Azelastine-Fluticasone

(Azelastine-fluticasone) This product is used to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms of the nose such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, sneezing, and post-nasal drip. It contains 2 drugs. Azelastine is an antihistamine that works by blocking certain natural substances called histamines that are responsible for allergic symptoms. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using azelastine/fluticasone and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Gently blow your nose before using this product. Shake the container gently before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using the container for the first time or if you have not used it for awhile (for example, more than 1 week). Check your product package for instructions on when you need to do the test sprays again if you have not used the container in awhile. Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day in both nostrils. Do not spray it in your eyes or mouth. If this medication gets in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Clean the applicator regularly. Keep track of the number of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the manufacturer's package. You may feel the product start to work as soon as 30 minutes after the first dose, but it may take several days before you get the full benefit of this product. Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to azelastine or fluticasone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery), current/past infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye infection), certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts). This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months. Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drowsiness, nasal dryness/irritation, mild nosebleeds, or a change in the sense of taste may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe nosebleeds, pain in your nose, a whistling sound when you breathe, eye pain, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, white patches in your nose/back of your throat, fever, chills). Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store the container upright at room temperature away from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Some brands should be thrown away after 6 months of use. Check the product package of your brand. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.