Gas with Flonase Use?

2 months ago I began using Flonase for allergy prevention purposes.  I used it fairly regularly (missing maybe 5 intermittent days out of 60).  Apparently I was double dosing during this time (Read directions but remembered them wrong) as I was spraying 4 times up each nasal passage vs. the 2 prescribed).  I'm on a 0.05% dose. During this time I would occassionally feel the flonase drain down my throat and I suppose possibly into my stomach).

3 days ago I began feeling a loss of appetite and discontinued use of the flonase as I suspect that the double dosing may be causing my stomach upset and loss of appetite.  I believe that flonase contains a anti-inflamitory steriod that may be triggering the loss of appetite.

Food still smells good and tastes good.  I eat a fair portion at meal times, but am not snacking at all like I used to desire to.  I have not noticed any weight loss.  My stomach feels a little tight and I get a little gas.  Bowel movements are fine and no vomiting is occuring. I have no sharp stomach pains, just general discomfort. My weight is 220 and my age is 40. There is no history of stomach problems in my family history.  Caffine intake is primarily limited to a daily morning Mountain Dew (though 7up has been my choice the last 3 days). I am on no other medications other than Flonase.

Could the anti-inflamitory drug/steriod contained in Flonase be causing this stomach upset and loss of appetite by effecting the stomach lining?  Will the condition clear? How much longer should I give this condition to clear up before seeing a doctor?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

According to the Drug Information Handbook, gastrointestinal side effects are possible with flonase.

Gastrointestinal: Nausea/vomiting (1% to 8%), viral GI infection (3% to 5%), diarrhea (1% to 4%), GI discomfort/pain (1% to 4%)

< 3%: Abdominal discomfort/pain, appetite disturbances, colitis, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal infections, mouth/tongue disorder, oral erythema, oral rash, oral ulcerations, stomach disorder, viral gastroenteritis, weight gain

Without examining you, I cannot say for sure that the flonase is directly responsible for your symptoms.  To be safe, I would be evaluated by a physician.  If the flonase is not the culprit, then you may want to be evaluated for other causes of upper GI discomfort, such as dyspepsia (gastritis/esophagitis/ulcers), GERD, or biliary disease.  Evaluation with an abdominal ultrasound, upper GI series or upper endoscopy should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.