FLONASE DRUG INFO

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).