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Overview
Flonase nasal spray has become a very popular allergy treatment.
Corticosteroids (cortisone-like drugs such as prednisone) are very
effective at easing irritation and inflammation in the upper respiratory tract
(nose and lungs).
The problem with oral steroids, however, is that they
come with a long list of side effects if they are used on a regular basis
(cataracts, glaucoma, fluid retention, high blood pressure, muscle weakness,
weakened bones, peptic ulcer, mood swings, etc.)
Ingredients in nasal
sprays, however, are less likely to be absorbed into the body and cause such
serious adverse reactions.
Flonase is prescribed for allergic symptoms
such as runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, nasal itching, and congestion.
Side Effects and Interactions
Nasal irritation and burning may sometimes
accompany the use of Flonase.
Other side effects may include sneezing,
sore throat, nosebleeds, runny nose, nasal congestion, sinusitis, nasal dryness,
or unpleasant taste. Headache, dizziness, itching, wheezing, skin rash, and
nausea have also been reported.
In rare cases patients using
corticosteroid nasal sprays have noted ulceration of the nasal tissues and
perforation of the septum (the cartilage between the nostrils).
Cataracts
and glaucoma are quite uncommon but may represent signs of systemic absorption.
Prolonged use at higher than recommended doses can increase the risk of
such side effects. Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.
Special Precautions
Corticosteroid sprays are not supposed to be readily absorbed into the body.
Nevertheless, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine (July 3, 1997) revealed that when asthma patients inhaled beclomethasone (found in Vanceril and Beclovent) for long periods of time, they experienced a substantial increase in cataract formation.
An article in JAMA (March 5, 1997) noted that high doses of inhaled steroids (taken for more than three months) increased the risk for glaucoma. This suggests that at least for corticosteroid asthma inhalers there is absorption of the drug into the body.
Although Flonase is very effective for relieving nasal allergy symptoms, care must be taken not to overuse this spray.
Exceeding the recommended dose could lead to systemic absorption and side effects such as cataracts, glaucoma, reduced growth in children, fluid retention, acne, menstrual changes, enlarged face, and suppression of the body's natural cortisol production.
People exposed to chicken pox or measles should contact a physician immediately. If the immune system is impaired (through excess corticosteroid exposure) these infections could become very serious.
Anyone with TB, herpes infection of the eye, or an untreated bacterial, fungal, or viral infection should probably not use any corticosteroid nasal spray unless specifically told to do so by a physician.
If someone uses corticosteroid nasal sprays for prolonged periods of time (more than several months) he should be seen by a physician so an examination of the nasal mucosa can be carried out.
There have been rare cases of nasal septum perforation (a hole between the two nostrils) when such products are used for a long time.
Cases of yeast infections (Candida albicans) can occur with repeated use of any corticosteroid spray. If such an infection arises in the nose it will likely require suspension of Flonase and appropriate antifungal therapy.
If symptoms persist or someone experiences nasal irritation or breathing problems such as wheezing, a physician should be notified promptly. In rare cases pressure within the eye has increased after exposure to nasal steroid sprays.
People with a risk of glaucoma should be periodically checked by an ophthalmologist.
A woman who may become pregnant should talk with a physician before using any corticosteroid nasal spray.
Taking the Medicine
The initial dose of Flonase is two sprays in each nostril once daily.
An alternate dosing schedule may be one spray in each nostril twice daily (e.g., once in the morning and once in the evening).
After symptom relief has been achieved (usually within a week or less) it may be possible to maintain adequate benefit from Flonase with just one spray in each nostril once daily.
Never exceed two sprays in each nostril per day.
Steroid nasal sprays do not relive symptoms immediately. It may take several days of regular use to experience benefit.
If symptom relief is not noted within a week a physician should be consulted.
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I am terrified. I went to the optometrist last month, and he said I may have low-pressure glaucoma. His tests weren't conclusive. A few weeks later, I heard an ad for fluticasone on TV that mentioned glaucoma as a side effect. This is the first time I had heard of this. I've been taking inhaled fluticasone since the early 1990s. Do you know if the damage is already done, or can I reverse it by stopping the medicine?
I used Flonase for 1 year, 2 sprays per night. I am 37 and was just told I have cataracts in both eyes. The optometrist was as surprised as I was that I would have this at this age, particularly because I am in really good health. I saw a commercial for Veramyst (has fluticasone) and it says cataracts are a possible side effect. I'm angry because I was never warned that the Flonase might cause this. I hope someone sues them.
I've been using Flucticasone for 3 years. During this time I have developed elevated blood pressure, cataracts, headaches, osteoporosis and anxiety. I'm livid that I was never informed about these side effects and had to research to become aware of them.
At age 44 I began using fluticasone (Flonase) intranasal spray for 2 years as prescribed and developed posterior subcapuslar cataracts in both eyes. My optometrist said it was the fastest growing cataract he had ever seen. I had to have cataract surgery in both eyes at age 46. I was on Nasonex for years prior to that with no problems. Both my allergist and my ophthalmologist said the Flonase caused the cataracts.
Fluticasone was recommended to me by my health insurance company! How can this be? It will cost them more money to treat the cataracts this stuff may cause. I'm not mad that I wasn't warned before I started using this. I'm disgusted by the system that allows this on the market at all.
I just had my eye exam last night and my Dr was so surprised that I have a cataract in my right eye! I am 45 - Flonase is the only med that I am taking that would cause such a thing he said!! I was not told this either when I started using it!! Crazy!!
I have used a CPAP breathing machine at night for sleep apnea since 2006. Since I use a nasal mask I have had a problem with my sinuses closing off around 3-4am and I cannot breathe through my nose and would have to remove the mask to get back to sleep. I was given NASONEX (worked perfectly) which my drug insurer recently stopped covering because of cost and the generic Fluticasone was the only spray that they would cover.
I cannot use over-the-counter med sprays because I also have Atrial Fibrillation with a heart pacemaker. According to my health insurer I will be able to replace my CPAP breathing mask in 3 weeks and will try to get a full-face mask so I will be able to breath through my mouth and not need the Fluticasone any longer. I sure don't need any other problems cropping up!
A month ago I was given Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray (50 mcg) for post-nasal drip. Within a week of once-a-day application my voice became hoarse, I developed conjunctivitis, sinusitus, so severe that it affected nerves in my upper molars, the result was severe and unbelievable pain.
Though I stopped taking Fluticasone immediately the horrible side effect lingers. I am now on antibiotics for the sinusitus and ibuprophen for pain. Before this episode I almost never take medication for minor ailments (I am in my 60s) and I find myself being managed by one form or another type of drugs. From now on I will start looking for more holistic and natural cure in future, and anything from pharmaceutical companies will be off my list!
TMW and LR:
Have them check your blood sugar with a H1c blood test. Early cataracts are a symptom of Type II diabetes. I, too, had an early cataract.... only found out recently my blood sugar was high. Blessings.
I have been taking 50 mcg Fluticasone Propionate (Flonase) for a few years on and off. I recently stopped (after a year of being on it... I missed a few doses and took it at different times... I am pretty terrible with medicine since I rarely have to take any) and the passed few days I have noticed a different kind of feeling. I feel as though I want to jump out of my skin.. Like I have all of this crazy energy but I cant let it out.. itchy throat, anxiety (panic) like no other, depression, dizziness/faintness, stomach nervousness.... Anyone ever have any of these problems after STOPPING a cortisteroid (flonase)?
I'm 55, and in excellent health. I have a yearly eye exam and always have had a clean bill of health. This year I went to my eye exam and was told I had cataracts in both eyes all of a sudden!
We looked at my health records and realized I started taking fluonase two years ago — it's the only regular medication I take. The optometrist told me that steroids often cause cataracts.
I'm just floored that I wasn't warned of this side effect.
I am a self-employed editor and web designer, and pay for my own health insurance. Now I can barely see the computer to do my work and have no idea how I could afford time off to recover from cataract surgery in both eyes.
Needless to say, I'm devastated. If I'd know that this would be the price I'd pay for less sniffling at night, I'd certainly have chosen to continue sniffling and just take a lot of sudafed.
I used fluticasone for 2 weeks, my doctor didn't inform me at all about cataract side effect. Now at age 42 had developed a cataract on the lens of my right eye, and the doctor was a physician assistant. The eye doctor told me I have 6 months before I go blind because the cataract is fast growing.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT IS UNLIKELY THAT TWO WEEKS OF FLUTICASONE WOULD MAKE A MAJOR DIFFERENCE FOR YOU. THE RISK IS SEEN MAINLY WITH LONG-TERM USE. DO KEEP THIS RISK IN MIND FOR THE FUTURE, THOUGH.
Doctors CAN NOT possibly inform you of all possible side effects, that's why the pharmacy is required to give you the patient education sheet when you get the perscription. It's amazing how many people don't read these things. People can not rely on their doctors for 100% of their health information. If doctors took the time to inform you of all the possible side effects your appointment would be more than 1 hour long and quadruple the price.
I use Flonase and it's been by far the best thing for my allergies.
I'm terrified. I've been on this stuff for about three, maybe four years now. It has been a blessing for my chronic allergies... I wish they would have told me I'm going to get cataracts and glaucoma before I started it. I would never have bothered... Eek.
Throwing it in the garbage now and hope it isn't too late. I'll have to schedule an eye doctor appointment asap to see what damage has been done...
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: PLEASE DO NOT PANIC AND DISCARD YOUR DRUG. DO TALK WITH YOUR DOCTORS, THOUGH.
I used Flonase for 6 wks so far. I have been happy to breathe thru my nose so well. I am 70 and I do not need to have "enty"(any) more problems! Good bye Flonase. Thanks folks in forum.You are a blessing.
I took fluticasone for 4 days and stopped because my tongue went numb and I lost some of my taste and smell. 4 days later I noticed my eyes were blurry. I had hope it was just dry eyes but it's not going away days later. I feel I can't process what I'm seeing and I cannot focus. It's very scary to think this drug may have messed me up forever. I'm going to an eye Dr. today in hopes this is just temporary. I wish I had read the fine print before taking this. What an ordeal it has been. I feel so worried I will never get back to normal. I had excellent eye sight, taste and smell.
I have just found out that the cataracts that I have had in both eyes may be the result of taking steroids. The only steroid that I have been taking on a regular basis is flonaise, during allergy season. I developed cataracts in both eyes while still in my 50s. Needless to say, I am not taking flonaise any more. There should be warnings on this bottle in a large font, as its consumption causes eye problems.
I have pretty severe seasonal allergies and have been using flonase for several years during the spring season. I was told by the druggist to rinse my mouth out by gargling after spraying it in my nose. I have had no problems with the product and have been able to breath through my nose at night instead of waking up several times a night because of dry mouth from mouth breathing or sneezing.
I do not use it during the day only at night and one spray per side along with a generic claritin. Only on really heavy pollen days have I ever used two squirts per side. It has been a blessing to be able to breathe and not have the severe symptoms I was accustom too.
I took flonase for a couple of days and have lost my sense of smell and taste! Does anyone out there know about this? I would appreciate any info you might have. Thanks
I recently took fluticasone nasal spray for 5 weeks. After a week I began severe mood swings... depression, crying, anger. I am generally a happy person. At 2 weeks I called my doctor, ENT, and a pharmacist and they all said there was no connection. Finally a different pharmacist told me it caused mood swings and I stopped taking it at once. I was immediately back to my old cheerful self. My instincts told me from the start that the medication was too strong and I felt uneasy about it. I plan to pay more attention to it vs. the medical profession in my future.
I just took my 13 yr. old daughter for a yearly eye exam and found out that she has high eye pressure in both eyes. We have zero family history of glaucoma and she has been on Veramyst. A friend who has glaucoma said that she was told not to use Veramyst or Flonase but to use instead Rhinocort instead since it does not raise pressure. My child has to go for more tests. Does anyone know if going off the nasal steroids will mean that her pressure will return to normal or will she now forever have glaucoma the rest of her life? I never would have let her take this medicine had I read everyone's comments.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: HER DOCTOR MAY NOT HAVE TOLD YOU ABOUT THIS BECAUSE S/HE MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT IT. MOST OF THE REPORTS IN THE MEDICAL LITERATURE SUGGEST THIS TYPE OF REACTION IS RARE: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21335020
WE HOPE THAT SHE'LL RECOVER ONCE SHE'S OFF THE STEROID.
The vast vast vast majority of people do not have any significant adverse rxn to flonase. Something tells me that these retinopathies everyone is talking about might have more to do with their diabetes than their seasonal allergy sprays.
It is more long term use of the steroid spray that contributes to cataracts - more specifically posterior subcapsular cataracts. Cataracts are not a retinopathy. Most people above responding are saying they are healthy and do not have diabetes. (diabetes can cause a retinopathy but that's not what we are talking about here).
My 10 year old son has been on fluticasone for 3 months. It was prescribed when his flovent (for asthma), wasn't helping his chronic cough. He was also prescribed a daily loratidine tablet. Cough is better.
We have noticed & had several friends & family comment our son's face appearing swollen. Really big cheeks. He has always been smaller than average (height & weight) for his age. That's why this seems associated with either the fluticasone spray or combo of all his meds.
Been on flovent for more than 3 years. Albuteral as needed for 10 years. Should we be concerned with his appearance of big cheeks & round face? Will he return to normal when he discontinues this med if it caused this effect? Thanks for help.
Did you have any withdrawal symptoms when you stopped using the Fluticasone?
If you only use it during allergy season, what happens when you stop?
thanks.