Fluticasone - Nasal

Fluticasone helps relieve constant runny nose associated with allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the inside lining of the nose caused by allergens).

This medicine may also be used to treat nasal polyps (small growths on the inside lining of your nose).

Use Fluticasone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as a solution in nasal spray or as a solution in nasal drops.

If you are using the nasal spray, follow these steps:

1. If you are using the nasal spray for the first time, remove the cap and press the pump a few times until you produce an even spray.
2. Shake the bottle well.
3. Blow your nose gently to clean your nostrils before using the spray.
4. Close one nostril with your finger. Hold the pump straight and upright, placing the nozzle tip into the other nostril.
5. Spray it into the nostril and breathe in gently. Keep your head slightly tilted forward while holding the bottle vertically upright. Do not tilt your head backwards during or after using the spray.
6. If more than one dose is required for each nostril, alternate the sprays between nostrils.
7. After each use, wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and cap the nasal spray.

If you are using the nasal drops, follow these steps:

1. Blow your nose gently to clean your nostrils before using the nasal drops.
2. Shake the bottle well.
3. While standing up or kneeling, bend right over. You may also lie on the bed with your head tilted over the edge if the previous positions are difficult.
4. Put the dropper tip into one nostril. Instil the required number of drops into the nostril. Keep your head in the same position for 1 minute to allow the medicine to spread into the nose.
5. Repeat the steps to instil your dose into the other nostril.
6. After each use, wipe the dropper tip and cap the nasal drops.

Make sure you know how to use your nasal spray or drops. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid any contact of the spray mist or nasal drop suspension with your eyes. Rinse immediately with water if it gets into your eyes. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.

Do not share your nasal spray or drops with others as it could spread infection.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.

Fluticasone must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• nose ulcers (painful sores) or injury that has not been treated
• recent nose surgery which has not yet healed
• TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis)
• untreated bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infections
• eye problems e.g. glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Fluticasone to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox, shingles, or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Height of children may need to be checked regularly.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection or changes in vision may also be needed.

Fluticasone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nosebleed, throat irritation, and nasal dryness or irritation.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
• fever, chills, severe sore throat, mouth sores, cough, unusual tiredness or weakness
• rounding of the face, unusual weight gain in the upper back or belly, poor wound healing, severe headache
• muscle weakness, unusual tiredness, severe nausea or vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, severe dizziness
• redness or white patches in the throat
• blurred vision or visual disturbances

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat, nelfinavir
• medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
• certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fluticasone.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Do not freeze.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.