3. How to use Flixonase

1. What Flixonase is and what it is used for

Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray 50 micrograms (called 'Flixonase' in this leaflet) contains a medicine called fluticasone propionate. This belongs to a group of medicines called steroids (also called 'cortico-steroids').

•    Steroids work by reducing inflammation.

•    They reduce swelling and irritation in your nose.

•    This helps to relieve itching, sneezing and your blocked or runny nose.

Flixonase is used to prevent and treat:

•    Inflammation in the lining of your nose (rhinitis) due to seasonal allergies, such as Hayfever.

•    Inflammation in the lining of your nose (rhinitis) due to year round (perennial) allergies, such as animal allergies.

How much to use - children aged 4 to 11 years

•    The usual starting dose is one spray into each nostril once a day, preferably in the morning.

•    The most you would use over 24 hours is normally 4 sprays (2 sprays per nostril).

If you use high doses of Flixonase

You may need extra steroids:

•    in times of extreme stress

•    during admission to hospital after a serious accident or injury

•    before a surgical operation.

Your doctor may give you extra steroid medication such as tablets or an injection.

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2. What you need to know before you use Flixonase

Do not use Flixonase if:

•    You are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Flixonase:

•    If you have ever had an operation on your nose.

•    If you have an infection in your nose

Other medicines and Flixonase

Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This includes herbal medicines.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using your medicine if:

•    you have had steroids for a long time, either as an injection or by your mouth

•    you are taking a type of antiviral medicine known as a protease inhibitor (e.g. ritonavir)

•    you are taking certain medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole)

Taking Flixonase with food and drink

You can use Flixonase at any time of day, with or without food.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines

Flixonase is not likely to affect you being able to drive or use any tools or machines.

Preparing your spray

Each spray has a dust cap which protects the nozzle and keeps it clean. Remember to take this off before using the spray.

A new spray (or one that has not been used for a few days), may not work first time. You need to 'prime' the spray by pumping the spray a few times until a fine mist is produced.

1.    Hold the bottle as shown and make sure it is pointed away from you.

2.    Put your forefinger and middle finger on the collar either side of the nozzle and put your thumb underneath the bottle.

3.    Keep your thumb still, and press down with your fingers to pump the spray.

•    If the spray does not work and you think it may be blocked, you will need to clean it. Please see the section below: Cleaning your spray.

•    Never try to unblock or enlarge the tiny spray hole with a pin or other sharp object. This will damage the way the spray works.

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