Flixonase Nasal Spray

Flixonase nasal spray is a treatment for hay fever and other allergies, such as animal allergies. It contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which belongs to a group of medications called glucocorticoids (a type of corticosteroid). It relieves hay fever symptoms by reducing inflammation and swelling in your nose.

Flixonase nasal spray contains a corticosteroid which reduces inflammation. Spraying Flixonase into your nasal passages treats hay fever symptoms in your nose. You may need to combine this with another medication if you have severe hay fever symptoms or itchy, watery, or red eyes.

Hay fever is an allergy to pollen which is released by plants in order to reproduce. The pollen count in the UK is highest during spring and summer – this is called hay fever season. When you breathe in pollen from the air, your body releases a chemical called histamine. This causes the mucous membranes in your throat, nose, and eyes to become inflamed, making them itchy, red, and sore as your body tries to get rid of the allergen.

Flixonase steroid nasal spray is suitable for people who:

• are over 18 – children may be able to take Flixonase under the supervision of their GP
• have hay fever symptoms in the nose, such as itching, irritation, congestion, or a runny nose

You should check with your doctor if you have any health conditions or take other medications before using Flixonase.

Always use Flixonase nasal spray exactly how your doctor prescribes it. It can take a few days for it to work, so you should keep using it even if you don’t feel better straight away. Flixonase nasal spray should be taken every day.

The usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril, once per day. It’s recommended to take Flixonase in the morning. The maximum daily dose is 4 sprays into each nostril once per day. If your symptoms improve, your doctor may reduce your dose to 1 spray in each nostril. They can also increase your dose if your symptoms get worse. Always speak to your doctor before increasing your Flixonase dose.

If it’s the first time you’re using Flixonase, or you haven’t used it in a few days, you’ll need to prime it. How to prime your Flixonase spray bottle:

• Remove the cap and hold the bottle upwards and away from you.
• Pump the spray a few times until it comes out as a fine mist - your bottle is now primed and ready to use. If the nozzle seems to be blocked, you’ll need to clean it (see below).

Using Flixonase nasal spray:

• Shake the bottle and then remove the cap.
• Gently blow your nose.
• Close one nostril and place the nozzle into the other nostril. Tilt your head slightly forward, keeping the bottle upright. Make sure the top of the nozzle isn’t pressed against the side or inner ridge of your nostril.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose as you press down on the spray. You should feel a fine mist go into your nostril.
• Breathe out through your mouth and then repeat if you take more than 1 spray in each nostril.
• Remove the nozzle and repeat on the other nostril.
• Once you’re finished, clean the nozzle with a tissue and replace the cap. If it needs further cleaning, clean it using the steps below.

You should clean Flixonase nasal spray if it becomes blocked, or at least once a week. How to clean Flixonase nasal spray:

• Remove the cap and the nozzle.
• Soak the nozzle and cap in warm water for a few minutes. Don’t add soap or any harsh chemicals. Don’t place these into a dishwasher as this could damage them and stop the spray from working.
• Rinse under a running tap and shake off any excess water.
• Allow the cap and nozzle to dry in a warm place.
• Once dry, add the nozzle back on and prime the bottle (see above).

When should I start taking Flixonase nasal spray?

Flixonase nasal spray works best if you start taking it 1-2 weeks before you usually get hay fever symptoms. If you already have symptoms, it may take a few days to make you feel better. Speak with your doctor about the best time to start taking Flixonase each year.

What should I do if I forget to take Flixonase nasal spray?

If you miss a Flixonase dose, just take the next dose when it’s due. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose as this can increase your risk of side effects, especially irritation in the nose.

What should I do if I take too many doses of Flixonase nasal spray?

If you take more Flixonase than you’ve been prescribed, speak to your doctor. Using more could give you side effects.

What should I do if I want to stop taking Flixonase nasal spray?

Don’t stop taking Flixonase steroid nasal spray if you feel better, unless your doctor has told you to, or it’s the end of your hay fever season. Stopping Flixonase too soon can cause your hay fever symptoms to return.

You might be able to take Flixonase nasal spray while pregnant or breastfeeding, but only if your doctor has told you it's safe.

If you’ve got any pre-existing or previous medical conditions, let your doctor know before using Flixonase nasal spray for the first time or if your circumstances change. Flixonase nasal spray is not a suitable treatment for everyone who has hay fever.

• You shouldn’t take Flixonase if you’ve got an allergy to fluticasone or any other ingredients in the medication.
• Flixonase nasal spray can cause problems with your eyes. Speak to your doctor straight away if you notice a change in eyesight or blurred vision.
• Flixonase contains benzalkonium chloride and may cause problems with your breathing (bronchospasm) or irritation and swelling inside the nose, especially if used for a long time.

You should also speak to your doctor before taking Flixonase if you have:

• ever had an operation on your nose
• an infection in your nose

Like all medications, Flixonase steroid nasal spray can cause some side effects, but not everybody gets them. As Flixonase is sprayed into the nose, most side effects are associated with the nasal passages. If you get a sore or irritated nose while taking Flixonase nasal spray, stop using it for a few days until it feels better. If you need to do this often, speak to your doctor.

A rare and serious side effect of Flixonase nasal spray is a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you notice any of the following symptoms, call 999 or go to A&E straight away:

• swelling of the face
• redness or skin rashes
• difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing
• feeling weak or light-headed

Immediately after you use Flixonase, you may sneeze a little but this should stop quickly. It can also sometimes cause an unpleasant smell or taste.

Very common Flixonase nasal spray side effects include:

• nose bleeds

Common Flixonase nasal spray side effects include:

• headache
• unpleasant taste and smell
• a painful or dry nose and throat

If you notice any of these side effects, see if they improve on their own or after a short break from Flixonase. If they don’t improve or get worse, speak to your doctor.

Very rare Flixonase nasal spray side effects include:

• a skin reaction – which can include an itchy, red rash and blotches or more severe reactions, such as cracked, dry, or peeling skin
• eye problems, such as blurred vision or pain
• damage to your nose
• an effect on the normal production of steroids in your body – this is more likely if you’re taking a high Flixonase dose for a long time

Other Flixonase nasal spray side effects (frequency not known) include:

• sores in the nose

If you notice any of these side effects, speak to your doctor straight away. If your side effects are severe, go to A&E or call 999. Make sure to let the medical staff know you’re taking Flixonase. For any other side effects not listed, speak to your doctor and report them using the Yellow Card Scheme.

Check with your doctor before using Flixonase nasal spray if you:

• have been taking steroids for a long time, either orally or as an injection
• are taking an antiviral medicine called ritonavir
• are taking any medication containing cobicistat, a medication used alongside other HIV medicines
• are taking fungal infection medicines, such as ketoconazole

Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully if you take the above medications or Flixonase may not be suitable. For any other medications, including herbal remedies, speak with your doctor.

Flixonase steroid nasal spray has no known food and drink interactions.

The active ingredient in Flixonase nasal spray is fluticasone propionate and each spray contains 50 micrograms. The other ingredients in Flixonase are:

• cellulose microcrystalline
• carmellose sodium
• glucose
• polysorbate 80
• water purified
• benzalkonium chloride
• phenylethyl alcohol

This medication is safe to take if you’re vegan, halal, or lactose intolerant.

How should I store Flixonase nasal spray?

Keep Flixonase nasal spray out of reach of children and vulnerable adults. Protect it from direct sunlight and frost and don’t store above 30°C. Don’t store Flixonase in a fridge or use it after the expiration date (the last day of the month written on the bottle).

How should Flixonase nasal spray be disposed of?

Don’t throw Flixonase nasal spray in your normal waste bin. Speak to a pharmacist about how to dispose of medicines safely – they can usually dispose of it for you.

What does Flixonase nasal spray look like?

Flixonase nasal spray comes in an amber coloured glass bottle. The cap is usually green.

What pack sizes is Flixonase nasal spray available in?

Flixonase nasal spray is only available in one size: fluticasone propionate 50 micrograms.

Information about the manufacturer

Flixonase nasal spray is manufactured by: Glaxo Wellcome SA, Aranda de Duero, Burgos, Spain. The marketing authorisation holder is: Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK.