Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Flonase Allergy Relief is a nasal spray that contains fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid (steroid) that reduces swelling and irritation inside the nose. Each spray delivers 50 mcg. It is sold without a prescription in Canada for adults 18 and over.
Health Canada has authorized it for the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and year-round rhinitis, and for sinus pain and pressure linked to allergic rhinitis. Avamys is a different nasal spray. It contains fluticasone furoate and needs a prescription.
Flonase is sold without a prescription in Canada. If your symptoms do not improve, or you are not sure it is safe for you, BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health.
In Canada, Flonase Allergy Relief is used in adults 18 and over for:
- Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and year-round rhinitis
- Sinus pain and pressure that come with allergic rhinitis
It is not recommended for children and teenagers under 18 unless a doctor advises it.
Fluticasone propionate
Intranasal corticosteroid
allergy
Over-the-counter
Available
How Flonase Works
Allergens set off swelling and inflammation in the lining of the nose, which causes sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and itching. Fluticasone is a steroid that calms this inflammation where it is sprayed.
It does not work right away. Some people feel relief on the first day, and most notice an improvement within a few days. The most relief can take 2 to 3 days of daily use, and for some people up to two weeks.
Dosage Instructions of Flonase
Follow the package directions. The usual dose for adults 18 and over is:
- Week 1: 2 sprays in each nostril once a day, preferably in the morning
- From week 2: 1 spray in each nostril once a day, if your symptoms are under control
- After 3 months of daily use: ask your doctor if you can keep using it
Do not use more than 2 sprays in each nostril a day.
How to use it: shake the bottle gently. Prime the pump until a fine mist appears when the bottle is new, has not been used for a week, or has just been cleaned. Blow your nose gently. Put just the tip of the nozzle in one nostril and aim slightly away from the centre of your nose. Sniff gently as you spray, then breathe out through your mouth. Clean the nozzle every week.
If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, or you get new symptoms such as severe face pain or thick discharge from the nose, stop and talk to a doctor. You may have an infection. If you only have symptoms at certain times of year, you can stop when that time ends.
Missed dose: use your regular dose the next day. Do not add an extra dose.
Storage Instructions
Store between 4°C and 30°C. Do not use it after the expiry date on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.
Side Effects of Flonase
In clinical trials lasting 2 to 4 weeks in people 12 and over with hay fever, the most common effects at 2 sprays in each nostril once a day were:
- Burning in the nose: 3.4%, compared with 2.5% with placebo
- Nosebleed: 2.8%, compared with 2.2% with placebo
- Headache: 2.5%, compared with 1.9% with placebo
- Sore throat, blood in nasal mucus and runny nose: 1.6% each, compared with less than 1% with placebo
Other possible effects include sneezing, a dry or sore nose, a change in taste or smell, cough and hoarseness. Sores in the nose and a hole in the wall between the nostrils (the septum) have been reported rarely.
Tell your doctor if you have blurry vision, nosebleeds that keep coming back, or sores in your nose that do not heal. Also report fast weight gain around the body and face, unusual tiredness or weakness, lasting joint pain, or mood changes. These can mean the steroid is affecting the rest of your body.
Stop using Flonase and get medical help right away if you have:
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as chest tightness, wheezing or trouble breathing, sudden weakness or light-headedness, hives, or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or lips
- Eye pain or a feeling of pressure in the eyes, which can be signs of glaucoma
Important Safety Information About Flonase
- Do not use Flonase if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any ingredient in the product.
- Do not use it if you have an untreated fungal, bacterial or tuberculosis infection of the nose, throat or lungs.
- Under 18: not recommended unless a doctor advises it. Slower growth has been seen in children treated with steroid nasal sprays.
- Eyes: steroid nasal sprays can lead to glaucoma or cataracts. Talk to a doctor before use if you have had either, and have regular eye exams.
- Nose: talk to a doctor first if you are recovering from sores, surgery or an injury in your nose, because steroids slow healing. A yeast infection of the nose or throat can occur.
- Infections: talk to a doctor first if you have a fever, a nose or sinus infection, yellow or green discharge from your nose or a herpes infection of the eye, or if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.
- Other conditions: talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you have severe liver disease, a thyroid problem or asthma, or if you take or have taken steroid tablets or injections.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety in pregnancy has not been established, and it is not known whether fluticasone passes into breast milk. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use.
- Steroid effects on the rest of the body, such as Cushing's syndrome and reduced adrenal gland function, are possible. The risk rises with larger doses.
Drug Interactions
Tell your pharmacist about everything you take, including non-prescription products.
- Ritonavir (an HIV medicine): can greatly raise the amount of fluticasone in the blood. Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression have been reported. Do not use the two together unless a doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk.
- Ketoconazole (an antifungal) and other medicines that strongly block the liver enzyme CYP3A4: may raise the amount of fluticasone that reaches the blood. Ask a pharmacist first.
- Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA): talk to a doctor first if you have a blood clotting problem and take ASA.
Brands & DIN Number of Flonase
Brand Names
Flonase
Key Takeaways
- 1Flonase Allergy Relief is a fluticasone propionate steroid nasal spray sold without a prescription in Canada for hay fever and year-round rhinitis.
- 2It is for adults 18 and over. It is not recommended under 18 unless a doctor advises it.
- 3The dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day for the first week, then 1 spray in each nostril once a day if symptoms are under control.
- 4It does not work right away. The most relief can take 2 to 3 days, and for some people up to two weeks.
- 5Stop and see a doctor if you are not better within 7 days. Ask a doctor before using it daily for more than 3 months.
- 6Get medical help right away for eye pain or signs of an allergic reaction. Tell your doctor about blurry vision.
- 7Do not use it with ritonavir unless a doctor says you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for Flonase in Canada?
How much does Flonase cost in Canada, and does BC PharmaCare cover it?
How long does Flonase take to work?
Is Avamys the same as Flonase?
Can children use Flonase?
Can I use Flonase while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Can I use Flonase every day for a long time?
When should I talk to a doctor?
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team