FLUTICASONE - NASAL SPRAY (Flonase) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: FLUTICASONE - NASAL SPRAY (flew-TICK-uh-sown)

BRAND NAME(S): Flonase

USES: This medication is a corticosteroid that works directly on the nasal passages to reduce swelling and inflammation. Fluticasone is used to relieve seasonal and year-round, allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms such as itching, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip and sneezing in adults and children 4 years of age and older.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet which contains instructions for proper use of this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. 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 more. Use this medication usually once or twice a day as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than 2 sprays in each nostril daily as this may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid spraying this medication in your eyes. Follow the detailed instructions for using the spray and cleaning the applicator. Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Keep track of the number of sprays used from each container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the manufacturer's package. This medication does not work immediately. It may take several days before the full benefit of this drug is seen. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nasal dryness or irritation, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Although unlikely, long-term use of nasal corticosteroids may cause fungal infections of the nose or throat. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following: fever, nasal pain, severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, white patches on the back of the throat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: severe nosebleeds or nasal pain, vision changes, increased thirst or urination, persistent headache. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.