FlonaseŽ is a nasal corticosteroid that works
directly on nasal tissue to reduce swelling and
inflammation. FlonaseŽ treats itching, runny nose,
postnasal drip, nasal congestion and sneezing
in people with a history of rhinitis.
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FlonaseŽ
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.
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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