Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Fluticasone as follows:
- With Fluticasone nasal spray, remember to prime the unit, when you are starting on a new spray unit or if you have not used your spray unit for atleast 7 days. Before priming the pump, gently shake the unit for 5 seconds. This helps to evenly distribute the medication in the unit and would dispense the appropriate dose of medication upon activation.
- Fluticasone should be used cautiously in individuals with history of opportunistic infections, as it can result in flaring up of infections, such as, candida, secondary bacterial and viral infections. Steroid use can result in suppression of the overall immune system. Due to the immunosuppression caused by the steroid Fluticasone, individuals using Fluticasone are more prone to opportunistic infections. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of opportunistic infections, if any and your safety with the use of Fluticasone. Patients can present with signs and symptoms of opportunistic infections involving oral cavity, nasal cavity, throat, and respiratory tract, such as, fever, throat irritation, cough, stomach upset, and white patches on the tongue and walls of oral cavity. Report any such findings to your physician immediately, so that, necessary changes could be made to your plan of care. Observing compliance with measures, such as, wearing a mask, avoiding outside environment during the times of allergy and infection outbreaks, and using humidifiers in the room to increase the environmental moisture, can contribute significantly towards prevention and control of allergies and infection. Having the nostrils, sinuses, and oral mucosa periodically examined by your physician and observing compliance with gargling and rinsing the mouth with water, after every dose of Fluticasone inhalation, and spitting out this water after rinsing, can contribute towards prevention of opportunistic infections.
