Fluticasone Furoate Nasal Spray

Fluticasone Nasal Spray

What is Fluticasone Nasal Spray used for?

Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, in adults and children aged 6 years and over.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms include:

• A stuffy, runny nose or itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Watery, itchy or red eyes

These symptoms can occur at certain times of year, often referred to as seasonal allergies, when they’re triggered by pollen from grass or trees. They can also be caused year-round by things like animals, house dust mites or moulds.

How does Fluticasone Nasal Spray work?

Fluticasone nasal spray contains fluticasone furoate, a glucocorticoid (a type of corticosteroid). It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages caused by an allergic reaction, which in turn eases your allergy symptoms.

Most people find the spray starts working within 8 to 24 hours, though it can take a few days of regular use before you feel the full benefit. Using it at the same time each day helps prevent symptoms and provide relief throughout the day and night.

Who can use Fluticasone Nasal Spray?

Fluticasone nasal spray is suitable for adults and children aged 6 years and over. It isn’t suitable for children under 6.

Don’t use fluticasone nasal spray if you:

• Are allergic to fluticasone furoate or any of the other ingredients

Speak to your doctor before use if you:

• Are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby
• Are breastfeeding
• Have had glaucoma or cataracts in the past, or notice blurred vision or other visual disturbances while using this medicine
• Are using other nasal congestion sprays containing steroids
• Are taking steroid tablets or injections, steroid creams, asthma medicines, ritonavir or cobicistat for HIV, or ketoconazole for fungal infections

If you’re unsure if this medicine is right for you, talk to your doctor before you start using it.

If your child is using this medicine long-term, their doctor will need to check their height regularly and make sure they’re taking the lowest effective dose, as long-term use can cause children to grow more slowly.

Fluticasone Nasal Spray Dosage

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

• The usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day
• Once symptoms are under control, this can often be reduced to 1 spray in each nostril once a day

Children aged 6 to 11 years:

• The usual starting dose is 1 spray in each nostril once a day
• If symptoms are severe, a doctor may increase this to 2 sprays in each nostril once a day until symptoms settle, then reduce back to 1 spray once a day

How to Use Fluticasone Nasal Spray

Use the spray once a day, at the same time each day, to keep symptoms under control throughout the day and night. The correct dosage depends on your age group.

Before using the spray for the first time, or if you haven’t used it for 30 days or more, or if the cap has been off for 5 days, you’ll need to prime it:

1. Shake the bottle vigorously with the cap on for about 10 seconds
2. Remove the cap and hold the bottle upright, pointing the nozzle away from you
3. Place two fingers either side of the pump and your thumb under the bottle
4. Press and release the pump at least 6 times, until it releases a fine mist

To use the spray:

1. Shake the bottle vigorously and remove the cap
2. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils, then tilt your head forward slightly
3. Place the nozzle in one nostril, closing the other with your finger, and point the nozzle slightly outwards away from the centre of your nose
4. Press the pump firmly all the way down while breathing in gently through your nose
5. Take the nozzle out and breathe out through your mouth
6. Repeat for the other nostril, then replace the cap

Be careful not to get the spray in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with water.

Side Effects of Fluticasone Nasal Spray

Like all medicines, fluticasone nasal spray can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Very Common Side Effects

These may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

• Nosebleeds, generally minor, particularly with continuous use for more than 6 weeks

Common Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Nasal ulceration, which may cause irritation or discomfort in your nose, and can lead to streaks of blood when you blow your nose
• Headache
• Shortness of breath

Uncommon Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

• Pain, burning, itching, soreness or dryness inside the nose

Very Rare Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people:

• Small holes (perforations) in the ridge inside the nose that separates the nostrils

Unknown Frequency

• Slowing of growth in children
• Blurred vision or temporary changes to vision with long-term use
• Chest tightness, causing difficulty breathing
• Voice disorder or voice loss
• Taste disorder, taste loss, or smell loss

Allergic reactions to this medicine are rare, affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people, but can become serious if not treated. Contact a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• Wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing
• Suddenly feeling weak or light-headed, which may lead to collapse or loss of consciousness
• Swelling around the face
• Skin rashes or redness

If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Fluticasone Nasal Spray Ingredients

Active ingredient: Fluticasone furoate 27.5 micrograms per spray

Other ingredients: Glucose, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), carmellose sodium (E466), polysorbate 80 (E433), benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate and water for injections

Warnings and Precautions

• This medicine is for nasal use only.
• This medicine contains benzalkonium chloride, which may cause irritation or swelling inside the nose, particularly with long-term use.
• Don’t use this spray at the same time as other nasal sprays containing steroids.
• Keep the cap on the bottle when you’re not using it, to keep the nozzle clean and working properly.
• Never use a pin or anything sharp to clear the nozzle, as this can damage the spray.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the packaging. Once opened, use within 2 months.
• Don’t refrigerate or freeze this medicine.