DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Flunisolide Nasal Spray (floo-NISS-oh-lide)
Brand Name: Nasarel

Nasarel Spray is used for:

Treating nasal allergy symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Nasarel Spray is a topical adrenocortical steroid. It works by reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, itching, irritation) in the nasal passages in a way that is not clearly understood.

Do NOT use Nasarel Spray if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Nasarel Spray
• you have an untreated infection in or around the nose

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Nasarel Spray:

Some medical conditions may interact with Nasarel Spray. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have any kind of nasal sores or injury, recurring nosebleeds, or you have had nasal surgery
• if you have had a recent vaccination; you have measles, tuberculosis, chickenpox, or shingles; or you have had a positive tuberculosis test
• if you have an untreated viral, fungal, bacterial, or any other kind of infection or herpes eye infection
• if you have asthma or diarrhea

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nasarel Spray. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Nasarel Spray

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Nasarel Spray may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Nasarel Spray:

Use Nasarel Spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Nasarel Spray. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Shake well before each use.
• Gently blow your nose before using Nasarel Spray.
• Before the first use, prime the spray pump by rapidly and firmly pumping it 5 to 6 times or until a full spray appears. Reprime the pump if it has not been used for 5 days or more, or if you have taken the pump apart for cleaning.
• To use a nose spray, gently blow your nose. Sit down and tilt your head back slightly. Place the tip of the spray container into the nose. Using a finger from your other hand, press against the opposite nostril to close it off. Breathe gently through the open nostril and squeeze the spray container. If you are using more than 1 spray, wait for 1 to 2 minutes between sprays. After using the medicine, rinse the tip of the spray unit in hot water and dry with a clean tissue to prevent contamination.
• Do not blow your nose for 15 minutes after using Nasarel Spray.
• If the pump becomes clogged, do not try to unclog it with a pin or sharp object. This will destroy the pump. Clean the pump as directed on the patient package insert. Check with your pharmacist if you are unsure how to clean the pump.
• Use Nasarel Spray on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Using Nasarel Spray at the same time each day will help you remember to use it.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nasarel Spray.

Important safety information:

• Nasarel Spray is for nasal use only. Do not get Nasarel Spray in your eyes. If contact is made with the eyes, flush them immediately with tap water. Do not spray Nasarel Spray directly on the wall that separates your nostrils.
• Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Ask your pharmacist or check the packaging to see how many sprays this bottle contains. Do not use this bottle for more sprays than indicated, because the amount of medicine in each spray may be decreased. Throw away any unused medicine. Do not transfer unused medicine to another bottle.
• If your symptoms do not get better within 3 weeks or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
• Nasarel Spray may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are using Nasarel Spray.
• If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
• Use caution if you switch from an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) to Nasarel Spray. It may take several months for your body to make enough natural steroids to handle events that cause physical stress. Such events may include injury, surgery, infection, loss of blood electrolytes, or a sudden asthma attack. These may be severe and sometimes fatal. Contact your doctor right away if any of these events occur. You may need to take an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) again. Carry a card at all times that says you may need an oral steroid (eg, prednisone) if any of these events occur.
• Corticosteroids medicines may affect the growth rate in CHILDREN and adolescents in some instances. Your child's growth may need to be checked regularly while using Nasarel Spray.
• Nasarel Spray should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nasarel Spray while you are pregnant. It is not known if Nasarel Spray is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Nasarel Spray, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Nasarel Spray:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Aftertaste; cough; nasal burning, dryness, or stinging; nausea; nosebleed; sore throat.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); decreased sense of smell; excessive sneezing; muscle weakness; nasal discomfort or irritation; repeated nosebleeds; unusual weight gain, especially in the face; white patches in the mouth, nose, or throat.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include increased thirst or urination; muscle weakness; severe or persistent headache or vomiting; trouble breathing; unusual weight gain, especially in the face.

Proper storage of Nasarel Spray:

Store Nasarel Spray at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Nasarel Spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Nasarel Spray, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Nasarel Spray is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Nasarel Spray. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.