NASACORT

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE - NASAL (try-am-SIN-oh-lone uh-SET-oh-nide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nasacort

USES: This is a nasal steroid that works directly on nasal tissue to reduce swelling and inflammation. It is used to treat nasal itching, runny nose, postnasal drip, nasal congestion and sneezing associated with allergic rhinitis.

HOW TO USE: To get the most benefit from this medication, make sure you understand how to use the nasal spray properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate the correct way to use a nasal spray. Shake well before using. The medication must reach the nasal tissue to be effective. Therefore, blow your nose to clear the nasal passage before using the medication. If passages are blocked, a nasal decongestant may be used first (for a maximum of 3 to 5 days) to open the passages allowing proper penetration of the medication. Be sure to aim spray away from the middle of the nose, that is, away from the nasal septum and toward the inflamed areas inside the nasal passages. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. It must be used routinely to be effective. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed without your doctor's approval. It may take a few days before the benefits of the medication are noticed. If after 2 to 3 weeks no improvement in symptoms is noticed, consult your doctor. Use this medication with caution if sores or injuries are present in the nasal passages.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause irritation, stinging, burning, or dryness of the nasal passages. Sneezing, nosebleed, headache, lightheadedness, loss of taste, throat irritation or nausea may also occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly: persistent nose or throat irritation/soreness, white patchy areas. Very unlikely but report promptly: broken or damaged nasal membranes, unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness, vision changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should be used with caution if the following medical conditions exist: glaucoma, herpes-type infection of the eye, infection, recent nasal surgery or existing nasal sores, liver disease, tuberculosis, underactive thyroid, allergies to corticosteroids. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised in children as this drug may affect growth patterns. Consult child's doctor. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this form of triamcinolone is excreted into breast milk. Other dosage forms of triamcinolone are excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you use, especially of: other nasal products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: If no improvement in your symptoms is noted after 3 weeks of using this medication, notify your doctor. Another medication may be needed or the dose may need adjusting. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used, this medication. Watering or itching eyes often associated with allergies are not significantly relieved by this medication. Each canister contains approximately 100-120 sprays.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid freezing.