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). |
