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Allergy
Relief > Flonase
Flonase
 Flonase®
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.
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.
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