Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FLUNISOLIDE - NASAL

(flew-NISS-oh-lide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nasalide, Nasarel

Uses

This medication is a corticosteroid that works directly on nasal tissue to reduce swelling. Flunisolide nasal is used to treat symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, such as nasal congestion and runny nose.

How To Use

To get the most benefit from this medication, make sure you understand how to use the nasal inhaler properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the aerosol or spray. The medication must reach the nasal tissue to be effective. Therefore, blow your nose to clear the nasal passage before using the medication. If passages are blocked, a nasal decongestant may be used first (for a maximum of 3 to 5 days) to open the passages allowing proper penetration of the medication. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. It may take a few days before the benefits of the medication are noticed. Use this medication with caution if sores or injuries are present in the nasal passages.

Side Effects

This medication may cause irritation, stinging, burning, or dryness of the nasal passages. Sneezing, nosebleed, headache, lightheadedness or nausea may also occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: skin rash, itching. Long-term use of nasal steroids may cause fungal infections of the nose or throat. Inform your doctor if you develop an infection. The medication may be discontinued while the infection is treated. Very unlikely to occur but report: vision problems, headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should be used with caution if the following medical conditions exist: glaucoma, herpes-type eye infection, other infections, recent nasal surgery, existing nasal sores, liver disease, tuberculosis, underactive thyroid. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. This medication appears in breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication. Children under six years of age should not use this medication. Caution is advised in children as this drug may affect growth patterns. Consult child's doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: antibiotics, oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), other nasal products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

If no improvement in your symptoms is noted after 3 weeks of using this medication, notify your doctor. Another medication may be needed or the dose may need adjusting. Watering or itching eyes often associated with allergies are not significantly relieved by this medication. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication.

Missed Dose

Use the missed dose if remembered within an hour or so. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).