Side Effects of Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray

The most common side effects of fluticasone propionate nasal spray include headaches, nosebleeds, and cough. There are also a number of side effects that, while occurring infrequently, are more serious and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Notify your healthcare provider if you develop serious fluticasone propionate nasal spray side effects, such as signs of steroid toxicity, frequent infections, or an allergic reaction.

 

Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with fluticasone propionate nasal spray (Flonase®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with fluticasone propionate nasal spray. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of fluticasone propionate nasal spray side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of fluticasone propionate nasal spray included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 16.1 percent of people
  • Sore throat -- up to 7.8 percent
  • Nosebleeds -- up to 6.9 percent
  • Nausea or vomiting -- up to 4.8 percent
  • Cough -- up to 3.8 percent
  • Nasal burning or irritation -- up to 3.2 percent.
     
Other common side effects, occurring in 1 to 3 percent of people, included:
 
  • Blood in the nasal discharge
  • Runny nose
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Diarrhea
  • Flu-like symptoms (such as chills and muscle aches)
  • Dizziness
  • Bronchitis.
     
(Side Effects of Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;