Flixonase

Flixonase is an aqueous steroid liquid nasal spray that is used to relieve the symptoms of allergies, hay fever (also known as rhinitis) and inflammation of the nasal passages. It can also be used to help treat nasal polyps (when the lining of the nose swells) by reducing their size. This medication contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate. It is suitable for adults and children from four years of age.

Flixonase is a prescription-only nasal spray that can reduce the irritation to the nose caused by allergies (perennial allergic rhinitis) and hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). The symptoms of these conditions can be very unpleasant and include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose and congestion. This medication is used to both treat and prevent the abovementioned symptoms in sufferers who are prone to allergies and nasal irritation. As well as relieving nasal symptoms, Flixonase can also help calm eye irritations that are linked to allergies, such as runny, itchy eyes. This medication contains 50 micrograms of fluticasone propionate per spray. Flixonase belongs to the corticosteroids (also known as steroids) group which are anti-inflammatory medicines that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Corticosteroids are a manufactured version of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. These glands are located just above the kidneys and produce essential hormones. This medication does not usually work immediately but takes some time to build its effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to use Flixonase nasal spray as prescribed by your doctor (usually once a day). It is essential to read the package leaflet as there are some instances when corticosteroids cannot be used. If you have any doubts about taking this medication, talk to your doctor.

Flixonase is used to treat and prevent inflammation in the lining of the nose caused by allergies and hay fever, and also nasal polyps. The nasal lining cells absorb Flixonase when it is sprayed into the nose. Flixonase prevents the cells from releasing chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergies occur when the body reacts to a certain substance or environment. Allergies typically cause a runny nose, watery eyes, itching and sneezing. Usually, the body’s immune system protects it against reactions to normal substances. The common things that can cause an allergic reaction and nasal irritation are house dust, pollen, animal dander (often confused with animal hair – a person more likely to be allergic to the dander, which is a substance shed from an animal’s skin similar to dandruff) and mould spores. There are also seasonal allergies such as hay fever, which can range from mild with a few sneezes to extremely severe when a person cannot leave the house due to their reaction to the pollen in the air.

Hay fever is not actually a reaction to hay and does not produce a fever. It is a reaction to certain pollens in the air from trees, grass and weeds. There are some plants and trees that are more likely to trigger hay fever than others, for example, oak trees olive trees and ragweed.

Nasal polyps are soft lumps inside the nose which cause no pain but can grow and block the nose. They can block the sinuses and cause sinusitis (an infection that causes the sinuses to swell). If a steroid nasal spray does not help with the symptoms, a doctor may suggest that the nasal polyps are removed. Flixonse should not be used to treat the symptoms of the common cold such as sneezing and a runny nose. It will not be effective as a cold is a virus rather than an infection.

Flixonase is sprayed gently into the nose at the same time each day. Before using, blow your nose. You should also shake the spray to ensure it works correctly – this is particularly important with a new bottle of Flixonase. Put the spray into one nostril and close the other with your finger. The spray should be aimed toward the outside of the nose (internally), rather than directly at the nasal septum. This reduces the likelihood of getting a nosebleed when using this medication. Tilt your head forward a little when doing this. As the spray is released, you should breathe deeply to inhale the medication. Next, remove the Flixonase bottle from your nostril and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Ensure that you clean the nozzle after using the spray by wiping it with a clean tissue. The spray should also be thoroughly cleaned once a week for hygiene reasons. Remove the top and soak it in warm water for a while then rinse it under cold water and allow to air dry.

Flixonase nasal spray may not work immediately, and it usually takes a few days before you start to see results. If there is no improvement after a week, you should consult your doctor. It is a good idea to use Flixonase nasal spray if you know you are likely to be in a situation where an allergic reaction may occur, such as when the pollen season is about to start, if the pollen forecast is high or if visiting somewhere that has animals (it is usually dogs and cats that cause an allergic reaction).

You do not need to take Flixonase nasal spray with food or drink. Children under four years of age should not use Flixonase nasal spray.

Try to use Flixonase nasal spray at the same time every day so that you do not forget to take it, and to allow it to perform to its maximum effect. This also ensures your body receives the right balance of the medication. When using Flixonase, be careful not to let it enter the eyes or mouth. It should only be used as a nasal spray.

Do not share your Flixonase with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. This is because of the risk of the spread of infection and also because this medication must be prescribed by a doctor.

For adults and children over 12 years of age, the usual starting dose for Flixonase is two sprays twice a day into each nostril. It is best to use your medication at the same time every day. Once your allergy symptoms start to disappear or reduce, your doctor will probably recommend that you reduce the dose to one spray per day into each nostril. You should not use Flixonase more than has been prescribed by your doctor, for example using it several times during the day to relieve the symptoms of allergies is not recommended.

For children aged between four and 12 years of age, the usual dose is one spray into each nostril once a day at the same time. Only on a doctor’s recommendation and if the symptoms are particularly bad should the dose be increased to two sprays per day, and this should be for the shortest time possible. If you forget a dose of Flixonase nasal spray, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is near to the time when the next one is due. If this is the case, then only take the next dose at the usual time – do not administer a double dose. It is important to use this medication exactly as advised by your doctor.

As with all medicines, there is the possibility of side effects when using Flixonase. These can include:

• Nosebleeds;
• Dry and irritated nose and throat;
• Headache;
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• Unpleasant smell.

You may find that you sneeze immediately after using Flixonase. This is common and nothing to be concerned about – the sneezing will gradually stop. Not everyone will experience side effects when using Flixonase. If you are worried about any side effects when taking this medication, consult a doctor.

You should not use Flixonase if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the packaging leaflet. Children under four years of age should not use Flixonase nasal spray. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking this medication. Flixonase nasal spray does not affect your ability to drive and does not interact with alcohol.

You should inform your doctor of any other medicines you are taking, including herbal medicines, before you start using a Flixonase nasal spray. If you have recently been taking or are still taking any other medication containing corticosteroids, such as tablets, injections, drops, creams or other nasal sprays or if you use an asthma inhaler, it is especially important to tell your doctor, since using more than one steroid at a time can increase the risk of side effects.

Flixonase nasal spray can only be prescribed by a doctor. You cannot buy it over the counter in a pharmacy.

No, you cannot get Flixonase nasal spray without a prescription.

Package leaflet: Information For The User. FlixonaseTM Aqueous Nasal Spray. Fluticasone propionate 50 micrograms. August, 2012. Retrieved four September 2019 from https://s3-eu-west 1.amazonaws.com/docomimg2.s3.amazonaws.com/leaflets/en/patient_information_leaflet-2115-flixonase-uk.pdf- 1510756508.pdf

Marshall, H. 21 March 2018. Flixonase aqueous nasal spray (fluticasone). Retrieved four September 2019 from https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/allergy-asthma/a6742/flixonase-aqueous-nasal-spray-fluticasone/

Fluticasone Nasal Spray. 15 April 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019 from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695002.html