Other drug names:	A-Am  An-Az  B  C-Ch  Ci-Cz  D-Dh  Di-Dz  E  F  G  H  I-J  K-L  M-Mh  Mi-Mz  N-Nh  Ni-Nz  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q-R  S-Sn  So-Sz  T-To  Tp-Tz  U-V  W-Z  0-9

In the U.S.—

Flonase

In Canada—

Flonase

• Anti-inflammatory, steroidal, nasal
• corticosteroid, nasal

Fluticasone (floo-TIK-a-sone ) belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). Corticosteroids belong to the family of medicines called steroids. Fluticasone is sprayed into the nose to help relieve the stuffy or runny nose, irritation, sneezing, and discomfort of hay fever, other nasal allergies, and these symptoms when not caused by allergies.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Nasal
• Suspension (nasal spray) (U.S.and Canada)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nasal fluticasone, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone or other corticosteroids. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Nasal fluticasone has not been studied in pregnant women. However, in animal studies, fluticasone given by injection was shown to cause birth defects, although oral doses did not.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether nasal fluticasone passes into breast milk. However, in animals given fluticasone by injection, the medicine did pass into the milk. Mothers who are using this medicine and wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—There is no specific information comparing the use of nasal fluticasone in children up to 4 years of age with use in other age groups. Corticosteroids taken by mouth or injection have been shown to slow growth in children and cause reduced adrenal gland function. Before nasal fluticasone is given to a child, you and the child's doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

Older adults—Although there is no specific information comparing use of nasal corticosteroids in the elderly with use in other age groups, these medicines are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of nasal fluticasone. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Glaucoma—Rare cases of glaucoma have been reported following use of nasal corticosteroids, including nasal fluticasone

• Herpes simplex (virus) infection of the eye or
• Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal)—Nasal corticosteroids may cover up the signs of these infections

• Injury to the nose (recent) or
• Nose surgery (recent) or
• Sores in the nose—Nasal corticosteroids may prevent proper healing of these conditions

• Tuberculosis (active or history of)—Nasal corticosteroids may cover up the signs of this infection or cause it to start up again

This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine.

Before using this medicine, prime the pump on the medicine bottle and clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose. Then, insert the nosepiece into the nostril, and with the head tilted slightly forward, spray while breathing in gently through the nostril.

Avoid spraying in the eyes.

In order for this medicine to help you, it must be used regularly as ordered by your doctor. This medicine usually begins to work in about 12 hours, but several days may pass before you feel its full effects.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the lining of the nose and the chance of unwanted effects.

Dosing—

The dose of nasal fluticasone will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of nasal fluticasone. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For nasal spray dosage form:
  • For allergies:
    • Adults—2 sprays in each nostril once a day, or 1 spray in each nostril two times a day. Later, your doctor may decrease your dose to 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
    • Children 4 years of age and older (including teenagers)—1 spray in each nostril once a day. Your doctor may need to increase the dose in some children, up to 2 sprays in each nostril once a day, or 1 spray in each nostril twice a day.
    • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If you will be using this medicine for more than a few weeks, your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.

Check with your doctor:

• if signs of a nose, sinus, or throat infection occur.
• if your symptoms do not improve within 3 weeks.
• if your condition gets worse.

Side Effects of This Medicine

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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• More common
  • Bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds;  cough;  headache;  nausea ;  shortness of breath;  vomiting 
  
  

• Less common
  • Diarrhea;  dizziness;  excessive mucus;  fever;  general aches and pains;  loss of appetite;  stomach pain;  weakness;  runny nose 
  
  

• Rare
  • White patches inside nose or throat 
  
  

• Symptoms of overdose
  • Blindness;  blurred vision;  bone fractures;  excess facial hair growth in females;  fullness of face, neck, and trunk;  high blood pressure;  impotence in males ;  increased thirst or urination;  lack of menstrual periods;  muscle wasting;  weakness 
  
  

Other 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. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• More common
  • Burning, dryness, or other irritation inside the nose;  sore throat 
  
  

• Less common
  • Runny nose 
  
  

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

Revised: 03/06/2001