FLONASE

Flonase Nasal Spray Directions
As is the case with all drugs, it is vital that you carefully follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. In most cases this will be written on the label of the medicine bottle or box and you must read this information very carefully. If you do happen to have any questions about how to take this medicine then you should talk to your pharmacist, nurse or doctor and they will be happy to help you. You should shake gently before using a dose. You should refer to the instructions regarding how to prime the spray before use. In order to use this spray effectively you should first gently blow your nose and then sit down and tilt your head forward slightly. You must then remove the dust cover that will be surrounding the cover and place the tip of the applicator into your nose. Use a finger from your other hand to block off the other nostril. You should then breathe in gently through your open nostril while squeezing the spray container. After use you should clean the tip of the nasal applicator with a tissue and replace the cover. You should wash the dust cover and applicator once per week following the instructions provided with the medicine. You should throw out the container once you have used the number of sprays that is on the label, even if the container is not empty. Ensure that you keep the medication away from your eyes. Where you keep the medicine is very important and in this case it must be stored at room temperature (77 degrees F) away from the sun and in the bottle or box provided or in an airtight container. You must take the medicine as directed by your doctor and if you can take it at the same time everyday i.e. at breakfast time, then that may help you to remember. It is very important that you take this medicine everyday as directed and do not miss a dose, even if you are feeling better. Failure to take your medicine as directed will likely result in the worsening of your symptoms. In the unfortunate scenario that you do forget to take a dose, you must take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless this is near the time of your next dose. In this case you should just forget about the missed dose and carry on with your normal schedule, as you must never take two doses of a single medication at the same time. If you have any concerns then you should contact your pharmacist, nurse or doctor for more information.

Before using Flonase, tell your doctor if you are using antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), or HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).

While using Flonase, tell your doctor if you have severe or ongoing nose bleed, vision problems, sores in the nose that won’t heal, or if you have fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms.

Shake Flonase well just before each use. It may take up to several days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment. Store the nasal spray in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

Flonase can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using this medicine.

Do not give Flonase to a child younger than 4 years old without the advice of a doctor. Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.