Azelastine; Fluticasone Nasal Spray

What is this medication?

AZELASTINE; FLUTICASONE (a ZEL as teen; floo TIK a sone) treats allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or runny or stuffy nose. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It also works by decreasing inflammation in the nose, making it easier to breathe. It is a combination of an antihistamine and a steroid.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dymista

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Eye or vision problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma
• Infection, such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Recent nasal sores, nasal surgery, or nasal injury
• An unusual or allergic reaction to azelastine, fluticasone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for use in the nose. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Shake well before using. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. Ask your care team if you have any questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Alcohol
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for HIV
• Cimetidine
• Ketoconazole
• Metyrapone
• Other antihistamines
• Vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If you have not had the measles or chickenpox vaccines, tell your care team right away if you are around someone with these viruses.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Crusting or sores inside the nose
• Frequent or severe nosebleeds
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Thrush—white patches in the nose or mouth
• Whistling through one or both nostrils that does not go away

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sense of smell
• Change in taste
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Irritation inside the nose or throat
• Nosebleed

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store upright at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after it expires or after 120 sprays have been used, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.