Flonase Nasal

In the U.S.

• Flonase
• Veramyst

Available Dosage Forms:

• Spray

Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid, Intermediate

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat sneezing, itchy or runny nose, or other symptoms caused by hay fever. This is a steroid medicine.

This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Bloody nose

• Cough
• fever
• headache
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• sores inside the nose
• stuffy or runny nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

• Difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• skin rash, itching, hives or welts
• tightness in the chest

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Back pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fluticasone is used to relieve seasonal and year-round allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms, such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, and sneezing. It can also help relieve allergy eye symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works in your nose to block the effects of substances that cause allergies (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold) and to reduce swelling.

How to use Flonase Spray, Suspension

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start using fluticasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor or the product package, usually once or twice a day. Do not spray in your eyes.

Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Shake the container gently before each use. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or longer.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. You may be directed to start with a higher dose of this drug for the first several days until you have begun to feel better, then decrease your dose. Children may need to use this drug for a shorter amount of time to lower the risk of side effects. If a child is using the over-the-counter product, read the package information to see how long he/she should use it and when you should check with the doctor.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Clean the applicator regularly. Keep track of the number of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays on the package label.

This medication does not work right away. You may feel an effect as soon as 12 hours after starting treatment, but it may take several days before you get the full benefit. If your condition does not improve after 1 week, or if it worsens, stop using this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir).