Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal).
Additional medication: Although fluticasone propionate will control seasonal allergic rhinitis in most cases, an abnormally heavy amount of summer pollen may sometimes require additional treatment, particularly to control eye symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you have been using Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) for 3 weeks and are still experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Growth in children and adolescents: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may impair the growth of children and adolescents. Your doctor will monitor for this. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Infections: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may worsen existing infections, mask the signs of infection, and cause new infections. If you use Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) for several months or longer, your doctor will monitor you periodically for signs of infection. People who have not had Chickenpox or Measles or have not been vaccinated against these infections should take special care to avoid exposure to them.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal).
Stopping treatment: Under most circumstances, treatment with corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray should be tapered off gradually and not stopped suddenly. In the case of fluticasone propionate nasal spray, this is usually only a concern at high doses. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about stopping regular use of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal).
Thyroid function: People with an underactive thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism), you may experience increased effects of this medication. If you are hypothyroid or are being monitored for thyroid function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vision problems: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may cause Glaucoma or Cataracts. Report any vision changes to your doctor immediately. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, discuss with your doctor how Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Wound healing: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray can impair the ability of wounds to heal. Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) should be avoided if you have recently had nasal surgery or nasal trauma until wounds have completely healed.
Pregnancy: The safety of fluticasone propionate nasal spray during pregnancy has not been established. Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if fluticasone propionate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) have not been established for children less than 4 years of age and should not be used by children under 4 years old. Long-term use of fluticasone propionate nasal spray is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Consult a doctor before using Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.
