Flonase
COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Flonase
USES
Flonase is a nasal corticosteroid that works directly
on nasal tissue to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Flonase 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 Flonase, 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 Flonase 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 Flonase 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 Flonase. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Flonase should be
used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if Flonase is excreted into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Caution is advised in children as Flonase 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. 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).
NOTES
Do not share Flonase with others. Watering or itching
eyes often associated with allergies are not significantly
relieved by Flonase. Inform all your doctors you
use (or have used) Flonase.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered;
do not take it if it is near the time for the next
dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees
F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Do not store in the bathroom.
