Fluticasone propionate

Fluticasone propionate is a type of medication known as a second-generation glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids are corticosteroid hormones that are effective at reducing inflammation. Corticosteroid hormones are not the same thing as anabolic steroids, which are the steroids commonly associated with athletic enhancement. By reducing inflammation, fluticasone propionate decreases nasal congestion.

How does fluticasone propionate differ from Flonase?

Fluticasone propionate is the generic form of the brand name medication, Flonase. The two medications are considered equivalent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that generic drugs demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand name drug, which means they act the same way in the body and are expected to produce the same effects as the original brand name drug.

Researchers are not entirely sure how fluticasone propionate works but it is known to have a wide range of effects on different immune cells and chemicals that cause inflammation, including mast cells, histamine, and leukotrienes.

Fluticasone propionate comes as a nasal spray that delivers the medication directly to the inside of the nose. To use it, pump two sprays in each nostril one time per day. If possible, try to take the medication at the same time each day. To properly use the nasal spray, follow the directions for use that accompany the medication. You may also find these steps helpful:

1. Before first use, pump the bottle about 5 times until a mist appears. Also do this if the product hasn’t been used in 3+ days.

2. Shake the bottle gently.

3. Blow your nose to clear it before each use.

4. Keep your head upright and insert the applicator tip into your nostril.

5. Hold the applicator tip inside your nose and point the tip towards the outer corner of your eye. It’s helpful to use the opposite hand with each nostril to ensure that the tip is facing the outer corner of your eye. The goal is NOT to spray the medication straight back. You also do not want to point the tip towards the midline of the nose (where the septum is) because that can cause nosebleeds.

6. Close off the other nostril with a finger. Breathe in, and press the pump to release the spray while inhaling.

7. Hold your breath for a few seconds, and breathe out slowly through your mouth after each spray.

8. Alternate nostrils after each pump (e.g. right-left-right-left)

9. After using the spray, gently sniff.

10. Wipe the tip of the applicator with a clean tissue after each use.

What if you miss a dose?

If you accidentally miss a dose, take it when you remember. However, if your next dose is supposed to be within a couple of hours, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.

What if you take more than you are prescribed?

Using too much fluticasone propionate at one time is generally not considered dangerous. However, chronic overuse may cause specific signs and symptoms. Using greater than what is recommended by your physician can lead to trauma and irritation of the lining of the inside of the nose, which can lead to nosebleeds. Also, fluticasone is a corticosteroid which can affect other parts of your body aside from your nose. Long-term use of high levels of corticosteroid hormones can cause symptoms such as thinning skin, changes in body fat distribution, and increased acne, bone loss, blood sugar problems, or facial hair. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms, contact a healthcare provider.

With Ro, you can always be sure you are getting genuine medication. Ro dispenses drugs that are FDA approved and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that adhere to the FDA’s manufacturing standards for finished drug products. In fact, you will likely find many of the same manufacturers we use in your local pharmacy.

Fluticasone propionate may cause nosebleeds. If this is occurring, please stop using the medication and see your in-person healthcare provider.

Additional possible side effects include ocular hypertension, nasal septum perforation, increased intracranial pressure, keratitis, visual impairment, skin atrophy, anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, Churg-Strauss syndrome, vasculitis, muscle paralysis, bronchospasm, cholecystitis, dysphonia, conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, migraine, cataracts, withdrawal, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression, adrenocortical insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, growth inhibition, elevated hepatic enzymes, blurred vision, hematoma, erythema, skin ulcer, impaired wound healing, hypotension, eosinophilia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, depression, wheezing, dyspnea, palpitations, glycosuria, oral ulceration, hyperglycemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, bleeding, tolerance, headache, sinusitis, fatigue, malaise, pharyngitis, nasal congestion, throat irritation, arthralgia, insomnia, rhinitis, musculoskeletal pain, hoarseness, cough, rash, xerosis, fever, epistaxis, pruritus, skin irritation, back pain, nasal irritation, ocular irritation, dizziness, laryngitis, rhinorrhea, sneezing, dysmenorrhea, otalgia, dental pain, menstrual irregularity, folliculitis, xerophthalmia, urticaria, striae, acneiform rash, telangiectasia, skin hypopigmentation, vesicular rash, miliaria, purpura, acne vulgaris, hypertrichosis, ecchymosis, flushing, restlessness, irritability, agitation, anxiety, muscle cramps, rhinalgia, anosmia, nasal dryness, and weight gain.