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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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