Why is Flonase prescribed?

Flonase, a corticosteroid, is used to prevent allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffed nose. Fluticasone is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Flonase be used?

Flonase comes as a solution to inhale through the nose. It is usually inhaled in each nostril once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Flonase exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Fluticasone needs to be used regularly in order to work well. It may take several days for you to get the full benefit of the drug. You should use Flonase every day during the time when you usually have allergy symptoms. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or get worse.

Before you use Fluticasone the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the inhaler while in his or her presence.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using flonase,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Flonase or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially allergy and asthma drugs, immunosuppressant drugs, oral steroids (prednisone), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had tuberculosis (TB); herpes eye infection; chicken pox, measles, or other type of infection; recent sores in your nose; or nose injury or surgery.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Fluticasone, call your doctor

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Flonase cause?

Although side effects from Flonase are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• nasal irritation or dryness
• sore throat
• sneezing
• nosebleed
• change in taste or smell

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• increased difficulty breathing
• swelling of eyelids, face, or lips
• skin rash or hives
• tingling of the hands or feet
• white spots in the mouth or nose

What storage conditions are needed for Flonase?

Keep Fluticasone in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your symptoms may improve after just a few days. If they do not improve within 3 weeks, call your doctor.

Avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles. This drug makes you more susceptible to these illnesses. If you are exposed to them while using Flonase, call your doctor. Do not have a vaccination or other immunization unless your doctor tells you that you may.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning, and some require periodic replacement. Follow the directions that come with your inhaler.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.