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Flonase |
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What is Flonase and why is it prescribed? Flonase nasal spray is a remedy for the stuffy, runny, itchy nose that plagues many allergy-sufferers. It can be used either for seasonal attacks of hay fever or for year-round allergic conditions. Flonase is a steroid medication. It works by relieving inflammation within the nasal passages. Flonase is not an instant cure. It may take a few days for Flonase to start working and you need to keep taking it regularly in order to maintain its benefits. While you are waiting for Flonase to take effect, neither increase the dose nor stop taking the medication. How should you take Flonase? Follow your doctors directions for taking Flonase. Flonase is taken in the nostrils. For best effect, take the prescribed doses at regular intervals. First, blow your nose. Then shake the spray bottle gently, prime the pump 6 times if it hasn't been used during the past week, tilt your head back, press one nostril closed, and insert the tip of the bottle a short way into the other nostril. Spray once, pull the tip of the bottle away from your nose, and inhale deeply through the treated nostril. Repeat with the other nostril. Avoid spraying in eyes. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Flonase may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Are there any Flonase side effects? Flonase side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Flonase side effects may include abdominal pain, aches and pains, agitation, aggression, back problems, bad taste in mouth, brittle bones, bronchitis, bruising, cataracts, congestion, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry nose, eye problems, facial changes, fever, flu, headache, hives, hoarseness, indigestion, itching, loss of speech, mouth infection or swelling, nasal congestion, nasal irritation or burning, nasal sores, nausea, nosebleeds, rash, respiratory tract infection, runny nose, shortness of breath, sinus problems, sneezing, sore or irritated throat, stunted growth, swelling of the face and tongue, vomiting, weight gain, wheezing, and worsening of asthma. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Flonase? If Flonase is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. The risk of developing Cushing's syndrome and other side effects increases when you take other steroid medications while using Flonase. Prednisone and dexamethasone are examples of oral steroid medications. Certain other asthma inhalers, skin creams, eyedrops, and eardrops also may contain steroids. Also be sure to check with your doctor before combining Flonase with ketoconazole (Nizoral) or HIV drugs known as protease inhibitors, including Agenerase, Crixivan, Fortovase, Norvir, and Viracept. Are there any special warnings about Flonase? If your symptoms do not improve after the first few days of Flonase therapy, check with your doctor. Never take more than the recommended dose. High doses of steroid medications such as Flonase can cause a condition known as Cushing's syndrome. Warning signs of this problem include weight gain and changes in the appearance of the face. If you are being switched from an oral steroid tablet to Flonase, you may experience joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, depression, or fatigue while your body adjusts to the absence of steroid tablets and increases its own production of steroids. You may also experience eye inflammation, eczema, arthritis, and nasal inflammation. People taking steroid medications run an increased risk of infections such as chickenpox and measles, and when an infection develops, it's more likely to be serious. If you've never had these diseases and have not been vaccinated against them, avoid anyone who may have them. If by chance you're exposed, contact your doctor immediately. In rare cases, Flonase can also cause a fungal infection in the nose and throat. And steroid treatment can also make an existing infection worse. Be sure the doctor is aware of any infections you may have, including TB and viral infections of the eye. Steroid medications can stunt growth. If your child is on Flonase therapy, the doctor should periodically check height and weight. If you have recently had a nasal injury or ulcer, or had surgery on your nose, you should wait until you are fully healed before using Flonase. |
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