Author: Unknown

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLIXONASE AQUEOUS NASAL SPRAY

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine This provides a summary of the information available on your medicine For further information or advice ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of this medicine is Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray. It contains a substance called fluticasone propionate which is a corticosteroid (steroid for short). When you put tiny amounts of fluticasone propionate into the nose it helps to relieve the itching, sneezing and the blocked up or runny nose which can bother you.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT FLIXONASE AQUEOUS NASAL SPRAY
1	MAKE SURE that this medicine is suitable for you (see "Before using your nasal spray" inside this leaflet). | 4	Keep your nasal spray OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
2	Use your nasal spray as directed by your doctor. The directions should be given on the label | 5	If you are told to stop using this nasal spray RETURN ANY REMAINING TO YOUR PHARMACIST.
3	IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS after using this medicine you will find help inside this leaflet. |

There is more information inside this leaflet – Please read it carefully.

HOW YOUR NASAL SPRAY WORKS

If you suffer from hayfever the inside of your nose becomes swollen and itchy This often occurs during the early summer when it is caused by breathing in pollens from grasses or trees Some people get problems all the year round, often due to house dust or tiny pieces of hair from a dog or cat. Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray contains a steroid called fluticasone propionate. When you spray it into your nose in tiny amounts, it reduces the swelling and irritation and so helps to relieve sneezing and watering and reduce the itchy and blocked up feelings which make you feel uncomfortable.

BEFORE USING YOUR NASAL SPRAY

*	If you are pregnant (or intending to become pregnant), 

*	If you are breast feeding a baby, 

*	If you have ever had to stop taking another medicine for this illness because you were allergic to it or it caused problems.
 
TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE  STARTING TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE.  In some circumstances this medicine may not be suitable and your doctor may wish to give you a different medicine

Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking.

USING YOUR NASAL SPRAY

*	Follow the instructions shown on the next page.  If you have any problems tell your doctor or pharmacist.

*	It is important that you use it as instructed by your doctor.  The label will usually tell you what dose to take and how often.  If it doesn't or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

DOSE

*	For ADULTS the usual dose is two sprays into each nostril once daily.  Your doctor may advise you to increase this to a maximum of 2 sprays twice daily.  For CHILDREN aged 4-11 years, the usual dose is one spray into each nostril once daily.

*	DO NOT use a larger dose or use your nasal spray more often than your doctor advises.

*	It takes a few days for this medicine to work and it is VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE IT REGULARLY.  DO NOT STOP TREATMENT even if you feel better unless told to do so by your doctor.

*	If you also have itchy, watery eyes you should tell your doctor.  He may give an additional medicine to treat your eyes.  Be careful not to confuse them, particularly if the second medicine is eye drops.

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

*	If you miss a dose DO NOT WORRY – just take the next dose when it is due.

IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH

*	Tell your doctor if you accidentally take more than you were told.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLIXONASE AQUEOUS NASAL SPRAY

BEFORE USING

1	Shake the bottle gently, then remove the dust cover by gently squeezing the ribs between your finger and thumb and lifting off.

2	Hold the spray as shown with your forefinger and middle finger either side of the nozzle and your thumb underneath the bottle.
	
3	If using for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or more test the spray: with the nozzle pointing away from you press down several times until a fine mist comes out of the nozzle

(80% of actual size)

USING THE SPRAY
	
4	Blow your nose gently

5	Close one nostril as shown and put the nozzle in the other nostril.  Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the spray upright.

6	Start to breathe in through your nose and WHILE BREATHING IN press down with your fingers to ONCE to release a spray.

| 7	Breathe out through your mouth.  Repeat steps 6 and 7 to inhale a second spray.
| 8	Repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 for the other nostril.

AFTER USE

9	Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue or handkerchief and replace the dust cover.

CLEANING

Your nasal spray should be cleaned at least once a week.  To do this:-

Gently pull off the nozzle.  Wash it in warm water.

Shake off excess water and allow to dry in a warm place.  Avoid excessive heat.

Gently push the nozzle back on top of the brown bottle.  Replace the dust cover.

If the nozzle becomes blocked it can be removed as above and left to soak in warm water.  Rinse under a cold tap, allow to dry and refit  Do not try to unblock the nozzle by using a pin or other sharp object.

continued

AFTER USING YOUR NASAL SPRAY
*	You may sneeze a little after using this spray but this soon stops.  Very occasionally you may notice an unpleasant taste or smell.

*	If your nose or throat becomes painful or if you have a bad nose bleed after using the nasal spray, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

*	If you feel unwell or have any other problems tell your doctor and follow his advice.

STORING YOUR NASAL SPRAY
*	Keep your nasal spray in a safe place where children cannot reach it.  Your medicine may harm them.

*	Shake gently before use.  Store below 30˚C (86˚F).

*	Do not use this nasal spray after the date shown as ‘EXP’ on the label and carton.

WHAT’S IN YOUR NASAL SPRAY

Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray contains 50 micrograms fluticasone propionate in each spray.  Each bottle contains approximately 120 sprays.

Your nasal spray also contains benzalkonium chloride and phenylethyl alcohol as preservatives.

REMEMBER: This medicine is for YOU.  Only a doctor can prescribe it for you.  Never give it to someone else.  It may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

FURTHER INFORMATION

This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your medicine.  If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, then you should ask your doctor or the pharmacist.

You will be able to find more information about prescribed medicines from books which may be found in public libraries.

You may want to read this leaflet again.  DO NOT THROW IT AWAY until you have finished your medicine.

This leaflet has been prepared in accordance with guidance from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.  The information given only applies to Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray.

Flixonase is a trade mark of the Glaxo Group of companies.

Manufactured by Glaxo Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Speke, Liverpool, L24 9JD, England
on behalf of Allen & Hanburys Limited, Greenford, UB6 0HB, England.

Allen & Hanburys Limited, Uxbridge, UB11 1BT, England