How does it work?

This medicine 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 used as a nasal spray to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages. When administered into the nose it is absorbed into the cells of the nasal passages. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells in the nose. These chemicals are normally involved in producing immune and allergic responses that result in inflammation. People who suffer from nasal allergies such as hayfever (allergic rhinitis) 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 occur due to inflammation of the nasal passages. Fluticasone relieves the symptoms by preventing the release of the immune chemicals in the nose that trigger the inflammation. The nasal spray will not work immediately and can take three to four days to have its full effect. For maximum benefit it should be used regularly to keep the nasal inflammation under control. Fluticasone nasal spray is available as a prescription-only product that is prescribed by your doctor (Flixonase aqueous nasal spray), and as a smaller pack size that can be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies (Flixonase allergy nasal spray).

What is it used for?

Hayfever

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

Warning!

Do not exceed the stated dose.

This medicine should not be used continuously for longer than three months without consulting a doctor.

This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.

If symptoms persist for longer than seven days consult your doctor.

When taken for long periods of time at high doses, corticosteroids have the potential to cause glaucoma, cataracts, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), growth retardation in children and adolescents, and to decrease the functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce certain hormones). For this reason your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose for your symptoms, and monitor for these side effects. In particular, children and adolescents taking long-term corticosteroids should have their growth monitored. For further information discuss this with your doctor.

Seek medical advice before using this medicine if you are or have been using any other product containing a steroid; if you have an infection in the nasal passages or sinuses; if you have problems with ulceration in the nose; if you have had recent injury or surgery to the nose; if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or if you are under 18 years of age.

Use with caution in

Infection of the nasal passages and sinuses

People who have had recent nasal surgery or injury

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

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.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with 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.

Headache

Skin rashes

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

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

Unpleasant taste and smell

Dryness and irritation of nose and throat

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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