What is Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

Triamcinolone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Triamcinolone nasal (for the nose) is used to treat sneezing, itching, and runny nose caused by seasonal allergies or hay fever.
Triamcinolone nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

Do not use this medication in a child under 2 years old without the advice of a doctor. Some brands of triamcinolone nasal are not made for use in children.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to triamcinolone.
Before using triamcinolone nasal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have tuberculosis, asthma, a history of glaucoma or cataracts, any type of infection, or if you have had recent surgery or injury to your nose.
It may take up to a week before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of treatment, or if they get worse any time during treatment.
Triamcinolone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
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 steroid medicine.
Do not stop using triamcinolone nasal suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about using less and less of the medication before stopping completely.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to triamcinolone.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a triamcinolone dose adjustment or special tests:

tuberculosis
asthma
any type of infection
a history of glaucoma or cataracts; or
if you have had recent surgery or injury to your nose

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether triamcinolone nasal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether triamcinolone nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Triamcinolone nasal can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
Do not use this medication in a child under 2 years old without the advice of a doctor. Some brands of triamcinolone nasal are not made for use in children.

Nasacort AQ Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone 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:

weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
white patches or sores inside your nose or mouth, or on your lips; or
blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights

Less serious side effects may include:

stinging, burning, or bleeding in your nose
sneezing after use of the medicine
sore throat, cough, stuffy nose
watery eyes
headache
nausea, vomiting; or
an unpleasant taste or smell

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.

Nasacort AQ Interactions

What other drugs affect Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

cancer medicine (chemotherapy)
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf)
basiliximab (Simulect), efalizumab (Raptiva), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone)
mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
azathioprine (Imuran), leflunomide (Arava), etanercept (Enbrel); or
other steroids such as prednisone, fluticasone (Advair), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) and others

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with triamcinolone nasal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

Triamcinolone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
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 steroid medicine.

Nasacort AQ Dosage

How should I take Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Before each use, gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
Shake the medicine well just before using it.
To use triamcinolone nasal inhaler:

Remove the protective cap from the nasal inhaler
Hold the inhaler between your thumb and forefinger, tilt your head back slightly, and insert the inhaler into one nostril while holding the other nostril closed with one finger
Press down on the canister to release the spray and inhale gently at the same time. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly through the mouth
Replace the white protective inhaler cap
Clean your inhaler weekly by removing the medicine canister and the protective cap, and rinsing the inhaler thoroughly with warm water. Do not use soap. Allow the inhaler to dry completely before replacing the cap and canister
Throw away the nasal inhaler after 100 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the canister

To use triamcinolone nasal spray:

Before using the spray for the first time, prime the spray pump by spraying the medicine into the air and away from your face, until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 14 days
Hold the nasal spray with the tip pointed into one nostril but not far into your nose. Bend your head forward to aim the spray toward the back of your nose. Hold your other nostril closed with one finger. Pump the spray unit and sniff gently at the same time
Throw away the nasal spray after 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle

Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using this medication.
It may take up to a week before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of treatment, or if they get worse any time during treatment.
Do not stop using triamcinolone nasal suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about using less and less of the medication before stopping completely.
If you use triamcinolone nasal for several months, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the cover and clip on the nasal spray pump unit when not in use. Keep the protective cap on the nasal inhaler when not in
use

What happens if I overdose on Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of triamcinolone nasal is not expected to be dangerous. 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 Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Nasacort AQ Triamcinolone Nasal

Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone Nasal)