How to Use FLONASE

To get the best results with FLONASE, you should use it regularly, as prescribed by your doctor, since its effectiveness depends on regular use. Because FLONASE helps relieve inflammation, once you begin treatment you should use it once a day, every day—as directed by your healthcare professional.

Follow the instructions below on the proper use of FLONASE.

Before using:

1.

Shake the bottle gently and then remove the dust cover (Figure 1). Figure 1

2.

It is necessary to prime the pump into the air the first time it is used, or when you have not used it for a week or more. To prime the pump, hold the bottle as shown, with the nasal applicator pointing away from you and with your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nasal applicator and your thumb underneath the bottle. When you prime the pump for the first time, press down and release the pump six times (Figure 2). Figure 2 The pump is now ready for use. If the pump is not used in 7 days, prime until a fine spray appears. Using the spray 3. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.   4. Close one nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the nasal applicator into the other nostril (Figure 3). Figure 3   5. Start to breathe in through your nose, and WHILE BREATHING IN, press firmly and quickly down once on the applicator to release the spray. To get a full actuation, use your forefinger and middle finger to spray while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb. Avoid spraying in eyes. Breathe gently inward through the nostril (Figure 4). Figure 4   6. Breathe out through your mouth.   7. If a second spray is required in that nostril, repeat steps 4 through 6.   8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 in the other nostril.   9. Wipe the nasal applicator with a clean tissue and replace the dust cover (Figure 5). Figure 5   10. Do not use this bottle for more than the labeled number of sprays, even if the bottle is not completely empty. Before you throw the bottle away, you should consult your doctor to see if a refill is needed. Do not take extra doses or stop taking FLONASE without consulting your doctor. Cleaning Your nasal spray applicator should be cleaned once a week. To do this:   1. Remove the dust cover and then gently pull upward to free the nasal applicator.   2. Wash the applicator and dust cover under warm tap water. Allow to dry at room temperature, then place the applicator and dust cover back on the bottle.   3. If the nasal applicator becomes blocked, it can be removed as above and left to soak in warm water. Rinse with cold tap water, dry, and refit. Do not try to unblock the nasal applicator by inserting a pin or other sharp object.   Storing your nasal spray Keep your FLONASE Nasal Spray out of the reach of children. Avoid spraying in eyes. Store between 4° and 30°C (39° and 86°F). Do not use your FLONASE Nasal Spray after the date shown as "EXP" on the label or box. REMEMBER: This medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor. DO NOT give this medicine to anyone else.