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FAQs

Flonase allergy relief nasal spray

Frequently Asked Questions About Flonase Products

Get the answers you need to help you live a life uninterrupted by allergies.

  • How does FLONASE Allergy Relief work?

    FLONASE Allergy Relief is a nasal spray that works directly in the nose to relieve nose- and eye-related allergy symptoms. FLONASE contains fluticasone propionate—which for years has been the #1-prescribed allergy ingredient.*.

    As a nasal spray now available over the counter, FLONASE Allergy Relief works right in the nose, and is minimally absorbed by the body.1

    1. Sastre J, Mosges R. Local and systemic safety of intranasal corticosteroids. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 22.1 (2012): n. pag. Web. 13 Oct. 2016. http://www.jiaci.org/issues/vol22issue1/1.pdf

  • How does FLONASE compare to other nasal sprays?

    FLONASE is the first allergy nasal spray that is indicated for both nose- and eye-related allergy symptoms, blocking 6 of the allergic responses your body has to allergies.*

    Unlike some decongestant nasal sprays, which cannot be used for more than 3 days, FLONASE Allergy Relief can be used every day and provides sustained 24-hour symptom relief.1,2

    *Mechanism vs most OTC allergy pills. FLONASE nasal sprays acts on multiple inflammatory substances (histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, tryptases, chemokines, and leukotrienes). The exact number and precise mechanism are unknown.

    1. GlaxoSmithKline. Data on file. 2013.

    2. Oxymetazoline HCl-menthol nasal. WebMD website. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20236/oxymetazoline-menthol-nasal/details

  • How quickly does FLONASE start working?

    You may start to feel relief after the first day—and full effect after several days of regular once-a-day use.

    Use FLONASE every day as full effectiveness is usually achieved after 3 or 4 days of continuous use.

  • Can I use FLONASE year round?

    If you are 12 years old or older and have been using FLONASE steadily for 6 months, check with your doctor before continuing to use FLONASE on a daily basis.

    For users aged 4 to 11, talk to your doctor about continuing to take FLONASE after 2 months of daily use.

    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.

  • How is FLONASE different from an antihistamine tablet?

    FLONASE helps block 6 of the key allergic responses your body has to allergies while antihistamines help block 1 of the responses.*

    Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is only 1 of the 6 key chemicals released in the inflammatory cascade.

    FLONASE is a nasal spray that works directly at the source—in the nose, where you need it most.

    *Mechanism vs most OTC allergy pills. FLONASE nasal sprays act on multiple inflammatory substances (histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, tryptases, chemokines, and leukotrienes). The exact number and precise mechanism are unknown.

  • Is FLONASE Allergy Relief just as strong as prescription FLONASE?

    Yes. FLONASE Allergy Relief is exactly the same as prescription FLONASE—it’s the same medicine at the same strength and dose.

  • Is FLONASE covered by my insurance?

    Depending on the nature of your coverage, you may be able to use your Flexible Spending Account to pay for FLONASE. Insurance coverage may vary and patients should contact their insurance provider for information.

  • How many doses of FLONASE are needed daily for an adult?

    In your first week, use 2 sprays in each nostril every day. After your first week, if your symptoms are under control, you may reduce to 1 spray in each nostril every day. If your symptoms get worse, go back to 2 sprays in each nostril.

    Ages

    Users 12 years of age and older

    Dosage

    Up to 2 sprays to each nostril daily

    Duration before checking with a doctor

    Up to 6 months of daily use

  • If my symptoms go away, should I stop using FLONASE?

    You may be tempted to stop using FLONASE when you start to feel better. It is important to keep using FLONASE daily as long as allergens bother you, like pollen, mold, dust, or pet dander—so you’ll continue to enjoy relief from your symptoms.

  • Is FLONASE okay to use with other medicines?

    You should tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including FLONASE.

    FLONASE is not indicated for use with other nasal allergy medicines, but can be used with most other types of

    non-prescription and prescription medicines. However, there are a few medicines to look out for because they may cause the level of FLONASE in your body to become too high. Just to be safe, check this table:

    If You Are Taking
    Here's What to Do

    Medicine for HIV infection (such as ritonavir)

    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using FLONASE Allergy Relief
    Medicines with glucocorticoids including some medicines for skin rash such as eczema, asthma, inflammation, allergy reactions, or eye conditions
    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using FLONASE Allergy Relief
    Ketoconazole pils for fungal infection
    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using FLONASE Allergy Relief

  • Should allergy sufferers discontinue use of antihistamines if they start using FLONASE?

    When using FLONASE, no other allergy medicines are needed for symptom relief. FLONASE is not indicated for use with other allergy medicines. A combination of FLONASE with an antihistamine has not been shown to be more effective than FLONASE alone.1

    1. GlaxoSmithKline. Data on file. 2013.

  • What are the current medical guidelines for treating nasal allergies?

    Millions of people have used FLONASE to help relieve allergies. The medicine in FLONASE, fluticasone propionate, has been the most prescribed allergy medicine in the world for over 20 years.

  • What are the dosing instructions and restrictions for children using FLONASE?

    In their first week, children between the ages of 4 and 11 should use 1 spray in each nostril every day.

    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 child’s doctor if your child needs to use the spray for longer than 2 months a year.

    Ages

    Children 4-11 years of age

    Children under 4 years of age

    Dosage

    1 spray in each nostril once daily

    Do not use.

    Duration before checking with a doctor

    Up to 2 months of use a year

    Do not use.

  • What are the side effects of FLONASE?

    Serious side effects are rare with FLONASE. However, like all medicines, FLONASE can cause side effects in some people.

    Below are some side effects that have been reported with FLONASE. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk with your doctor.

    Side effects

    What Could Happen

    What to do

    Allergic reaction to the product

    • Sudden swelling of the face or tongue
    • A rash
    • Wheezing or feeling faint

    If you feel any of the symptoms, stop using FLONASE Allergy Relief and see a doctor right away.

    Nose injury

    • Severe or frequent nosebleed
    Apply pressure to the nose. Stop using FLONASE Allergy Relief and see a doctor right away.
    • Constant whistling sound that does not go away
    This could be a sign of damage to your nose. Stop using FLONASE Allergy Relief and see a doctor right away.

    Eye conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma

    • Cloudy vision
    • Reduced vision

    Schedule a yearly eye exam to check for these conditions. Read the Drug Fracts on the back of the FLONASE Allergy Relief Package for more details.

    Growth effects

    • Slower growth rate in some children while using product
    Talk to your child’s doctor if you are concerned or if your child is between 2 and 11 years of age and needs to use FLONASE Allergy Relief for longer than 2 months a year.

    Other side effects

    • Headaches or sneezing
    • Minor nosebleeds
    • Dry or irritated nose or throat
    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.

  • What do you do if you miss a day of FLONASE treatment?

    If you miss a dose, just use your regular dose the next day. Don’t add an extra dose to make up for it.

  • Who can use FLONASE?

    Some people should not use FLONASE, or need to check with a health professional first.

    The following people should not use FLONASE Allergy Relief or should check with a healthcare professional:

    If You

    Here’s What to Do
    Are younger than 4
    Do not use FLONASE Allergy Relief.
    Are pregnant or breast-feeding
    Talk to a healthcare professional before using FLONASE Allergy Relief.
    Have or had glaucoma or cataracts
    Talk to your doctor before using FLONASE Allergy Relief.
    Have an injury or surgery to your nose that is not fully healed
    Do not use FLONASE Allergy Relief.
    Have ever had an allergic reaction to FLONASE or any of its ingredients
    Do not use FLONASE Allergy Relief.
    Are taking medicines for HIV infection (such as ritonavir)
    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using FLONASE Allergy Relief.
    Are taking ketoconazole pills (medicine for fungal infection)
    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using FLONASE Allergy Relief.
    Are using a steroid medicine for asthma, allergies, skin rash, allergic reactions, inflammation, or eye conditions
    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using FLONASE Allergy Relief.

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