Brand name:
FLIXOTIDE (Fluticasone, Flixotide, Flovent, Flonase)
Why is FLIXOTIDE rX prescribed?
Flonase nasal spray is a remedy for the stuffy, runny, itchy nose
that plagues many allergy-sufferers. It can be used either for seasonal
attacks of hay fever or for year-round allergic conditions. Flonase
is a steroid medication. It works by relieving inflammation within
the nasal passages.
The Flovent, Flovent Rotadisk, and Flovent Diskus oral inhalers are
used to prevent flare-ups of asthma. (They will not, however, relieve
an acute attack.) They sometimes serve as a replacement for the steroid
tablets that many people take to control asthma.
Most important fact about FLIXOTIDE FREE rX - Without
prescriptions
FLIXOTIDE FREE rX is not an instant cure. It may take a few days for FLIXOTIDE FREE rX
to start working; and you need to keep taking it regularly in order
to maintain its benefits. While you are waiting for FLIXOTIDE FREE rX to
take effect, neither increase the dose nor stop taking FLIXOTIDE FREE rX.
How should you take FLIXOTIDE FREE rX?
Flonase is taken in the nostrils. For best effect, take the prescribed
doses at regular intervals. First, blow your nose. Then shake the spray
bottle gently, prime the pump 6 times if it hasn't been used during
the past week, tilt your head back, press one nostril closed, and insert
the tip of the bottle a short way into the other nostril. Spray once,
pull the tip of the bottle away from your nose, and inhale deeply through
the treated nostril. Repeat with the other nostril. Avoid spraying
in eyes.
Flovent inhalation aerosol is taken orally. Shake the canister before
each use. Take a deep breath and exhale. Then, as you begin to inhale,
put your lips around the mouthpiece and depress the canister. Rinse
your mouth with water after each use of the inhaler. Avoid spraying
the contents in your eyes.
Flovent Rotadisk inhalation powder is also taken orally. Assemble
the Rotadisk Diskhaler according to package instructions. To use, exhale,
then place the Diskhaler mouthpiece between your teeth (without biting
down) and close your lips firmly around it. (Be careful to avoid covering
the small air holes on either side of the mouthpiece.) Breathe in through
your mouth as deeply as you can, then hold your breath while you remove
the Diskhaler. Continue to hold your breath as long as you comfortably
can, up to a maximum of 10 seconds.
Flovent Diskus is a disposable oral inhaler that contains 60 inhalations.
It must be kept dry. Do not wash it or attempt to take it apart. Always
activate the inhaler in a level, horizontal position. Do not exhale
into it. Do not use a spacer.
If you miss a dose FLOHALE ROTACAP (Fluticasone,
Flixotide, Flovent)
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions
Flonase may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Flovent inhalation aerosol may be stored at room temperature away
from sunlight, or in the refrigerator.
Flovent Rotadisk inhalation powder should be stored at room temperature
in a dry place. Use the Rotadisk blisters within 2 months after opening
the foil overwrap or before the expiration date, whichever comes first.
Do not puncture the blisters until you are ready to use them in the
Diskhaler.
The Flovent Diskus disposable inhaler should be stored at room temperature
in a dry place, away from direct heat or sunlight. Once removed from
its foil pouch, the device should be discarded after 2 months if not
used up (after 6 weeks for the 50-microgram inhaler).
FLIXOTIDE FREE rX side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking FLIXOTIDE FREE rX.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, aches and pains, agitation, aggression, anaphylactic reaction,
back problems, bad taste in mouth, brittle bones, bronchitis, bruising, cataracts,
congestion, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry nose,
eye problems, facial changes, fever, flu, headache, hives, hoarseness, indigestion,
itching, loss of speech, mouth infection or swelling, nasal congestion, nasal
irritation or burning, nasal sores, nausea, nosebleeds, rash, respiratory
tract infection, runny nose, shortness of breath, sinus problems, sneezing,
sore or irritated throat, stunted growth, swelling of the face and tongue,
vomiting, weight gain, wheezing, worsening of asthma
Why should FLIXOTIDE FREE rX not be prescribed?
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Flonase or similar steroid
inhalants such as Flovent, you should not take this medication.
Flovent is not to be used to treat status asthmaticus or acute asthma
attacks.
Under very rare circumstances Flovent Rotadisk may cause an anaphylactic
reaction in people with a severe milk protein allergy.
Special warnings about FLIXOTIDE FREE rX
If your symptoms do not improve after the first few days of FLIXOTIDE FREE rX
therapy, check with your doctor. Never take more than the recommended
dose. High doses of steroid medications such as FLIXOTIDE FREE rX can cause
a condition known as Cushing's syndrome. Warning signs of this problem
include weight gain and changes in the appearance of the face.
If you are being switched from an oral steroid tablet to FLIXOTIDE FREE rX,
you may experience joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, depression, or
fatigue while your body adjusts to the absence of steroid tablets and
increases its own production of steroids. You may also experience eye
inflammation, eczema, arthritis, and nasal inflammation.
People taking steroid medications run an increased risk of infections
such as chickenpox and measles, and when an infection develops, it's
more likely to be serious. If you've never had these diseases and have
not been vaccinated against them, avoid anyone who may have them. If
by chance you're exposed, contact your doctor immediately.
In rare cases, FLIXOTIDE FREE rX can also cause a fungal infection in the
nose and throat. And steroid treatment can also make an existing infection
worse. Be sure the doctor is aware of any infections you may have,
including TB and viral infections of the eye.
Steroid medications can stunt growth. If your child is on FLIXOTIDE FREE rX
therapy, the doctor should periodically check height and weight. In
rare cases, people using Flovent have developed a serious lung condition
marked by worsening asthma, heart problems, and numbness. If you start
to notice any of these symptoms, report them to your doctor immediately.
If you develop wheezing and an asthma attack after inhaling any form
of Flovent, use an emergency medicine such as an inhaled bronchodilator
and call your doctor immediately. Also alert your doctor immediately
if emergency medications fail to work as well once you've started Flovent
therapy.
In rare cases, inhaled steroids such as Flovent have caused cataracts
or increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma). Alert your doctor if you
suffer from either problem.
If you have recently had a nasal injury or ulcer, or had surgery on
your nose, you should wait until you are fully healed before using
Flonase.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking FLIXOTIDE FREE rX
The risk of developing Cushing's syndrome and other side effects increases
when you take other steroid medications while using FLIXOTIDE FREE rX. Prednisone
and dexamethasone are examples of oral steroid medications. Certain
other asthma inhalers, skin creams, eyedrops, and eardrops also may
contain steroids.
Also be sure to check with your doctor before combining FLIXOTIDE FREE rX
with ketoconazole (Nizoral) or HIV drugs known as protease inhibitors,
including Agenerase, Crixivan, Fortovase, Norvir, and Viracept.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of FLIXOTIDE FREE rX during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. It is not known whether FLIXOTIDE FREE rX appears in
breast milk. If the drug is essential to your health, your doctor may
advise you to stop nursing until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for FLIXOTIDE FREE rX
FLONASE
Overdosage
