Neotison 100 Convicap

Indications

Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid used in two main forms:

• Nasal spray: to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever and year-round nasal allergy), such as a blocked, runny or itchy nose and sneezing, and the itchy, watery eyes that can come with it.
• Inhaler (usually combined with Vilanterol, and sometimes with Umeclidinium): regular, long-term treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not for sudden attacks of breathlessness.

How It Works

It reduces swelling and irritation (inflammation) in the lining of the nose or the airways by lowering the release of substances that cause allergy and inflammation. It works over several days of regular use rather than straight away.

Dosage and Administration

• Nasal spray (27.5 micrograms per spray), adults and children 12 years and over: usually 2 sprays in each nostril once a day; once symptoms are controlled, 1 spray in each nostril once a day may be enough. Children 6 to 11 years: usually 1 spray in each nostril once a day, increased only if the doctor advises. Shake well before use and aim the spray slightly away from the middle of the nose.
• Inhaler: usually one inhalation once a day at the same time each day; the strength is chosen by the doctor, as prescribed. Rinse the mouth with water and spit it out after each use.

Use it every day for the best effect. Full benefit of the nasal spray may take several days.

Interactions

Strong liver enzyme (CYP3A4) blockers such as Ritonavir, Cobicistat, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Clarithromycin can increase the amount of steroid in the body and the risk of steroid side effects. With the inhaler combinations, beta-blockers (such as Propranolol) can reduce the effect of Vilanterol. Tell the doctor about all medicines, including other steroid medicines.

Contraindications

• Allergy to fluticasone furoate or any ingredient.
• Inhaler: severe allergy to milk protein, because the powder contains lactose.

Side Effects

Nasal spray: nosebleeds, nasal dryness or irritation, headache and, rarely, sores in the nose.

Inhaler: oral thrush (white patches in the mouth or throat), hoarse voice, headache, cold-like symptoms, and in people with COPD an increased risk of pneumonia.

Get urgent medical help for: signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash), sudden wheezing or chest tightness just after using the inhaler, signs of pneumonia (fever, chills, worsening cough, increased mucus or breathlessness), or blurred or changed vision.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Only a small amount reaches the bloodstream, but there is limited information on use in pregnancy, so use it only if the doctor judges that the benefit outweighs the risk. Good control of asthma in pregnancy is important for mother and baby. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; ask the doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Use the lowest dose that controls symptoms. Long-term use, especially at high doses, can slow growth in children (the doctor may check height), affect the adrenal glands, and raise the risk of cataract and glaucoma. Tell the doctor if you have tuberculosis, a fungal, viral or bacterial infection, recent nose injury or surgery, liver disease, diabetes or heart disease. The inhaler is not a rescue inhaler; keep a quick-relief inhaler for sudden symptoms and do not stop the inhaler suddenly without advice.

Overdose

A single extra dose is unlikely to cause harm. Using much more than prescribed for a long time can cause steroid side effects such as suppression of the body's own steroid production. Seek medical advice, and do not stop suddenly after long-term high doses without a doctor's guidance.

Therapeutic Class

Corticosteroid (nasal and inhaled).

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze or refrigerate the nasal spray; keep the cap on. Keep the inhaler in its sealed tray until first use and use it within the period stated on the pack after opening.