What is fluticasone nasal?
Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause
inflammation.
Fluticasone nasal is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose
caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
Fluticasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluticasone nasal?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any
kind. You may not be able to use fluticasone nasal until you are well.
Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
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glaucoma or cataracts;
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liver disease;
-
herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
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tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
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sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
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if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fluticasone nasal
is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether fluticasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use fluticasone nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old without the advice of a
doctor. Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is
not growing at a normal rate while using fluticasone nasal.
How should I take fluticasone nasal?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
The usual dose of fluticasone nasal is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day.
Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Shake the medicine
well and spray 6 test sprays into the air and away from your face. Prime the spray pump any time you
have not used your nasal spray for longer than 30 days, or if you have left the cap off for 5 days or
longer. Spray until a fine mist appears.
Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.
It may take up to several days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For
best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not
improve after a week of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor
will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and
heat.
Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in
the bottle.
What happens if I miss a dose of fluticasone nasal?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about fluticasone nasal?
Your pharmacist has information about fluticasone nasal written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of fluticasone nasal?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
severe or ongoing nose bleed;
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sores in the nose that won't heal;
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vision problems; or
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
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headache, back pain;
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minor nose bleed;
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menstrual problems, loss of interest in sex;
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sinus pain, cough, sore throat; or
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sores or white patches inside or around your nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone nasal?
Before using fluticasone nasal, tell your doctor if you are using antifungal medications such as
ketoconazole (Nizoral), or HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
While using fluticasone nasal, tell your doctor if you have severe or ongoing nose bleed, vision
problems, sores in the nose that won't heal, or if you have fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms.
Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.
It may take up to several days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. Tell
your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.
Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and
heat. Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in
the bottle.
Fluticasone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being
near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are
exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are
using fluticasone nasal.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old without the advice of a
doctor. Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is
not growing at a normal rate while using fluticasone nasal.
What should I avoid while taking fluticasone nasal?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call
your doctor.
Fluticasone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being
near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are
exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are
using fluticasone nasal.
What other drugs will affect fluticasone nasal?
Before using fluticasone nasal, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
certain antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
-
HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
fluticasone nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of fluticasone nasal?
