Home : Drugs A - Z : Flunisolide nasal

What is this medicine?
FLUNISOLIDE (floo NISS oh lide) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling in your nose. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies like sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffy nose.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• chest pain, tightness
• infection
• trouble breathing, wheezing
• unusual swelling
• white patches or sores in the mouth or nose

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning or irritation inside the nose or throat
• cough
• headache
• nosebleed
• runny nose, sneezing
• unusual taste

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. You may need to use this medicine for several days as prescribed before you start to feel better. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in children as young as 6 years of age.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• carbamazepine
• phenytoin
• rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to flunisolide or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Do not use in the presence of untreated localized nasal mucosa infections.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in 1 to 2 weeks of regular use.

Do not come in contact with people who have chickenpox or the measles while you are taking this medicine. If you do, call your doctor right away.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• infection, like tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection
• recent surgery or injury of nose or sinuses
• taking corticosteroids by mouth
• an unusual or allergic reaction to flunisolide, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.