WHAT IS FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE?

You may be wondering what fluticasone propionate – the active ingredient in FLONASE – is, exactly, and how it works. In very simple terms, fluticasone belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids, which are used to help reduce inflammation.

When used in the form of an intranasal corticosteroid (INS) nasal spray, fluticasone propionate helps block substances involved in the body’s response to an allergen, amounting to an overall reduction of inflammation in the nose and consequently reduction of symptoms, such as runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes.

An INS nasal spray like FLONASE can offer benefits as opposed to other over-the-counter (OTC) allergy treatment options. For example, FLONASE provides all-in-one, 24-hour relief of allergy symptoms and can be used for up to 3 months. (In contrast, nasal decongestants should not be used for longer than 3 days, and if misused, may cause rebound congestion.) Additionally, other types of OTC allergy treatments may not offer relief from certain allergy symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes. FLONASE relieves itchy, watery eyes – as well as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat, and sinus pain and pressure. FLONASE is also non-drowsy while some allergy pills may cause drowsiness and are not always best for daytime use.

HOW DOES FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE WORK IN FLONASE?

If you suffer from allergies, when you come into contact with seasonal or year-round allergens such as pollen, pet dander or mold, your immune system kicks in to try to fight off what it sees as dangerous invaders.

It’s the fluticasone in FLONASE Allergy Relief that makes it effective at intervening in what's known as ‘the allergic cascade’ (the sequence of reactions in your body when you are exposed to an allergen). Allergic reactions to airborne allergens start in your nose; FLONASE works directly in your nose, helping reduce your allergic reaction at the source to relieve the symptoms that make you uncomfortable.

And unlike most allergy pills, FLONASE Allergy Relief relieves one of the most bothersome symptoms, nasal congestion,* as well as sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. In order to get maximum benefit, FLONASE must be used as directed:

Adults 18 years of age and older: The usual dosage is 2 sprays in each nostril, once a day. If your symptoms are under control after one week of use, the dose should be lowered to 1 spray in each nostril daily. After 3 months of daily use, ask your healthcare professional if you can keep using.

*vs single-ingredient antihistamines that do not treat nasal congestion.

Because fluticasone nasal sprays work directly in your nose, very little of the drug travels elsewhere in your body allowing for minimal drug on drug interactions and systemic side-effects. However, like all medicines, fluticasone can sometimes have side effects. Full side effects can be found on the product insert, or you can speak to your doctor for more information on using fluticasone nasal sprays.