Drug Name

Flonase (Fluticasone)

Drug Uses

Flonase is a nasal spray containing the corticosteriod fluticasone. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Flonase is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Flonase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to use

Use Flonase exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The usual dose of Flonase is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day.

Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Shake the medicine well and spray 6 test sprays into the air and away from your face. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 30 days, or if you have left the cap off for 5 days or longer. Spray until a fine mist appears.

Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use. It may take up to several days of using Flonase before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.

To be sure Flonase is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store the nasal spray in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Flonase is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammatory reactions in the nasal airway in response to allergens and irritants in the air.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Flonase, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Flonase between 39 and 86 degrees F (4 and 30 degrees C). Keep Flonase out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Flonase if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Flonase .

• Use caution if you switch from an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) to Flonase. It may take several months for your body to make enough natural steroids to handle events that cause physical stress. Such events may include injury, surgery, infection, loss of blood electrolytes, or a sudden asthma attack. These may be severe and sometimes fatal. Contact your doctor right away if any of these events occur. You may need to take an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) again. Carry a card at all times that says you may need an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) if any of these events occur.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Flonase before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• If you have not had chickenpox or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
• Avoid spraying in the eyes.
• Flonase should not be used in children younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Flonase.
• Proscar is not recommended for use in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Flonase while you are pregnant. It is not known if Flonase is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Flonase , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Flonase: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe or ongoing nose bleed;
• sores in the nose that won't heal;
• vision problems; or
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

• headache, back pain;
• minor nose bleed;
• menstrual problems, loss of interest in sex;
• sinus pain, cough, sore throat; or
• sores or white patches inside or around your nose.

More Information

Flonase is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.