Drug Trade Name: Veramyst, Flonase

Generic Name: Fluticasone Nasal Spray

Introduction and quick information:

Flonase contains corticosteroid fluticasone in the form of liquid that is to be sprayed in the nose. It fights against nasal symptoms including sneezing, nasal itching, congestion and runny nose thereby preventing release of inflammation causing substances in the body.

This medication is also used to treat perennial as well as seasonal nasal problems that may be allergic or non-allergic.

Is it approved By FDA?

October 19, 1994 is the original approval date of Flonase by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The application for the approval of Flonase is filed by the company Glaxosmithkline.

Usage and Benefits of Flonase:

Flonase belongs to the class of corticosteroids that are beneficial for following purposes:

• Prevention  from inflammation
• Treatment of allergic symptoms both seasonal and perennial
• Treatment of non-allergic symptoms

For best result, contact your doctor for better results.

Flonase Side Effects:

Flonase like other drugs can also cause side-effects but the harshness of the side-effects depends on the immunity of your body and what precautions do you take while using this medication. These side-effects may include:

• Blood in the nasal discharge
• Bronchitis.
• Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
• Runny nose
• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms (such as chills and muscle aches)
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Headache

One cannot prevent himself from experiencing side-effects but with proper use and appropriate safety precautions, he/she can minimize the affect of it on them.

Health provider’s advice is necessary in case you have:

• Liver disease
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• If you have recently had injury or surgery on your nose
• Sores or ulcers inside your nose
• Tuberculosis or any other infection or illness
• Herpes simplex virus of your eyes.

Inform your doctor and seek for medical attention if you face any side-effect.

General recommended dosages of Flonase:

Dosage without doctor’s prescription can be dangerous and may even cause adverse effects. Dosages as per doctor’s recommendation will take you a step forward towards a healthy life because it is best for you. Flonase comes in the form of a liquid spray that you need to spray each time one by one in each nostril alternatively. The number of rotations depends upon your doctor’s prescription. Avoid swallowing the spray or spraying it in your eyes else it may cause a lot of irritation in eyes and may even cause temporary or permanent blindness.

In case I miss the dose?

Is the fear of missing dose haunting you? No need to freak out. Spray it at any time before next scheduled spray or skip it. But if you spray it with next dose, excess of this medication will be released at once and you might face some of the side-effects like vision problem, headache, irritation or burning in the nose etc.

In case I take overdose?

Overdose of Flonase is very risky as excess of medication is released than required for the treatment. This excess of medication will cause irritation or burning in sensitive areas like eyes, nose and throat. This might also cause swelling of these parts of the body. Look for medical attention and inform your health care provider as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions of Flonase:

As Flonase is available in liquid form then it is quite possible that it will get mixed in your blood. Along with it, there is a possibility that your blood may contain traces of other medications you are using. These traces can react with Flonase and cause adverse effects. It is better to be aware of drug interactions of flonase. Some of them are listed below:

• Advair diskus
• zyrtec
• Aspirin
• ibuprofen
• prednisone
• multivitamin
• omeprazole
• metformin
• fish oil
• singulair
• simvastatin

As it is nearly impossible to address all the drugs here, we recommend you to inform your doctor about other medications you are taking.

Life style and food habits you must follow when on Flonase:

As far as life style is concerned you must keep the following things in mind while on Flonase:

• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children as it can affect their growth
• Avoid its usage if you are suffering from cold
• Do not use it if you are allergic to fluticasone
• Avoid it if you are already on oral steroids
• Use it as directed by doctor or container’s label
• You must avoid grapefruit juice if possible

How safe is Flonase for pregnant women or Nursing mothers?

According to animal studies symptoms of teratogenicity have been observed during oral administration of corticosteroids. But as far as human data is concerned the effect of Flonase on pregnant ladies and nursing mothers has not been discovered yet it is advised to consult your doctor before using this medication.

But still considering the possible effect that it may cause, FDA categorized Flonase under pregnancy category C.

Complications and Conditions possible due to prolonged use of Flonase:

Prolonged use of corticosteroids is injurious to health as it can cause severe headaches that last for long period. It can also cause harm to your eyes as eyes and nose are connected closely to each other. Thus, you might see red lines in your eyes and even feel irritation in them. Other side-effects of prolonged use may include sore throat, difficulty inbreathing and inflammation in nose.

Availability of Flonase:

Across U.S., many FDA recognized healthcare centers and government hospitals are supplying Fluticasone Nasal Spray (Flonase). All you need is to possess a doctor’s prescription to buy this drug from any of these medical organizations.