Flonase

What is Flonase and how is it used?

Flonase is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes) and nasal polyps. Flonase may be used alone or with other medications.

Flonase belongs to a class of drugs called Corticosteroids, Intranasal, Immunosuppressives, PHD.

It is not known if Flonase is safe and effective in children younger than 4 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of Flonase?

Flonase may cause serious side effects including:

• severe or ongoing nosebleeds,
• noisy breathing,
• runny nose,
• crusting around your nostrils,
• redness, sores or white patches in your mouth or throat,
• fever,
• chills,
• body aches,
• blurred vision,
• eye pain,
• seeing halos around lights,
• wounds that will not heal,
• worsening tiredness,
• muscle weakness,
• lightheadedness,
• nausea, and
• vomiting

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The most common side effects of Flonase include:

• minor nosebleed,
• burning or itching in your nose,
• sores or white patches inside or around your nose,
• cough,
• trouble breathing,
• headache,
• back pain,
• sinus pain,
• sore throat,
• fever,
• nausea, and
• vomiting

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Flonase. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DESCRIPTION

The active component of FLONASE Nasal Spray is fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid having the chemical name S-(fluoromethyl) 6α,9-difluoro-11β,17-dihydroxy-16α-methyl-3oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioate, 17-propionate and the following chemical structure:

Fluticasone propionate is a white powder with a molecular weight of 500.6, and the empirical formula is C₂₅H₃₁F₃O₅S. It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide, and slightly soluble in methanol and 95% ethanol.

FLONASE Nasal Spray, 50 mcg is an aqueous suspension of microfine fluticasone propionate for topical administration to the nasal mucosa by means of a metering, atomizing spray pump. FLONASE Nasal Spray also contains microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrose, 0.02% w/w benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 80, and 0.25% w/w phenylethyl alcohol, and has a pH between 5 and 7.

After initial priming, each actuation delivers 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate in 100 mg of formulation through the nasal adapter.

INDICATIONS

FLONASE® Nasal Spray is indicated for the management of the nasal symptoms of perennial nonallergic rhinitis in adult and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Administer FLONASE Nasal Spray by the intranasal route only. Prime FLONASE Nasal Spray before using for the first time or after a period of non-use (1 week or more) by shaking the contents well and releasing 6 sprays into the air away from the face. Shake FLONASE Nasal Spray gently before each use.

Patients should use FLONASE Nasal Spray at regular intervals since its effectiveness depends on its regular use. Maximum effect may take several days and individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and different degree of symptom relief.

Adults

The recommended starting dosage in adults is 2 sprays (50 mcg of fluticasone propionate each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 200 mcg). The same total daily dose, 1 spray in each nostril administered twice daily (e.g., 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) is also effective. After the first few days, patients may be able to reduce their dose to 1 spray in each nostril once daily for maintenance therapy.

Maximum total daily doses should not exceed 2 sprays in each nostril (total dose, 200 mcg/day). There is no evidence that exceeding the recommended dose is more effective.

Adolescents And Children (Aged 4 Years and Older)

The recommended starting dosage in adolescents and children, aged 4 years and older is 1 spray in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 100 mcg). Patients not adequately responding to 1 spray in each nostril may use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 200 mcg). Once adequate control is achieved, the dosage should be decreased to 1 spray in each nostril once daily.

The maximum total daily dosage should not exceed 2 sprays in each nostril (200 mcg/day). There is no evidence that exceeding the recommended dose is more effective.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

FLONASE Nasal Spray is a nasal spray suspension. Each 100-mg spray delivers 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate.

Storage And Handling

FLONASE Nasal Spray, 50 mcg is supplied in an amber glass bottle fitted with a white metering atomizing pump, white nasal adapter, and green dust cover in a box of 1 (NDC 0173-0453-01) with FDA-approved Patient Labeling (see Patient Instructions for Use for proper actuation of the device). Each bottle contains a net fill weight of 16 g and will provide 120 actuations. Each actuation delivers 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate in 100 mg of formulation through the nasal adapter. The correct amount of medication in each spray cannot be assured after 120 sprays even though the bottle is not completely empty. The bottle should be discarded when the labeled number of actuations has been used.

Store between 4° and 30°C (39° and 86°F).

GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Revised: Jan 2015

SIDE EFFECTS

Systemic and local corticosteroid use may result in the following:

• Epistaxis, nasal ulceration, Candida albicans infection, nasal septal perforation, and impaired wound healing [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Cataracts and glaucoma [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Immunosuppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Effect on growth [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In controlled US clinical trials, more than 3,300 subjects with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis received treatment with intranasal fluticasone propionate. In general, adverse reactions in clinical trials have been primarily associated with irritation of the nasal mucous membranes, and the adverse reactions were reported with approximately the same frequency by subjects treated with placebo. Less than 2% of subjects in clinical trials discontinued because of adverse reactions; this rate was similar for vehicle placebo and active comparators.

The safety data described below are based on 7 placebo-controlled clinical trials in subjects with allergic rhinitis. The 7 trials included 536 subjects (57 girls and 108 boys aged 4 to 11 years, 137 female and 234 male adolescents and adults) treated with FLONASE 200 mcg once daily over 2 to 4 weeks and 2 placebo-controlled clinical trials which included 246 subjects (119 female and 127 male adolescents and adults) treated with FLONASE 200 mcg once daily over 6 months (Table 1). Also included in Table 1 are adverse reactions from 2 trials in which 167 children (45 girls and 122 boys aged 4 to 11 years) were treated with FLONASE 100 mcg once daily for 2 to 4 weeks.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions with FLONASE Nasal Spray with > 3% Incidence and More Common than Placebo in Subjects ≥ 4 Years with Allergic Rhinitis

Adverse Reaction	FLONASE 100 mcg Once Daily (n = 167) %	FLONASE 200 mcg Once Daily (n = 782) %	Placebo (n = 758) %
Headache	6.6	16.1	14.6
Pharyngitis	6.0	7.8	7.2
Epistaxis	6.0	6.9	5.4
Nasal burning/nasal irritation	2.4	3.2	2.6
Nausea/vomiting	4.8	2.6	2.0
Asthma symptoms	7.2	3.3	2.9
Cough	3.6	3.8	2.8

Other adverse reactions with FLONASE Nasal Spray observed with an incidence less than or equal to 3% but greater than or equal to 1% and more common than with placebo included: blood in nasal mucus, runny nose, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, dizziness, and bronchitis.

Postmarketing Experience

In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following adverse events have been identified during postapproval use of intranasal fluticasone propionate. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or causal connection to fluticasone propionate or a combination of these factors.

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, skin rash, edema of the face and tongue, pruritus, urticaria, bronchospasm, wheezing, dyspnea, and anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, which in rare instances were severe.

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders

Alteration or loss of sense of taste and/or smell and, rarely, nasal septal perforation, nasal ulcer, sore throat, throat irritation and dryness, cough, hoarseness, and voice changes.

Eye Disorders

Dryness and irritation, conjunctivitis, blurred vision, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts.

Cases of growth suppression have been reported for intranasal corticosteroids, including FLONASE [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Inhibitors Of Cytochrome P450 3A4

Fluticasone propionate is a substrate of CYP3A4. The use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, nefazodone, voriconazole) with FLONASE Nasal Spray is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may occur.

Ritonavir

A drug interaction trial with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray in healthy subjects has shown that ritonavir (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) can significantly increase plasma fluticasone propionate exposure, resulting in significantly reduced serum cortisol concentrations [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. During postmarketing use, there have been reports of clinically significant drug interactions in patients receiving fluticasone propionate products, including FLONASE, with ritonavir, resulting in systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression.

Ketoconazole

Coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (1,000 mcg) and ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure and a 45% decrease in plasma cortisol area under the curve (AUC), but had no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol.

WARNINGS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

PRECAUTIONS

Local Nasal Effects

Epistaxis

In clinical trials of 2 to 26 weeks' duration, epistaxis was observed more frequently in subjects treated with FLONASE Nasal Spray than those who received placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Nasal Ulceration

Postmarketing cases of nasal ulceration have been reported in patients treated with FLONASE Nasal Spray [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Candida Infection

In clinical trials with fluticasone propionate administered intranasally, the development of localized infections of the nose and pharynx with Candida albicans has occurred. When such an infection develops, it may require treatment with appropriate local therapy and discontinuation of FLONASE Nasal Spray. Patients using FLONASE Nasal Spray over several months or longer should be examined periodically for evidence of Candida infection or other signs of adverse effects on the nasal mucosa.

Nasal Septal Perforation

Postmarketing cases of nasal septal perforation have been reported in patients treated with FLONASE Nasal Spray [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Impaired Wound Healing

Because of the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on wound healing, patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should avoid using FLONASE Nasal Spray until healing has occurred.

Glaucoma And Cataracts

Use of intranasal and inhaled corticosteroids may result in the development of glaucoma and/or cataracts. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.

Hypersensitivity Reactions including Anaphylaxis

Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, contact dermatitis, and rash) have been reported after administration of FLONASE Nasal Spray. Discontinue FLONASE

Nasal Spray if such reactions occur [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Rarely, immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after the administration of FLONASE Nasal Spray.

Immunosuppression

Persons who are using drugs that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible children or adults using corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have not had these diseases or been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If a patient is exposed to chickenpox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If a patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the complete prescribing information for VZIG and IG.) If chickenpox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.

Intranasal corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculous infections of the respiratory tract; systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.

Hypercorticism And Adrenal Suppression

When intranasal corticosteroids are used at higher than recommended dosages or in susceptible individuals at recommended dosages, systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may appear. If such changes occur, the dosage of FLONASE Nasal Spray should be discontinued slowly consistent with accepted procedures for discontinuing oral corticosteroid therapy.

The replacement of a systemic corticosteroid with a topical corticosteroid can be accompanied by signs of adrenal insufficiency. In addition, some patients may experience symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal (e.g., joint and/or muscular pain, lassitude, depression). Patients previously treated for prolonged periods with systemic corticosteroids and transferred to topical corticosteroids should be carefully monitored for acute adrenal insufficiency in response to stress. In patients who have asthma or other clinical conditions requiring long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment, rapid decreases in systemic corticosteroid dosages may cause a severe exacerbation of their symptoms.

Drug Interactions With Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors

The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, nefazodone, voriconazole) with FLONASE Nasal Spray is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may occur [see DRUG INTERACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Effect On Growth

Intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations]. Monitor the growth routinely of pediatric patients receiving FLONASE Nasal Spray. To minimize the systemic effects of intranasal corticosteroids, including FLONASE Nasal Spray, titrate each patient's dose to the lowest dosage that effectively controls his/her symptoms [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Use In Specific Populations].

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).

Local Nasal Effects

Inform patients that treatment with FLONASE Nasal Spray may lead to adverse reactions, which include epistaxis and nasal ulceration. Candida infection may also occur with treatment with FLONASE Nasal Spray. In addition, FLONASE Nasal Spray has been associated with nasal septal perforation and impaired wound healing. Patients who have experienced recent nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should not use FLONASE Nasal Spray until healing has occurred [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Glaucoma and Cataracts

Inform patients that glaucoma and cataracts are associated with nasal and inhaled corticosteroid use. Advise patients to notify their healthcare providers if a change in vision is noted while using FLONASE Nasal Spray [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Hypersensitivity Reactions, including Anaphylaxis

Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, contact dermatitis, and rash, may occur after administration of FLONASE Nasal Spray. If such reactions occur, patients should discontinue use of FLONASE Nasal Spray [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Immunosuppression

Warn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles and if they are exposed to consult their healthcare provider without delay. Inform patients of potential worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Reduced Growth Velocity

Advise parents that FLONASE Nasal Spray may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. Physicians should closely follow the growth of children and adolescents taking corticosteroids by any route [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use].

Use Daily for Best Effect

Inform patients that they should use FLONASE Nasal Spray on a regular basis. FLONASE Nasal Spray, like other corticosteroids, does not have an immediate effect on rhinitis symptoms. Maximum benefit may not be reached for several days. Patients should not increase the prescribed dosage but should contact their healthcare providers if symptoms do not improve or if the condition worsens.

Keep Spray Out of Eyes and Mouth

Inform patients to avoid spraying FLONASE Nasal Spray in their eyes and mouth.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Fluticasone propionate demonstrated no tumorigenic potential in mice at oral doses up to 1,000 mcg/kg (approximately 20 times the MRHDID in adults and approximately 10 times the MRHDID in children on a mcg/m² basis) for 78 weeks or in rats at inhalation doses up to 57 mcg/kg (approximately 2 times the MRHDID in adults and approximately equivalent to the MRHDID in children on a mcg/m² basis) for 104 weeks.

Fluticasone propionate did not induce gene mutation in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells in vitro. No significant clastogenic effect was seen in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro or in the mouse micronucleus test.

No evidence of impairment of fertility was observed in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 50 mcg/kg (approximately 2 times the MRHDID in adults on a mcg/m² basis). Prostate weight was significantly reduced at a subcutaneous dose of 50 mcg/kg.

Clinical Studies

Perennial Nonallergic Rhinitis

Three randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, vehicle placebo-controlled trials were conducted in 1,191 subjects to investigate regular use of FLONASE Nasal Spray in subjects with perennial nonallergic rhinitis. These trials evaluated subject-rated total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) that included nasal obstruction, postnasal drip, rhinorrhea in subjects treated for 28 days of double-blind therapy and in 1 of the 3 trials for 6 months of open-label treatment. Two of these trials demonstrated that subjects treated with FLONASE Nasal Spray (100 mcg twice daily) exhibited statistically significant decreases in TNSS compared with subjects treated with vehicle.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled trials with FLONASE Nasal Spray in pregnant women. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, FLONASE Nasal Spray should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women should be advised to contact their physicians if they become pregnant while taking FLONASE Nasal Spray.

Mice and rats at fluticasone propionate doses approximately 1 and 4 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose (MRHDID) for adults (on a mg/m² basis at maternal subcutaneous doses of 45 and 100 mcg/kg/day, respectively) showed fetal toxicity characteristic of potent corticosteroid compounds, including embryonic growth retardation, omphalocele, cleft palate, and retarded cranial ossification. No teratogenicity was seen in rats at doses up to 3 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m² basis at maternal inhalation doses up to 68.7 mcg/kg/day).

In rabbits, fetal weight reduction and cleft palate were observed at a fluticasone propionate dose approximately 0.3 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mg/m² basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 4 mcg/kg/day). However, no teratogenic effects were reported at fluticasone propionate doses up to approximately 20 times the MRHDID for adults (on a mg/m² basis at a maternal oral dose up to 300 mcg/kg/day). No fluticasone propionate was detected in the plasma in this study, consistent with the established low bioavailability following oral administration [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Fluticasone propionate crossed the placenta following subcutaneous administration to mice and rats and oral administration to rabbits.

Experience with oral corticosteroids since their introduction in pharmacologic, as opposed to physiologic, doses suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroids than humans. In addition, because there is a natural increase in corticosteroid production during pregnancy, most women will require a lower exogenous corticosteroid dose and many will not need corticosteroid treatment during pregnancy.

Nonteratogenic Effects

Hypoadrenalism may occur in infants born of mothers receiving corticosteroids during pregnancy. Such infants should be carefully monitored.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether fluticasone propionate is excreted in human breast milk. However, other corticosteroids have been detected in human milk. Subcutaneous administration to lactating rats of tritiated fluticasone propionate at a dose approximately 0.4 times the MRHDID for adults on a mg/m² basis resulted in measurable radioactivity in milk.

Since there are no data from controlled trials on the use of intranasal FLONASE Nasal Spray by nursing mothers, caution should be exercised when FLONASE Nasal Spray is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of FLONASE Nasal Spray in children aged 4 years and older have been established [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].Six hundred fifty (650) subjects aged 4 to 11 years and 440 subjects aged 12 to 17 years were studied in US clinical trials with fluticasone propionate nasal spray. The safety and effectiveness of FLONASE Nasal Spray in children younger than 4 years have not been established.

Effects on Growth

Controlled clinical trials have shown that intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to pediatric patients. This effect was observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA axis function. The long-term effects of this reduction in growth velocity associated with intranasal corticosteroids, including the impact on final adult height, are unknown. The potential for “catch-up” growth following discontinuation of treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has not been adequately studied. The growth of pediatric patients receiving intranasal corticosteroids, including FLONASE Nasal Spray, should be monitored routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits obtained and the risks associated with alternative therapies. To minimize the systemic effects of intranasal corticosteroids, including FLONASE Nasal Spray, each patient's dosage should be titrated to the lowest dosage that effectively controls his/her symptoms.

A 1-year placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 150 pediatric subjects (aged 3 to 9 years) to assess the effect of FLONASE Nasal Spray (single daily dose of 200 mcg) on growth velocity. From the primary population receiving FLONASE Nasal Spray (n = 56) and placebo (n = 52), the point estimate for growth velocity with FLONASE Nasal Spray was 0.14 cm/year lower than placebo (95% CI: -0.54, 0.27 cm/year). Thus, no statistically significant effect on growth was noted compared with placebo. No evidence of clinically relevant changes in HPA axis function or bone mineral density was observed as assessed by 12-hour urinary cortisol excretion and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, respectively.

The potential for FLONASE Nasal Spray to cause growth suppression in susceptible patients or when given at higher than recommended dosages cannot be ruled out.

Geriatric Use

A limited number of subjects aged 65 years and older (n = 129) or 75 years and older (n = 11) have been treated with FLONASE Nasal Spray in clinical trials. While the number of subjects is too small to permit separate analysis of efficacy and safety, the adverse reactions reported in this population were similar to those reported by younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Hepatic Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic trials using FLONASE Nasal Spray have not been conducted in subjects with hepatic impairment. Since fluticasone propionate is predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.

Renal Impairment

Formal pharmacokinetic trials using FLONASE Nasal Spray have not been conducted in subjects with renal impairment.

OVERDOSE

Chronic overdosage may result in signs/symptoms of hypercorticism (see PRECAUTIONS). Intranasal administration of 2 mg (10 times the recommended dose) of fluticasone propionate twice daily for 7 days to healthy human volunteers was well tolerated. Single oral doses up to 16 mg have been studied in human volunteers with no acute toxic effects reported. Repeat oral doses up to 80 mg daily for 10 days in volunteers and repeat oral doses up to 10 mg daily for 14 days in patients were well tolerated. Adverse reactions were of mild or moderate severity, and incidences were similar in active and placebo treatment groups. Acute overdosage with this dosage form is unlikely since 1 bottle of FLONASE (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray contains approximately 8 mg of fluticasone propionate.

The oral and subcutaneous median lethal doses in mice and rats were >1,000 mg/kg (>20,000 and >41,000 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in adults and >10,000 and >20,000 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in children on a mg/m² basis).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

FLONASE (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism Of Action

Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Fluticasone propionate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor that is 18 times that of dexamethasone, almost twice that of beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (BMP), the active metabolite of beclomethasone dipropionate, and over 3 times that of budesonide. Data from the McKenzie vasoconstrictor assay in man are consistent with these results. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

The precise mechanism through which fluticasone propionate affects rhinitis symptoms is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) involved in inflammation. In 7 trials in adults, FLONASE Nasal Spray has decreased nasal mucosal eosinophils in 66% of patients (35% for placebo) and basophils in 39% of patients (28% for placebo). The direct relationship of these findings to long-term symptom relief is not known.

Pharmacodynamics

HPA Axis Effect

The potential systemic effects of FLONASE Nasal Spray on the HPA axis were evaluated. FLONASE Nasal Spray given as 200 mcg once daily or 400 mcg twice daily was compared with placebo or oral prednisone 7.5 or 15 mg given in the morning. FLONASE Nasal Spray at either dosage for 4 weeks did not affect the adrenal response to 6-hour cosyntropin stimulation, while both dosages of oral prednisone significantly reduced the response to cosyntropin.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

A study specifically designed to evaluate the effect of FLONASE on the QT interval has not been conducted.

Pharmacokinetics

The activity of FLONASE Nasal Spray is due to the parent drug, fluticasone propionate. Due to the low bioavailability by the intranasal route, the majority of the pharmacokinetic data was obtained via other routes of administration.

Absorption

Indirect calculations indicate that fluticasone propionate delivered by the intranasal route has an absolute bioavailability averaging less than 2%. Trials using oral dosing of labeled and unlabeled drug have demonstrated that the oral systemic bioavailability of fluticasone propionate is negligible ( < 1%), primarily due to incomplete absorption and presystemic metabolism in the gut and liver. After intranasal treatment of patients with rhinitis for 3 weeks, fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations were above the level of detection (50 pg/mL) only when recommended doses were exceeded and then only in occasional samples at low plasma levels.

Distribution

Following intravenous administration, the initial disposition phase for fluticasone propionate was rapid and consistent with its high lipid solubility and tissue binding. The volume of distribution averaged 4.2 L/kg.

The percentage of fluticasone propionate bound to human plasma proteins averaged 99%. Fluticasone propionate is weakly and reversibly bound to erythrocytes and is not significantly bound to human transcortin.

Elimination

Following intravenous dosing, fluticasone propionate showed polyexponential kinetics and had a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 7.8 hours. The total blood clearance of fluticasone propionate is high (average: 1,093 mL/min), with renal clearance accounting for less than 0.02% of the total.

Metabolism: The only circulating metabolite detected in man is the 17β-carboxylic acid derivative of fluticasone propionate, which is formed through the CYP3A4 pathway. This metabolite had less affinity (approximately 1/2,000) than the parent drug for the glucocorticoid receptor of human lung cytosol in vitro and negligible pharmacological activity in animal studies. Other metabolites detected in vitro using cultured human hepatoma cells have not been detected in man.

Excretion: Less than 5% of a radiolabeled oral dose was excreted in the urine as metabolites, with the remainder excreted in the feces as parent drug and metabolites.

Special Populations

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray was not studied in any special populations, and no gender-specific pharmacokinetic data have been obtained.

Drug Interactions

Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4: Ritonavir: Fluticasone propionate is a substrate of CYP3A4. Coadministration of fluticasone propionate and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ritonavir, is not recommended based upon a multiple-dose, crossover drug interaction trial in 18 healthy subjects. Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (200 mcg once daily) was coadministered for 7 days with ritonavir (100 mg twice daily). Plasma fluticasone propionate concentrations following fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray alone were undetectable ( < 10 pg/mL) in most subjects, and when concentrations were detectable, peak levels (Cmax) averaged 11.9 pg/mL (range: 10.8 to 14.1 pg/mL) and AUC(0-τ) averaged 8.43 pg•h/mL (range: 4.2 to 18.8 pg•h/mL). Fluticasone propionate Cmax and AUC(0-τ) increased to 318 pg/mL (range: 110 to 648 pg/mL) and 3,102.6 pg•h/mL (range: 1,207.1 to 5,662.0 pg•h/mL), respectively, after coadministration of ritonavir with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray. This significant increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure resulted in a significant decrease (86%) in serum cortisol AUC.

Ketoconazole: Coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (1,000 mcg) and ketoconazole (200 mg once daily) resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in plasma fluticasone propionate exposure and a 45% decrease in plasma cortisol AUC, but had no effect on urinary excretion of cortisol.

Erythromycin: In a multiple-dose drug interaction study, coadministration of orally inhaled fluticasone propionate (500 mcg twice daily) and erythromycin (333 mg 3 times daily) did not affect fluticasone propionate pharmacokinetics.

PATIENT INFORMATION

FLONASE®
[flow'naz]
(fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg

Read the Patient Information that comes with FLONASE Nasal Spray before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Patient Information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is FLONASE Nasal Spray?

FLONASE Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used to treat non-allergy nasal symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and nasal itching in adults and children aged 4 years and older.

It is not known if FLONASE Nasal Spray is safe and effective in children younger than 4 years of age.

Who should not use FLONASE Nasal Spray?

Do not use FLONASE Nasal Spray if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in FLONASE Nasal Spray. See “What are the ingredients in FLONASE Nasal Spray?” below for a complete list of ingredients.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using FLONASE Nasal Spray?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including if you:

• have or have had nasal sores, nasal surgery, or nasal injury.
• have eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma.
• have an immune system problem.
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in FLONASE Nasal Spray, any other medicines, or food products. See “What are the ingredients in FLONASE Nasal Spray?” below for a complete list of ingredients.
• have any type of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
• are exposed to chickenpox or measles.
• have any other medical conditions.
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if FLONASE Nasal Spray may harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if FLONASE Nasal Spray passes into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. FLONASE Nasal Spray and certain other medicines may interact with each other. This may cause serious side effects. Especially, tell your healthcare provider if you take antifungal or anti-HIV medicines.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use FLONASE Nasal Spray?

Read the step-by-step instructions for using FLONASE Nasal Spray at the end of this Patient Information.

• FLONASE Nasal Spray is for use in your nose only. Do not spray it in your eyes or mouth.
• Children should use FLONASE Nasal Spray with an adult's help, as instructed by the child's healthcare provider.
• Use FLONASE Nasal Spray exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Do not use FLONASE Nasal Spray more often than prescribed.
• FLONASE Nasal Spray may take several days of regular use for your rhinitis symptoms to get better. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your healthcare provider.
• You will get the best results if you keep using FLONASE Nasal Spray regularly each day without missing a dose. After you begin to feel better, your healthcare provider may decrease your dose. Do not stop using FLONASE Nasal Spray unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

What are the possible side effects of FLONASE Nasal Spray?

FLONASE Nasal Spray may cause serious side effects, including:

• nose problems. Nose problems may include:
  • nose bleeds.
  • sores (ulcers) in your nose.
  • a certain fungal infection in your nose, mouth, and/or throat (thrush).
  • hole in the cartilage of your nose (nasal septal perforation).
    Symptoms of nasal septal perforation may include:
    • crusting in the nose
    • nose bleeds
    • runny nose
    • whistling sound when you breathe
  • slow wound healing. You should not use FLONASE Nasal Spray until your nose has healed if you have a sore in your nose, have had surgery on your nose, or if your nose has been injured.
• eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. You should have regular eye exams while you use FLONASE Nasal Spray.
• serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction:
  • rash
  • hives
  • swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue
  • breathing problems
• weakened immune system and increased chance of getting infections (immunosuppression). Taking medicines that weaken your immune system makes you more likely to get infections and can make certain infections worse. These infections may include tuberculosis (TB), ocular herpes simplex infections, and infections caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Avoid contact with people who have a contagious disease such as chickenpox or measles while using FLONASE Nasal Spray. If you come in contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles call your healthcare provider right away. Symptoms of an infection may include:
  • fever
  • feeling tired
  • pain
  • nausea
  • aches
  • vomiting
  • chills
• lowered steroid hormone levels (adrenal insufficiency). Adrenal insufficiency happens when your adrenal glands do not make enough steroid hormones. This can happen when you stop taking oral corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) and start taking medicine containing an inhaled steroid (such as FLONASE Nasal Spray). Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include:
  • feeling tired
  • lack of energy
  • weakness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • low blood pressure
• slowed growth in children. A child's growth should be checked often.

The most common side effects of FLONASE Nasal Spray include:

• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• sore throat
• trouble breathing
• nose bleeds
• cough
• nose burning or itching

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

These are not all the side effects with FLONASE Nasal Spray. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How do I store FLONASE Nasal Spray?

• Store FLONASE between 39°F and 86°F (4°C and 30°C).

Keep FLONASE Nasal Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of FLONASE Nasal Spray.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes not mentioned in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use FLONASE Nasal Spray for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give your FLONASE Nasal Spray to other people, even if they have the same condition that you have. It may harm them.

This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about FLONASE Nasal Spray. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about FLONASE Nasal Spray that was written for healthcare professionals.

For more information about FLONASE Nasal Spray, call 1-888-825-5249.

What are the ingredients in FLONASE Nasal Spray?

Active ingredient: fluticasone propionate.

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrose, 0.02% w/w benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 80, and 0.25% w/w phenylethyl alcohol.

Instructions for Use

FLONASE®
[flow'naz]
(fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg

FLONASE Nasal Spray is for use in your nose only.

Read this information before you start using your FLONASE Nasal Spray.

Parts of your FLONASE Nasal Spray (See Figure A)

Figure A

Your FLONASE Nasal Spray must be primed before you use it for the first time and when you have not used it for a week or more.

How to prime your FLONASE Nasal Spray

• Shake the bottle gently and then remove the dust cover (See Figure B).

Figure B

• Hold the bottle as shown (See Figure C) with the nasal applicator pointing away from you and with your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nasal applicator and your thumb underneath the bottle.
• Press down and release 6 times until a fine spray appears (See Figure C). The pump is now ready for use.

Figure C

Using your FLONASE Nasal Spray:

Step 1. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.

Step 2. Close 1 nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the nasal applicator into the other nostril (See Figure D).

Figure D

Step 3. Start to breathe in through your nose, and while breathing in press firmly and quickly down 1 time on the applicator to release the spray. To get a full dose, use your forefinger and middle finger to spray while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb. Avoid spraying in your eyes. Breathe in gently through the nostril (See Figure E).

Figure E

Step 4. Breathe out through your mouth.

Step 5. If a second spray is required in that nostril, repeat steps 2 through 4.

Step 6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 in the other nostril.

Step 7. Wipe the nasal applicator with a clean tissue and replace the dust cover (See Figure F).

Figure F

Do not use this bottle for more than the labeled number of sprays even though the bottle is not completely empty. Before you throw the bottle away, you should talk to your healthcare provider to see if a refill is needed. Do not take extra doses or stop taking FLONASE Nasal Spray without talking to your healthcare provider.

Cleaning your FLONASE Nasal Spray:

Your nasal spray should be cleaned at least 1 time each week.

1. Remove the dust cover and then gently pull upwards to free the nasal applicator.

2. Wash the applicator and dust cover under warm tap water. Allow to dry at room temperature.

3. Place the applicator and dust cover back on the bottle.

4. If the nasal applicator becomes blocked, it can be removed and left to soak in warm water. Rinse the nasal applicator with cold tap water. Dry the nasal applicator and place it back on the bottle. Do not try to unblock the nasal applicator by inserting a pin or other sharp object.

Storing your FLONASE Nasal Spray:

• Store FLONASE Nasal Spray between 39°F and 86°F (4°C and 30°C).
• Do not use your FLONASE Nasal Spray after the date shown as “EXP” on the label or box.