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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.
HOW
TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
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:
There are no
known interactions between fluticasone skin cream
or ointment and other drugs.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional
about other skin products you are using. Do not
apply fluticasone at the same site as other skin
preparation without advice.
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:
If you miss a
dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost
time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do
not use double or extra doses.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature and keep away
from moisture and sunlight. KEEP THIS AND ALL
MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN |
