FLONASE
DRUG INFO
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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).
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