Flixonase

What is Flixonase?

Flixonase can be taken as either a nasal spray or as nasal drops. It’s very effective for treating runny and blocked noses which are triggered by allergies. This is known as allergic rhinitis.

If you suffer with allergies, it’s usually the result of an overreaction from your immune system, which mistakes irritants like pollen, dust mites or mold spores as more harmful to the body than they actually are. This triggers symptoms such as inflammation (and a blocked or runny nose).

Flixonase is a type of treatment called a corticosteroid. It tackles symptoms caused by hay fever, dust mites, mould and animal fur. People usually use Flixonase once a day, using one or two sprays in each nostril.

How does Flixonase work?

Essentially, when the immune system encounters something that is wrongly considered a threat, it triggers skin and tissue cells that release inflammatory chemicals. Inflammation in the nostrils is what leads to symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose.

Flixonase contains an active ingredient called fluticasone propionate. This is the corticosteroid in the medication that blocks the release of the inflammatory chemicals that cause symptoms. The nasule drops work in a similar way except they are used to shrink the polyps (abnormal tissue growths). Again, this has the same effect because the end result is the reduction of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

What doses of Flixonase are there?

It’s a single dose treatment that’s available as either a nasal spray or nasule drops. The recommended starting dose is two sprays per nostril once per day, often reduced to one spray per nostril once per day. This means that if you’ve been taking Flixonase twice a day for a period of time and you aren’t seeing any benefit, you can’t increase your dosage. If you find that Flixonase isn’t improving your symptoms, sign in to your account and send our clinician a message. They can guide you on the next steps.

How to take Flixonase spray

When you open your spray and use it for the first time, you’ll need to prime it. To prime the spray, you should:

• remove the dust cap from the nozzle
• hold the bottle away from your face
• spray it a few times until a light mist is produced

Once the spray is ready, using it is extremely simple:

• Shake the bottle and take off the dust cap
• Gently blow your nose
• Put the nozzle in one of your nostrils and close your other nostril using your finger
• Tilt your head slightly forward and hold the bottle upright
• Breathe in slowly through your nose and whilst doing this press down firmly on the collar with your fingers (the spray will go into your nostril)
• Breathe out through your mouth
• Repeat in the same nostril
• Do the same again but in your other nostril
• After usage, wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean tissue or handkerchief and put the dust cap back on

How to take Flixonase nasule drops

• The standard dose is one 400mcg container, split between each nostril, once or twice daily as directed (so 200mcg per nostril one or twice a day).
• If you find that your symptoms get better, our clinician may adjust your dose.
• Open the foil pack by tearing off one side. Don’t open the pack until you need to use the drops.
• Remove the strip of plastic containers from the foil and pull off one container.
• Place the remaining containers back into the foil pack and put the pack back into the box.
• Tap and shake the container several times over. The contents should be mixed well before you use them .
• Shake the container downwards to ensure the liquid isn’t stuck in the neck of the container.
• Hold the bottom tab of the container firmly. Twist and remove the top tab to open it.

How to put the drops in

• Lie down on a bed and tilt your head over the edge. After you’ve inserted the drops, rest your head on its side on the bed for at least one minute.
• You should avoid getting the drops in your eyes or on broken skin. If this does happen, you should rinse your eyes or skin with water immediately.

How long does it take Flixonase to work?

The time that it can take to start seeing the benefits of Flixonase can vary. Sometimes it’s a few days, but results may not be noticeable until about four to six weeks after the first use. In order to ensure the medication will be most effective, you need to ensure you are taking it regularly. If after about four to six weeks you are not seeing any kind of difference, you should consult our clinician.

What should I do if I make a mistake with Flixonase?

If you forget to take a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. But if there’s only a short amount of time before your next dose is due, just take your next dose at the normal time. It’s important that you don’t double up on doses to make up for your missed amount. If you do accidentally take too much or ingest the contents of Flixonase, you should contact a clinician straight away.