Fluticasone is used to relieve seasonal and year-round
allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms, such as stuffy/runny nose,
itching, and sneezing. It can also help relieve allergy eye symptoms such
as itchy, watery eyes. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as
corticosteroids. It works in your nose to block the effects of substances
that cause allergies (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold) and to
reduce swelling.
If you are using the over-the-counter product to
self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before
using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read
the Patient Information Leaflet before you start using fluticasone and each
time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication in the nose as directed by your
doctor or the product package, usually once or twice a day. Do not spray in
your eyes.
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 longer.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more
often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any
faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. You may be directed to
start with a higher dose of this drug for the first several days until you
have begun to feel better, then decrease your dose. Children may need to
use this drug for a shorter amount of time to lower the risk of side
effects. If a child is using the over-the-counter product, read the package
information to see how long he/she should use it and when you should check
with the doctor.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each
day.
Clean the applicator regularly. Keep track of the number
of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have
used the number of sprays on the package label.
This medication does not work right away. You may feel
an effect as soon as 12 hours after starting treatment, but it may take
several days before you get the full benefit. Tell your doctor if your
condition does not get better after 1 week or if it gets worse. If you
think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right
away.
Nasal dryness/irritation, nausea, or vomiting may occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- sore throat that doesn't go away
- eye pain
- facial pain
- signs of nasal damage (such as pain, severe nosebleeds, a
constant whistling sound from your nose)
- white patches in your nose/back of your throat
- pain when swallowing
Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the
nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects
of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children
and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell
your doctor right away if any of the following side effects
occur:
- unusual/extreme tiredness
- weight loss
- headache
- swelling ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
- vision problems
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using fluticasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery)
- infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye
infection)
- certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts)
- liver disease
Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may
easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your
doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more
details.
Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time
can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress.
Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious
illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this
medication or have used this medication within the past few
months.
Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily
slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor
regularly so your child's height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of fluticasone
from your body, which may affect how fluticasone works. Examples include
HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir), ritonavir, among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you use this medication for a long time, lab and/or
medical tests (such as nose exams, height measurement in children) may be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Avoid substances (such as pollen, pet dander, dust
mites, mold, and smoke) that can worsen allergy symptoms.
If you are using this product on a regular schedule and
miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the
next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do
not double the dose to catch up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.