The following information is a summary about Flonase. It is not intended to
replace a doctor's instructions.
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.
DIRECTIONSTo 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.
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