What is Fluticasone Nasal?

Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Fluticasone nasal is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
Fluticasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Fluticasone Nasal?

Before using fluticasone nasal, tell your doctor if you are using antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), or HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
While using fluticasone nasal, tell your doctor if you have severe or ongoing nose bleed, vision problems, sores in the nose that won’t heal, or if you have fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms.
Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.
It may take up to several days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.
Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.
Fluticasone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using fluticasone nasal.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old without the advice of a doctor. Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using fluticasone nasal.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Fluticasone Nasal?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. You may not be able to use fluticasone nasal until you are well.
Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

glaucoma or cataracts
liver disease
herpes simplex virus of your eyes
tuberculosis or any other infection or illness
sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fluticasone nasal is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether fluticasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use fluticasone nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old without the advice of a doctor. Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using fluticasone nasal.

Fluticasone Nasal Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Fluticasone Nasal?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe or ongoing nose bleed
sores in the nose that won’t heal
vision problems; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms

Less serious side effects may include:

headache, back pain
minor nose bleed
menstrual problems, loss of interest in sex
sinus pain, cough, sore throat; or
sores or white patches inside or around your nose

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fluticasone Nasal Interactions

What other drugs affect Fluticasone Nasal?

Before using fluticasone nasal, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

certain antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with fluticasone nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Fluticasone Nasal?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Fluticasone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using fluticasone nasal.

Fluticasone Nasal Dosage

How should I take Fluticasone Nasal?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
The usual dose of fluticasone nasal is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day.
Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Shake the medicine well and spray 6 test sprays into the air and away from your face. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 30 days, or if you have left the cap off for 5 days or longer. Spray until a fine mist appears.
Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.
It may take up to several days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

What happens if I overdose on Fluticasone Nasal?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of fluticasone nasal is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What happens if I miss a dose of Fluticasone Nasal?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Fluticasone Nasal