Nasal Sprays Don’t Usually Have Drug Interactions
Think again. There is the possibility of some significant interactions between Flonase Allergy and other common medications. Some drug interactions might raise the levels of fluticasone in your body and lead to side effects.
Some interactions can occur when fluticasone is given with medicines that inhibit an enzyme in the body known CYP450 3A4. This may increase the amount of fluticasone in your body following intranasal administration.
You should talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the possibility of drug interactions before using any drugs with Flonase Allergy, including:
- Certain HIV medications, including ritonavir, boceprevir, and atazanavir
It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter, dietary supplements, vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me
Fluticasone propionate belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, and perennial rhinitis. It can be used to manage symptoms such as sinus pain and pressure associated with allergic rhinitis. It may take 2 to 3 days for the medication to reach its full effect. For some people the full effect will not be reached for as long as 2 weeks.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
I’ll Just Use Flonase Allergy When My Allergies Flare Up
Wrong. It may take 3 to 4 days of regular use of Flonase Allergy or Flonase Sensimist to feel the full effect during allergy season. For this reason, nasal steroids like fluticasone are most effective when used on a regular basis.
- Used for relief of all nasal and eye-related allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes.
- Used for seasonal and year-round allergies, including pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander.
Review dosing
Flonase Sensimist can be used in adults and children as young as 2 years of age, while Flonase Allergy is used in adults and children 4 years and older. Talk to your childs doctor if your child needs to use the spray for longer than 2 months a year.
Be sure to refer to the Over-the-Counter Drug Facts Labeling for specific information.
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Are Flonase And Nasacort The Same
Nasacort and Flonase are very similar in that they are both steroid nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms. However, their active ingredients make them different. Each contains a different nasal steroidFlonase Allergy Relief contains fluticasone propionate and Nasacort Allergy contains triamcinolone acetonide. Nonetheless, there are several similarities between Flonase and Nasacort.
Side Effects
Flonase and Nasacort both cause similar side effects. Common side effects of Nasacort and Flonase include headache, cough, sore throat, and burning or irritation in the nose.
More serious side effects may include nose bleeds, puncture of the nasal septum, glaucoma, cataracts, problems with wound healing, severe allergic reaction, and worsening of infections.
Many of these potential side effects of Flonase and Nasacort are related to the fact that both contain steroids, which dampen the activities of the immune system to fight infection. For this reason, whether you use Flonase or Nasacort, be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully to reduce your risk of serious side effects. It is important to not use these products beyond the recommended duration of therapy.
Medical Conditions
If you have any of these conditions, avoid using over-the-counter Flonase or Nasacort nasal spray for seasonal allergies. Please speak to a doctor first to make sure it is safe for you.
How To Use Flonase Spray Suspension
If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start using fluticasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor or the product package, usually once or twice a day. Do not spray in your eyes.
Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Shake the container gently before each use. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or longer.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. You may be directed to start with a higher dose of this drug for the first several days until you have begun to feel better, then decrease your dose. Children may need to use this drug for a shorter amount of time to lower the risk of side effects. If a child is using the over-the-counter product, read the package information to see how long he/she should use it and when you should check with the doctor.
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Are Nasal Allergy Sprays Safe
Nasal sprays are generally considered safe for use, and the risk of side effects is pretty low. But if you overuse them, they can cause health issues, like:
- Dryness or stinging in your nose.
Other sprays called decongestant sprays shouldnt be used for more than three or four days, as they can be habit-forming . But nasal steroid sprays and antihistamine nose sprays arent habit-forming and should be used regularly for best effect.
Still, Dr. Aronica recommends taking the minimal effective dose.
If youre getting benefit from a nasal spray, try dropping your dose to find the lowest dose that keeps your allergy symptoms under control, he suggests. You may want to bring the dose back up during pollen season or if your symptoms increase.
How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Flonase Allergy Relief
- Store at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after labeled number of doses are used.
- Protect from heat, cold, and light.
- Store upright with the cap on.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
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How Should I Use This Medication
For adults, the recommended starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. After 1 week, if symptoms are improved, reduce the dose to 1 spray into each nostril once a day. Do not use this medication for longer than 3 months without speaking to your doctor.
This medication should be used for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age, only when recommended by their doctor.
Shake the medication gently before using and gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils before each use. For the best results, this medication should be used regularly each day. For seasonal allergies, you should start using this product before the first exposure to the cause of the allergy.
If you are using this medication for the first time or you have not used it for more than 1 week, you will need to “prime” the pump by spraying the pump in the air, away from you, several times or until a fine mist is sprayed from the bottle.
After using the medication, wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue before replacing the cover.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Why Choose Flonase Headache & Allergy Relief
The first-ever non-spray product from Flonase has been formulated to relieve allergy headaches and the congestion that causes it, plus your worst allergy symptoms, fast.
- The ONLY allergy brand to relieve headache pain + allergy symptoms
- Fast-acting relief for 4-6 hours when allergy symptoms flare up and disrupt your day
- Powerful combination medicine relieves allergy headache pain and the congestion that causes it:
- Pain Reliever for headaches
- Antihistamine for other allergy symptoms
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Select Your Product To Get Started
For adults and children 12 years of age and older:
- Week 1use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily.
- Week 2 through 6 monthsuse 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed to treat your symptoms.
- After 6 months of daily useask your doctor if you can keep using.
For children between the ages of 4 and 11:
- An adult should supervise use.
- Use 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using this product.
Children should use for the shortest amount of time necessary to achieve symptom relief. Talk to your childs pediatrician if your child needs to use the spray for longer than 2 months a year.
Children under the age of 4:
- Should not use.
If you or your child miss a day of FLONASE Allergy Relief, its important not to add an extra dose to make up for the missed day. Just use your regular dosing the next day.
Use as directed. Please see specific products for full labeling information.
For adults and children 12 years of age and older:
- Week 1use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily.
- Week 2 through 6 monthsuse 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed to treat your symptoms.
- After 6 months of daily useask your doctor if you can keep using.
For children between the ages of 2 and 11:
- An adult should supervise use.
- Use 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using this product.
Use as directed. Please see specific products for full labeling information.
Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Additional medication: Although fluticasone propionate will control seasonal allergic rhinitis in most cases, an abnormally heavy amount of summer pollen may sometimes require additional treatment, particularly to control eye symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you have been using this medication for 3 weeks and are still experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Growth in children and adolescents: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may impair the growth of children and adolescents. Your doctor will monitor for this. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Infections: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may worsen existing infections, mask the signs of infection, and cause new infections. If you use this medication for several months or longer, your doctor will monitor you periodically for signs of infection. People who have not had chickenpox or measles or have not been vaccinated against these infections should take special care to avoid exposure to them.
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How To Treat A Severe Allergic Reaction
If you suspect that you or someone else may be going into anaphylactic shock, call 911 immediately. Note that symptoms of anaphylaxis may start off mild, but can rapidly escalate.1
Check if the person has an epinephrine auto-injector with them, or if one is available.
How To Use A Nasal Spray
Before you spray, take a moment for proper positioning and best practices. Dr. Aronica shares some tips.
- Spare your septum. You want to spray straight up and steer away from the midline of your nose, known as your septum its the cartilage and bone that separates your nasal cavity. Directing your spray here can damage the tissue, causing irritation and a bloody nose.
- Take a gentle sniff. No giant snorts! The biggest mistake people make is doing a big sniff when they spray, Dr. Aronica says. If you suck the medicine to the back of your throat and its swallowed, its not doing anything for the nose or sinus. So, after youve sprayed, take just a light sniff.
- You shouldnt taste it. If you can taste the medicine down the back of your throat, its not staying where it belongs in your nose. You want as much of that medicine to stay in the nose and sinus as possible, Dr. Aronica advises.
If youre banking on a nasal spray to keep your allergy symptoms at bay, its important that you use it right so it can do its job. Follow all tips for using nasal spray properly to give it the best chance of working its medical magic.
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The Different Types Of Air Purifiers
Not all air purifiers are the same, and some are specially made for specific purposes. Here are some types of air purifiers on the market.
Mechanical Air Purifiers The fans inside mechanical air purifiers force air through a filter that holds on to indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander.2
Electronic Air Purifiers Particles in the air are trapped with electric charges that attract indoor allergens into the system.2
Hybrid Air Purifiers These are a combination of a mechanical air purifier and an electronic air purifier.2
Ozone Generators While these air purifiers filter the air for allergens, they also create ozone byproduct at levels higher than the acceptable level set by the Code of Federal Regulations. This type of air purifier is not recommended to help alleviate indoor allergy symptoms.2
Is It Safe To Use Nasacort And Flonase Every Day
Yes, it is safe to use Nasacort and Flonase every day. However, be sure to read the label instructions, be aware of the warnings, and follow the dosing recommendations carefully.
It can take a few days to achieve the full benefits of the medicine. Therefore, continue using the nasal spray even if you dont notice a drastic difference in your allergy symptoms at the beginning of therapy. It is recommended to start with 2 sprays in each nostril every day and reduce to 1 spray per nostril when your symptoms improve.
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Prescription Flonase Is Stronger So I’ll Use It Instead
You are mistaken. Over-the-counter Flonase Allergy Relief is exactly the same as prescription Flonase — its the same medicine, fluticasone propionate, at the same strength and dose. The brand product Flonase is now discontinued, but generics and store brands are available.
OTC Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief is the same strength and medicine as prescription Veramyst, which is now also discontinued.
- With OTC approvals, the amount of money you pay for your medicine may differ from a prescription product.
- Since Flonase is now available over-the-counter , insurance plans may not pay for the prescription brand name product, and your costs could be significantly higher than the OTC Flonase. However, if you have a health savings account , you can probably use funds from that to pay for OTC medicines. This changed in 2020 with the CARES Act.
- Your insurance might pay for the prescription generic fluticasone propionate , but you may need a visit to the doc and a prescription. You might be able to pay even less for the generic prescription product than the OTC, ask your pharmacist about this.
Also, ask your pharmacist to do a cost comparison for you. Online coupons or a discount card may be helpful for prescription products, and may be cheaper than your insurance copay.
How Is A Pet Allergy Diagnosed
Your doctor will diagnose a pet allergy based on your symptoms, a physical examination, your medical history and test results. Cat and dog allergies are usually diagnosed with a simple and quick skin-prick test. Your doctor will place a small extract of pet allergen on your skin and lightly prick you with a small probe to allow the allergen to get under the skins surface. You will then be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction, which will typically occur within 15 to 20 minutes. If you do experience allergy symptoms, this will confirm that you are allergic to the animal.2
Even if you strongly believe that your symptoms are caused by your pets, its still a good idea to get tested. Your symptoms can actually be caused by other environmental exposures or by dust and pollen that is caught in your pets fur.2
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