Flonase
(fluticasone)
Relieves nasal allergy symptoms.
Our bottom line
Flonase (fluticasone) is a good first-choice treatment for allergies of the nose, but long-term use can increase the risk of nosebleeds.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (fluticasone)
Upsides
- Only need to use Flonase (fluticasone) once a day. Its effects can last for up to 24 hours.
- Available over-the-counter and cheaper than many of its alternatives.
- Highly effective treatment of allergy symptoms in the nose.
- Flonase (fluticasone) gives you very little to no side effects since it's a nasal spray and doesn't expose the rest of your body to the medicine.
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What to expect from Flonase, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
890Downsides
- Flonase (fluticasone) is not an appropriate medicine for people who have an injured nose or had a recent surgery in the nose.
- Can slow down the growth rate in children.
- Can increase the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose.
- Not recommended for those who are also taking other medicines that lower their ability to fight off infections.
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What to expect from Flonase, on one page
Download Fact SheetFlonase (fluticasone) is an antiinflammatory medicine called a corticosteroid. It works by applying it directly into your nose to reduce swelling and inflammation caused by allergies.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (fluticasone)
Used for
- Nasal allergy relief
- Nasal polyp
Dosage forms
- Nasal spray
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$20.12
- Rite AidGet free coupon$20.94
What to expect when you take Flonase (fluticasone) for Nasal allergy relief
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Nasal burning/nasal irritation
- Nosebleed
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Asthma-like symptoms
Side effect rates for Flonase (fluticasone)
- Headache7%7%15%15%
- Asthma-like symptoms7%7%3%3%
- Sore throat6%6%7%7%
- Nosebleed6%6%5%5%
- Nausea/vomiting5%5%2%2%
- Cough4%4%3%3%
- Nasal burning/nasal irritation2%2%3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Flonase.
People taking Flonase felt side effect more
People taking Flonase felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Flonase (fluticasone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Children
- › Using the medicine for a long period of time
Flonase (fluticasone) can cause slowing of growth in children, especially if the medicine is used for a long period of time. Use Flonase (fluticasone) for the lowest effective dose, for the shortest period of time in children. Also, most formulations of the medicine are not safe or effective in children under the age of 4. Flonase Sensimist can be an option for children age 2 or older.
Common concerns from people taking Flonase (fluticasone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Flonaseon 2/21/2017Steroids come with price. Not worth taking ever if unnecessary. I am getting nosebleed, dryness and scraped feeling inside the nostrils after the second use, my husband almost lost his vision because of the condition triggered by steroids he had no clue he has.39WomanSeasonal allergies