Olopatadine Nasal Spray: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
- Have any nasal problems (other than nasal allergies)
- Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Warnings and Precautions for Olopatadine Nasal Spray
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to using olopatadine nasal spray include the following:
- Olopatadine nasal spray can cause nosebleeds. It is possible that this may be a sign of problems, such as nasal ulceration. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience nosebleeds (especially severe or frequent nosebleeds) while using olopatadine nasal spray. If you already have other nasal problems (other than allergies), olopatadine nasal spray may not be a good choice for you.
- Olopatadine nasal spray can cause drowsiness. You should see how it affects you before driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Olopatadine nasal spray can potentially interact with other medications (see Drug Interactions With Olopatadine Nasal Spray).
- Olopatadine nasal spray is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known (see Patanase and Pregnancy).
- It is unknown whether olopatadine nasal spray passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Patanase and Breastfeeding).
