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.
