Uses

Fluticasone is used to treat certain growths in the nose (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps). It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Fluticasone works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages and sinuses. This can help decrease symptoms such as stuffy nose.

How to use Fluticasone Aerosol, Breath Activated

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication 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, usually twice a day. Do not spray in the eyes or mouth. Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Follow the instructions to properly prime the spray pump if you are using the spray for the first time or if you have not used it for 7 days or more. When priming the pump, make sure to spray away from your face.

To use the spray, remove the protective cap and shake the container well. Tilt your head slightly forward and carefully insert the nasal applicator into a nostril. Insert the mouthpiece into your mouth. Blow hard into the mouthpiece. While blowing into the mouthpiece, press on the bottle to spray the medicine into your nostril. Do not spray directly onto the middle wall of your nose (nasal septum). Do not close your other nostril or breathe in through your nose while the medicine is being sprayed. Repeat in the other nostril.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than directed.

Keep track of the number of sprays used from the bottle. Discard the bottle after you have used the number of sprays written on the manufacturer's package.

This medication does not work right away. It may take several days for symptoms to get better and several months or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

Nosebleeds or nose dryness/irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because 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: pain/sores in your nose, white patches in your nose/mouth, painful 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, wheezing/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.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to fluticasone; 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: eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts), infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye infection), recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery), 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.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

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 medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

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.

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Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

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.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you 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.

Storage Storage

Store at room temperature away from light. 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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.