Azelastine; Fluticasone nasal spray

What is this medicine?

AZELASTINE; FLUTICASONE (a ZEL as teen; floo TIK a sone) is a combination of a histamine blocker and a corticosteroid. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies like sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffy nose.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• fast heartbeat

• flu-like symptoms

• high blood pressure

• infection

• nose bleeding, sores

• white patches or sores in the mouth or nose

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in smell or taste

• cough

• feeling tired

• headache

• larger appetite or weight gain

• nose or throat irritation

• sneezing

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• cimetidine

• ketoconazole

• metyrapone

• other antihistamines

• some medicines for HIV

• vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store upright and tightly closed at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date or after 120 sprays, whichever comes first.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cataracts

• glaucoma

• infection, like tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection

• recent surgery or injury of the nose or sinuses

• taking a corticosteroid by mouth

• an unusual or allergic reaction to azelastine, fluticasone, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Drinking alcohol or taking medicine that causes drowsiness can make this worse. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.