Flixonase aqueous nasal spray

How does it work?

Flixonase aqueous nasal spray contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands that have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses.

Fluticasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is adminstered by nasal spray to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages.

People who suffer from nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), such as hayfever, tend to experience a variety of symptoms as a result of their allergy, including a runny, itchy or blocked nose, sneezing and sinus discomfort. These symptoms are a result of inflammation in the nasal passages.

The nasal inflammation occurs when the nasal passages are exposed to foreign particles (allergens), for example, pollen, dust mites or pet fur. The allergens cause the cells in the nose to release chemicals that help to produce immune and allergic responses. These result in inflammation in the nasal passages and the symptoms of the allergy.

When administered into the nose, fluticasone is absorbed into the cells of the nasal passages. It works by preventing these cells from releasing the chemicals that trigger the allergic response. This stops the allergic reaction from happening, so the nasal inflammation is reduced and the symptoms relieved.

The nasal spray will not relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies immediately, and it can take two to three days to have its full effect. It is therefore most effective to start using the nasal spray two to three days before you expect to get symptoms, for example before the start of the pollen season, or if you know you are going to be in contact with pets that give you the allergy. For maximum benefit, the spray should be used regularly to keep the nasal inflammation under control.

What is it used for?

Hayfever

Hayfever that occurs throughout the year due to allergies, eg pets, dust mites

Warning!

This medicine is only intended for use in the nose and must not be taken by mouth.

When taken in high doses for long periods of time, corticosteroids have the potential to cause glaucoma, cataracts, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), slowed growth in children and adolescents, and to decrease the functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce natural steroid hormones). These side effects on other areas of the body are called systemic side effects and are extremely unlikely to occur with this nasal spray, because the amount of fluticasone absorbed into the bloodstream from the nose is very low. However, as a precaution, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose needed to control your symptoms. You should not exceed this prescribed dose. Children and adolescents using this nasal spray for long periods of time should have their growth monitored. For further information discuss this with your doctor.

Use with caution in

Infection of the nasal passages and sinuses (the infection should be treated)

People who have had recent nasal surgery or injury

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine is not recommended for children under four years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine when used during pregnancy has not been established. However, only minimal amounts of the medicine pass into the bloodstream after using the nasal spray. As with all medicines it should be avoided during pregnancy, unless the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is unlikely that this medicine will pass into breast milk after application into the nose. However, it should be used with caution by mothers who are breastfeeding, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Dryness and irritation of nose and throat

Headache

Unpleasant taste and smell

Perforation of nasal septum (very rare)

Very rare allergic reactions such as narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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