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).
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