Health Library

Fluticasone (Into the nose)

Fluticasone (floo-TIK-a-sone)

Treats allergy symptoms (including runny or stuffy nose) and nasal polyps. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Children's Flonase, ClariSpray, Flonase, Flonase Sensimist, FlutiCare, Foster&Thrive Allergy Relief, Good Sense 24-Hour Allergy, Leader Allergy Relief, Quality Choice Allergy Relief, Veramyst, Xhance

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Shake the medicine well just before each use.
• Fluticasone propionate and Veramyst®:
  • Prime the new spray before using it for the first time. To prime, spray 6 times into the air away from the face, or pump the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Prime the spray if it has not been used for more than 7 days (or 30 days for Veramyst®) or if the cap has been left off the bottle for 5 days or longer.
  • Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
  • After using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.
• Xhance®:
  • Prime the spray when you use this medicine for the first time. Gently shake and then pump the bottle 7 times, or until a fine mist comes out, away from the face. If you have not used this medicine for 7 days or longer, prime it again by shaking and pumping the bottle 2 times.
  • Insert the tip of the cone-shaped nosepiece deep into the nose to create a seal between the nosepiece and the nostril.
  • Place the mouthpiece inside your mouth and blow on it. While blowing, push the bottle up to actuate the spray pump.
  • Continue to blow through your mouth until the medicine is released, but do not inhale or exhale through the nose.
  • Repeat in the other nostril for a full dose.
• You may need to use this medicine for a few days before you start to feel better.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Throw this medicine away after you have used 120 sprays.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how fluticasone works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
  • Conivaptan, nefazodone
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including atazanavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir)
  • Medicine to treat infection (including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, telithromycin, voriconazole)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, asthma, any infection (including tuberculosis, herpes infection of the eye), a recent exposure to measles or chickenpox, or a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or osteoporosis. Tell your doctor if you have had nose surgery, a nose injury, or a recent infection in your nose.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Holes, ulcers, or bleeding inside the nose
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Slow wound healing
  • Cataracts or glaucoma
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Low bone mineral density, which may lead to osteoporosis
  • Slow growth in children
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bone pain
• Burning, redness, swelling, or irritation around or inside your nose
• Dark freckles, change in skin color, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
• Eye pain or vision changes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Heavy or unexplained bleeding from your nose, bleeding that will not stop
• Sores or white patches inside the nose or mouth
• Tiredness, weakness, dizziness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024