This article describes possible side effects of fluticasone nasal spray. You can explore this overview article to learn more about fluticasone, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Fluticasone nasal spray is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Fluticasone also comes in forms that you apply to your skin and inhaler forms, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
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More common side effects of fluticasone
Fluticasone nasal spray may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of fluticasone nasal spray include:
Mild side effects of fluticasone
Fluticasone may cause certain mild side effects. Typically, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of fluticasone nasal spray that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of fluticasone in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with fluticasone nasal spray. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Fluticasone nasal spray may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of fluticasone
Fluticasone may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from fluticasone nasal spray, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with fluticasone.
Serious side effects of fluticasone nasal spray that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of fluticasone in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with fluticasone nasal spray. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
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Side effects of fluticasone in children
For children, doctors prescribe fluticasone nasal spray to treat recurring runny, stuffy nose that isn’t from allergies. The drug is used for this purpose in children ages 4–17.
Studies have shown the use of nasal steroids can cause slowed growth in children, though this wasn’t seen specifically with fluticasone nasal spray.
Your child’s doctor will monitor your child’s growth periodically while they’re using fluticasone nasal spray. Your child’s doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose of fluticasone nasal spray to treat their condition.
If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking fluticasone nasal spray, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common questions about side effects of fluticasone
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of fluticasone nasal spray. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does fluticasone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases fluticasone nasal spray may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with fluticasone nasal spray include:
- glaucoma (increased eye pressure) or cataracts (cloudiness in the lens of the eye)*
- problems with adrenal gland function
- slowed growth in children*
- weakened immune system
- yeast infections of the nose or throat
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of fluticasone may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of fluticasone in detail” section below.
Can fluticasone cause sleep-related side effects?
No, sleep-related side effects aren’t expected with fluticasone nasal spray. These side effects weren’t reported in studies of the drug.
Sleep problems can occur with corticosteroids that you take by mouth. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid drug. But your body doesn’t absorb fluticasone nasal spray the way it absorbs drugs that you swallow.
Tell your doctor if you notice changes in sleep or sleep problems while using fluticasone nasal spray. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage the situation.
Is anxiety a possible side effect of fluticasone?
No, anxiety isn’t an expected side effect of fluticasone nasal spray. People using the drug in studies didn’t report anxiety while using it.
Like sleep problems, anxiety is more likely with corticosteroid drugs that you swallow. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid drug. But side effects of oral forms of corticosteroids don’t typically happen with fluticasone nasal spray.
If you experience anxiety while using fluticasone nasal spray, let your doctor know. They can determine the most likely cause and recommend ways to help.
Side effects of fluticasone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of fluticasone nasal spray.
Glaucoma or cataracts
In studies, glaucoma and cataracts were rare in people using fluticasone nasal spray. This side effect may be serious.
With glaucoma, you have increased pressure inside your eye. With cataracts, the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Early on, you may not notice any symptoms of glaucoma or cataracts. When symptoms occur, they may include vision changes such as:
- blind spots
- blurry vision
- colors appearing faded
- poor night vision
Using fluticasone long term can increase the risk of glaucoma or cataracts.
Ways to manage
If you use fluticasone nasal spray for a long time, your doctor may refer you to an eye doctor. This doctor will check your vision on a regular basis during fluticasone treatment.
If you have changes in your vision, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.
Slowed growth in children
In studies, slowed growth was rare in children using fluticasone nasal spray. This side effect may be serious.
With slowed growth, children may not grow as tall as fast as expected. There isn’t enough information to know whether children will catch up on this growth.
Certain factors can increase the risk of slowed growth in children with fluticasone nasal spray. These include high doses and long-term use.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about slowed growth, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend monitoring your child’s growth on a regular basis.
Perforated septum
In some cases, fluticasone nasal spray can cause a perforated septum. But it’s important to note that this side effect wasn’t seen during studies of fluticasone. There have been reports of this side effect in people using fluticasone nasal spray after the drug was approved for use. This side effect may be serious.
With a perforated septum, you develop a hole in the cartilage tissue that divides the nose. Symptoms may include:
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of a perforated septum, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend an exam to check your nose. They can also suggest ways to treat the problem.
For some people, fluticasone nasal spray can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, typically affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to fluticasone nasal spray, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for fluticasone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking fluticasone nasal spray.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take fluticasone nasal spray if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether fluticasone nasal spray is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking fluticasone nasal spray, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Fluticasone and pregnancy
It’s not known whether fluticasone nasal spray should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Fluticasone and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether fluticasone nasal spray should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Fluticasone nasal spray isn’t known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with fluticasone nasal spray.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of fluticasone nasal spray. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
- How can I prevent the most common side effects of fluticasone nasal spray?
- How do the side effects of fluticasone nasal spray compare to other drugs that could treat my condition?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
