Flublock Nasal Spray 6 Gm

FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY 6 GM is a corticosteroid medication manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., designed for intranasal administration.

Name

Brand Name: FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY 6 GM Common Name: Fluticasone Furoate Nasal Spray

Composition

Each 6 gm bottle of FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY contains Fluticasone Furoate (27.5 mcg or 0.055%W/W) as its active ingredient.

Uses

FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY is primarily used to manage symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. These symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching in the nose, and red, watery, itchy eyes. It also helps relieve sinus discomfort and can be used as an adjunct therapy for nasal polyps and mild sinusitis symptoms. The corticosteroid works by reducing inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages by suppressing inflammatory mediators.

Dosage and Administration

This medicine is for nasal use only. Shake the bottle gently before each use. If the spray hasn't been used for over 30 days or the cap has been off for 5 days or longer, it should be primed before use. Administer the spray into each nostril while breathing in gently through the nose, directing the spray towards the sides of the nostril and away from the nasal septum. Always follow the dosage and duration as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Epistaxis (nosebleeds), which are generally minor
• Pharyngolaryngeal pain (pain in the throat and larynx)
• Nasal ulceration (sores or open wounds in the nasal passage)
• Back pain, fever, cough
• Soreness or dryness inside the nose
• Shortness of breath

Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention if experienced):

• Allergic reactions, including wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, swelling around the face, or skin rashes.
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
• Eye pain, white patches in the nose/back of the throat, painful swallowing, or persistent sore throat.
• Long-term use may rarely lead to cataracts or glaucoma.

Precautions

• Consult your doctor before starting this medication, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medicines.
• Use with caution in patients with recent nasal issues (e.g., surgery, injury, or sores) or a history of increased eye pressure, glaucoma, or cataracts.
• Caution is advised for patients with severe liver impairment.
• Do not use if you have a known allergy to Fluticasone Furoate or any other ingredients in the spray.
• This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections; avoid contact with individuals suffering from contagious diseases like measles, chickenpox, or tuberculosis.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly necessary and advised by a doctor.
• Children: Not recommended for children below 6 years of age. For children aged 2 years and above, prolonged use should be monitored for potential growth retardation.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, cobicistat-containing medicines) may increase exposure to fluticasone furoate.

Storage

Store FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat, ideally below 30°C. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

What is FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY used for?

FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY 6 GM is primarily used to manage symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching in the nose, and red, watery, itchy eyes. It is also indicated for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults.

How does FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY work?

FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY contains Fluticasone Furoate, which is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages. This is achieved by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing inflammation and allergic reactions.

What is the usual dosage of FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY?

For adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose for allergic rhinitis is typically two sprays (50 mcg of fluticasone furoate in each spray) in each nostril once daily. For children aged 2 to 11 years, the usual recommended dose is one spray (50 mcg) in each nostril once daily. When treating nasal polyps in adults (18 years and older), the usual dosage is two sprays in each nostril twice daily, though some patients may find one spray in each nostril once daily effective. It is important to shake the bottle gently before each use and prime the spray if it hasn't been used for several days. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dose and duration.

What are the possible side effects of FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY?

Common side effects can include headache, nosebleeds (epistaxis), pain in the throat and larynx (pharyngolaryngeal pain), nasal ulceration (sores in the nasal passage), back pain, cough, and dryness or soreness inside the nose. Less common effects might include shortness of breath. Serious, though rare, side effects may include allergic reactions (such as wheezing, hives, rash, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue), vision problems (like glaucoma or cataracts), white patches in the nose or throat (indicating a fungal infection like thrush), a weakened immune system, or adrenal insufficiency. If any side effects persist, worsen, or cause concern, consult your doctor.

Is FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Caution is advised when using FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY during pregnancy. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child, and it is generally not recommended unless clearly necessary and advised by a doctor. The safety of using FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY during breastfeeding has not been fully established, and it is not known whether the medicine is secreted in breast milk. It should only be used if the mother's expected benefit outweighs the child's possible risk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY be taken with other medications?

You should inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY should be used with caution if you are taking potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ritonavir or ketoconazole, as these medicines may increase your body's exposure to fluticasone furoate. Other medications such as certain asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline) and other steroids (e.g., prednisolone) may also interact.

What precautions should be taken while using FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY?

Avoid using FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY if you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to fluticasone furoate or any other ingredients in the spray. Use with caution if you have existing infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or ocular herpes simplex) as it may worsen these conditions, and it can lower your ability to fight infections. It is advisable to avoid contact with individuals who have contagious diseases like measles, chickenpox, or tuberculosis. Inform your doctor if you have had recent nasal surgery, injury, or sores in your nose, or if you have a history of eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts, especially with long-term use. Caution is also advised for patients with severe liver impairment. For children, prolonged use may lead to growth retardation, and doctors typically monitor their growth.

What should I do if I miss a dose of FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY?

If you miss a dose of FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. For optimal benefit, consistent and regular use is recommended.

How should FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY be stored?

Keep FLUBLOCK NASAL SPRAY out of the sight and reach of children. When not in use, ensure the bottle is closed tightly and kept upright. Once opened, the spray should generally be used within two months, after which it should be discarded.