Fluticasone (Into The Nose)

Fluticasone (floo-TIK-a-sone)

Treats stuffy nose caused by hay fever and other allergies. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Flonase
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluticasone or to other corticosteroids such as beclomethasone (Beconase®, Vancenase®), budesonide (Rhinocort®), mometasone (Nasonex®), or triamcinolone (Nasacort®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You may need to use this medicine for a few days before you start to feel better.
• If you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 5 days or longer.
• Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
• After using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use other nasal sprays with this medicine, unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), or an inhaled steroid (such as AeroBid®, Azmacort®, Flovent®, Pulmicort®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, tuberculosis, glaucoma, any infections (including eye infections caused by herpes), or have recently had nasal surgery, injury, or infection.
• Tell your doctor if you develop white patches or sores in your mouth while you are using this medicine.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles, especially if you have never had either of these diseases.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Nosebleed

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry eyes, blurred vision
• Dry mouth, unusual taste in mouth
• Sore throat, hoarseness, cough
• Stinging or burning in the nose, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.