IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be
construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
FLUTICASONE - NASAL SPRAY (flew-TICK-uh-sown)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flonase
USES: This is a nasal corticosteroid that works
directly on nasal tissue to reduce swelling and inflammation.
The medication 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 this
medication, 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 this medication
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
this medication 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 this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. This medication should be used only
when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the
risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known
if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised
in children as this drug 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.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Watering or itching eyes often associated with allergies
are not significantly relieved by this medication.
Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this
medication.
MISSED DOSE: Use the missed dose as soon as
remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose.
If so, skip the missed dose and resume your regular
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
doses to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep
away from moisture and sunlight.
MEDICAL ALERT: 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).
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