NASACORT DRUG INFO

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 Nasacort is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using Nasacort.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nasacort

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

HOW TO USE NASACORT: To get the most benefit from this medication, make sure you understand how to use Nasacort nasal spray properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate the correct way to use a nasal spray. Shake well before using. Nasacort 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 Nasacort 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 Nasacort exactly as prescribed. It must be used routinely to be effective. Do not increase your dose or use Nasacort 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.

NASACORT SIDE EFFECTS: Nasacort 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.

NASACORT PRECAUTIONS: Nasacort 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, under active thyroid, allergies to corticosteroids. Though very unlikely, it is possible Nasacort 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 Nasacort. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised in children as this drug may affect growth patterns. Consult child's doctor. Nasacort 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.

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

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

NASACORT 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.

NASACORT MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of Nasacort, 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.

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