Fluticasone nasal spray

What is this medicine?

FLUTICASONE (floo TIK a sone) is a corticosteroid. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies like sneezing, itchy red eyes, and itchy, runny, or stuffy nose. This medicine is also used to treat nasal polyps.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on your product or prescription label. This medicine works best if used at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. After 6 months of daily use for allergies, talk to your doctor or health care professional before using it for a longer time. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Some products have been used for allergies in children as young as 2 years. After 2 months of daily use without a prescription in a child, talk to your pediatrician before using it for a longer time. Use of this medicine for nasal polyps is not approved in children.

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

• changes in vision

• crusting or sores in the nose

• nosebleed

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat

• 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):

• burning or irritation inside the nose or throat

• cough

• headache

• unusual taste or smell

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and telithromycin

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole

• conivaptan

• nefazodone

• some medicines for HIV

• vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid exposure to extreme heat, cold, or light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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 on nose or sinuses

• taking a corticosteroid by mouth

• an unusual or allergic reaction to 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?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Some symptoms may improve within 12 hours after starting use. Check with your doctor or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms after 3 weeks of use.

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.