This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Flonase Allergy Relief [OTC]; Flonase Sensimist Childrens [OTC]; Flonase Sensimist [OTC]; FT Allergy Relief 24 HR [OTC]; Xhance
Brand Names: Canada
APO-Fluticasone; Avamys; RATIO-Fluticasone [DSC]; TEVA-Fluticasone
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to ease allergy signs.
- It is used to treat certain long-lasting nose and sinus problems with or without nasal polyps.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Atazanavir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, or voriconazole.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not use this drug to treat asthma. Talk with the doctor.
- This drug may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk with the doctor.
- Have an eye exam as you have been told by your doctor.
- This drug may cause weak bones (osteoporosis) with long-term use. Talk with your doctor to see if you have a higher chance of weak bones or if you have any questions.
- Have a bone density test as you have been told by your doctor. Talk with your doctor.
- Talk with your doctor if you come into contact with anyone who has chickenpox or measles and you have not had chickenpox, measles, or the vaccines for them.
- If you have come into contact with anyone who has tuberculosis (TB), talk with your doctor.
- If you have had any recent nose surgery, injury, ulcers, or sores, talk with your doctor.
- If you are switching to this drug from another form of steroid (like oral), the dose of the other steroid may need to be lowered slowly to avoid side effects. Do not suddenly stop the other steroid without talking with your doctor.
- This drug may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
- Different brands of this drug may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of a weak adrenal gland like a severe upset stomach or throwing up, severe dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
- Nose sores.
- Whistling sound when you breathe.
- Redness or white patches in mouth or throat.
- Change in eyesight.
- Nose discharge that is not normal.
- Very bad face pain.
- Crusting in the nose.
- Runny nose.
- Bone pain.
- Fever or chills.
- Very bad sore throat.
- Dizziness or passing out.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
All products:
- Headache.
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Nosebleed.
- Cough.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
Nasal spray (Xhance):
- Stuffy nose.
All products other than Xhance:
- Stinging or sneezing may happen for a few seconds after you use this drug. Talk with your doctor if this bothers you.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- Do not take this drug by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn).
- Keep using this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- Some products may have different ways to prime the pump. Some pumps may also need to be primed if not used for different periods of time. Follow how and when to prime as you have been told.
- Shake well before use.
- Blow your nose before use.
- Spray up the nose only. Do not spray onto the wall joining the two nostrils.
Nasal spray (Xhance):
- This drug also has a mouthpiece that you will need to blow into while taking this nasal spray. Be sure you know how to use this drug. If it is not used the right way, this drug will not get to the right place.
- After you first prime this drug, the bottle will have 120 sprays. Throw this drug away after 120 sprays, even if there is still liquid in the bottle. You may not get the right dose after 120 sprays.
- If you drop this drug, check the bottle to be sure it is not cracked or damaged. If the bottle is cracked or damaged, do not use this drug.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after labeled number of doses are used.
- Protect from heat, cold, and light.
- Store upright with the cap on.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-04-23
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