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.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This medication may also be used for similar nasal
symptoms caused by other allergic and non-allergic
conditions.
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, ask 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.
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 this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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.
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).
Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may
easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to 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 breastfeeding.
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 someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you use this medication for a long time, lab and/or
medical tests (such as nose exams, height measurement in children) may be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
Ask your doctor for ways to reduce your exposure to
substances (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, smoke) that can
worsen allergy symptoms.
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.
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.