Generic name: Flunisolide nasal
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Nasalide?
Flunisolide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Flunisolide nasal (for the nose) is used to treat nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
Flunisolide nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to flunisolide.
To make sure flunisolide nasal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- any type of untreated infection in your nose or sinuses;
- asthma;
- tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
- herpes simplex infection of your eyes;
- sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
- if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
Flunisolide can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether flunisolide nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
How should I use Nasalide
Use Nasalide (Nasal) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Before your first use, prime the nasal spray pump by spraying 5 to 6 test sprays into the air (away from your face), until a fine mist appears. Prime the nasal spray any time you have not used it for 5 days or longer, or if you have taken apart the spray device to clean it.
Blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils before using this medicine.
Do not use flunisolide nasal in a child younger than 6 years old. Any child using flunisolide nasal should be supervised by an adult while using the nasal spray.
Use this medicine at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times.
Adults should not use more than 8 sprays in each nostril per day. Children younger than 14 years old should not use more than 4 sprays in each nostril per day. Using more than your recommended dose will not make this medicine more effective, and may increase your risk of unwanted side effects.
While using flunisolide nasal, you may need frequent blood tests.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using flunisolide nasal as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of using this medicine.
You should not stop using steroid medicine suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. If you were switched to flunisolide nasal from another steroid medicine, do not stop using the other medicine suddenly.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store flunisolide nasal in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw the spray bottle away after you have used 200 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Nasalide side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing nosebleeds;
- itching, irritation, sores, or white patches in your nose, mouth, or throat;
- crusting around your nostrils;
- any wound that will not heal; or
- fever, chills, weakness, flu symptoms.
Common side effects may include:
- burning or stinging in your nose;
- stuffy nose, sneezing, minor nosebleed;
- changes in your sense of smell or taste;
- watery eyes;
- irritation in your nose, sore throat;
- nausea, vomiting; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Nasalide?
Avoid getting the spray in your eyes or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using flunisolide nasal.