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the
   shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and
   waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems,
   impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using fluticasone nasal?

   Avoid getting the spray in your eyes or mouth. If this does happen,
   rinse with water.

   Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your
   doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or
   measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people
   who are using fluticasone nasal.

What other drugs will affect fluticasone nasal?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * antifungal medicine; or
     * antiviral medicine to treat hepatis C or HIV/AIDS.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with fluticasone
   nasal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins,
   and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluticasone nasal.

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