Flixonase®

• The usual dose for adults is 2 sprays into each nostril once a day.
• Depending on your response, your healthcare provider may increase your dose to 2 sprays twice a day.
• When your symptoms ease, you can reduce the dose to 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
• Always take your Flixonase as advised by your healthcare provider. The pharmacy label will tell you how much Flixonase to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.

• Are you pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding?
• Have you recently had nasal ulcers, or an injury to (or surgery on) your nose?
• Do you have an infection in your nose or sinuses?
• Do you have frequent nose bleeds?
• Do you have pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)?
• Are you taking any other medicines?

If so, it’s important that you tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you start Flixonase.

Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

To get the most benefit, use the correct technique when using a nasal spray. Watch a video and learn more about how to use a steroid nasal spray. 

• The first time you use the pump spray each day, you may have to 'prime' it. Do this by squirting it a few times into the air until a fine mist comes out.
• Timing: Use Flixonase at the same times each day.
• When to start: If you’re using Flixonase for hay fever, and you know what time of year your symptoms usually start, you can begin using Flixonase 2 weeks before this time. Starting your nasal spray before the pollen count gets high will help prevent symptoms from developing.
• Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose.
• If you have trouble remembering when to take your Flixonase see tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly. You might find a medication reminder app helpful. 

Here are some things to know when you're using Flixonase nasal spray. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• The effects of Flixonase are not immediate: It may take up to 4 days before you feel the full effect of the medicine.
• Keep using it regularly: Flixonase needs to be used regularly for it to work.
• How long to use Flixonase:
  • don’t use for more than 6 months continuously without advice from your healthcare provider
  • if you don’t get relief from your hay fever symptoms after using Flixonase continuously for 7 days, then tell your healthcare provider.
•  Expiry: Once you've opened and used your Flixonase it’s okay to use it for 3 months. After this time, you’ll need to get a new one.
• Other medicines: Flixonase interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider before starting Flixonase and before starting any new products.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, Flixonase can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you. 

• Nose bleeds.
• A dry or sore nose or throat.
• An unusual smell or taste.
• Headache.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Changes to your vision
• Blurred vision.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, such as a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction that you think might be a side effect.