Apo-Azelastine/Fluticasone Nasal Spray

Apo-Azelastine/Fluticasone Nasal Spray

This product is manufactured by Apotex Inc. and is a combination of two ingredients, fluticasone propionate and azelastine.

This product is taken via nasal inhalation.

Why is it prescribed?

Apo-Azelastine/Fluticasone is a prescription medicine used to treat symptoms of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (allergy in the nose) and related eye symptoms in patients 6 years of age and older.

For nasal use only.  Use regularly to get maximum effect.

Instructions for use:

Priming:

1. Shake the bottle gently and then remove the protective cap

2. The first time the nasal spray is used, you must prime the pump. Prime the pump by putting two fingers on either side of the spray pump and place your thumb on the bottom of the bottle.  Press down and release the pump 5 times into the air until a fine mist appears.  Now your pump is primed and ready to use.
3. If the nasal spray has not been used for more than 7 days, you will need to prime the pump until a fine mist appears again.


Using the spray
1. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
2. Keep your head tilted downwards towards your toes. Do not tilt head backwards.
3. Hold the bottle upright and carefully insert the spray tip into one nostril.
4. Close other nostril with your finger, rapidly press down once on the spray pump and sniff gently at the same time.
5. Breathe out through your mouth.
6. Repeat in your other nostril.
7. Breathe in gently, and do not tilt your head back after dosing. This will stop the medicine going into your throat and causing an unpleasant taste.
8. After each use wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue or cloth and then replace the protective cap.

You may experience a bitter taste in your mouth, especially if you tilt your head backwards when you are using the nasal spray. This is normal. This should go away if you have a soft drink a few minutes after using this medicine. Occasionally you may sneeze a little after using this spray but this soon stops. You may experience an unpleasant smell.


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredients as Apo-Azelastine/Fluticasone Nasal Spray are •Dymista® •Mylan-Azelastine/Fluticasone nasal spray ••Dymista® •Mylan-Azelastine/Fluticasone nasal spray •

See other products used in the treatment of •allergic rhinitis •asthma •nasal polyps •perennial rhinitis •rhinitis •runny nose •seasonal allergies •seasonal rhinitis •

For ages of 6 years and up: 1 spray in each nostril twice daily.


Fluticasone is a highly potent corticosteroid that possesses strong anti- inflammatory activity. Whether inhaled through the nose or into the lungs, the effect of the drug is local (acting directly on the tissue it comes in contact with). The amount absorbed by the body is minimal and therefore the incidence of unwanted effects is low.

Azelastine is an antihistamine.  It blocks the action of histamine which is responsible for allergic symptoms such as runny/itching/stuffy nose, sneezing and post-nasal drip.


Side effects that may occur with the use of this medication are:

  • headache
  • change in sense of taste and/or smell
  • nose bleeds
  • nasal ulcers; pain, burning, irritation crusting in the nose
  • runny nose
  • soreness or dryness in the inside of the nose sore throat
  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • drowsiness

If any of these affects you severely, tell your doctor or pharmacist.


Use with caution if you:

  • Are allergic to any other corticosteroid or medications.
  • Have green or yellow discharge from the nose.
  • Have eye or vision problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma (increased pressure in your eye).
  • Are taking other steroid medicine by mouth or as an injection.
  • Are recovering from recent nasal surgery, nasal trauma or nasal ulcers.
  • Have been near someone who has chickenpox or measles.
  • Have a problem with your thyroid.
  • Suffer from severe liver disease.

Drug interactions:  These medications may interact with Apo-Azelastine/Fluticasone:

  • ritanovir
  • ketoconazole 
  • cimetidine 

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding - Human data is limited.  Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using