FAQ hero

ALLERGIES &
HAYFEVER FAQs

GET THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

Armed with answers to your allergy questions, you can be there for yourself and others.

  • What is FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief and how does it work?

    FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief is a nasal spray that works directly in the nose to relieve allergy symptoms. FLIXONASE® contains fluticasone propionate— which produces an anti-inflammatory effect, constricts the blood vessels in the nose and targets 6 key allergic substances that cause your allergy symptoms.1,2

     

  • What symptoms can FLIXONASE® relieve?

    FLIXONASE® provides 24-hour relief from:

    • Sneezing
    • Runny nose
    • Itchy nose 
    • Blocked nose 
    • Sinus pain & congestion

  • How quickly does FLIXONASE® start working?

    You may start to feel relief after the first day—and full effect after several days of regular once-a-day use.

    Use FLIXONASE® every day as full effectiveness is usually achieved after 3 or 4 days of continuous use.
     

  • How long does FLIXONASE® provide relief from allergy & hayfever symptoms?

    FLIXONASE® works directly in the nose, giving you 24-hour relief from your allergy and hayfever symptoms

    FLIXONASE® is meant to control your symptoms every day—all day and all night. 

  • How many doses of FLIXONASE® are needed daily for an adult?

    Use two sprays into each nostril once a day. Do not use more than two sprays into each nostril per day. Do not use more than the recommended dose.

     

  • What do you do if you miss a day of FLIXONASE® treatment?

    If you miss a dose, just use your regular dose the next day. Don’t add an extra dose to make up for it.

  • Does FLIXONASE® relieve sinus pain and congestion?


    FLIXONASE® is for the treatment of allergy & hayfever-related symptoms. FLIXONASE® provides relief of nasal congestion including associated sinus pain around the nose. If you feel severe pain in your face, have thick nasal discharge, or think you may have a sinus infection, stop using FLIXONASE® and see your doctor. Your doctor may want to consider if other medicines are needed.

  • Does FLIXONASE® relieve symptoms of indoor as well as outdoor allergies?

    FLIXONASE® helps relieve a broad range of symptoms from many allergens. FLIXONASE® helps with reactions to outdoor allergens such as weed pollen, grass pollen, tree pollen, and mould spores. It also helps with reactions to indoor allergens such as pet dander, house dust mites, and mould.

  • What are the side effects of using FLIXONASE®?

    Serious side effects are rare with FLIXONASE®. However, like all medicines, FLIXONASE® can cause side effects in some people.

    Below are some side effects that have been reported with FLIXONASE®. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk with your doctor.

     

     Side Effects

    When using this product you may experience:

    Nosebleeds

    Headache

    Unpleasant taste or smell

    A dry or irritated throat or nose

     

    Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if:

    You experience an allergic reaction such as skin rashes and itching, sometimes with breathing problems or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face

    You get new changes to your vision that develop after starting treatment with this product. There have been rare reports of eye problems such as cataracts of glaucoma in people who have used large amounts of corticosteroids over a period of several years.

    You get small holes (perforations) in the ridge inside the nose that separates the nostrils

     

    If you use more medicine than recommended:

    Seek medical advice

  • How is FLIXONASE® different from an antihistamine tablet?

    FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief targets 6 key allergic substances. 1,2  Antihistamine tablets work by targeting histamine, 3 which is only 1 substance released in the inflammatory cascade. 

     

    And unlike antihistamine tablets, which have to travel through the body before providing relief, FLIXONASE® is a nasal spray that works directly at the source—in the nose

  • Should allergy sufferers discontinue use of antihistamine tablets if they start using FLIXONASE®?

    FLIXONASE® is not indicated for use with other allergy medicines. 

  • Who can use FLIXONASE®?

    The following people should not use FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief or should check with a healthcare professional first:

    TAKE SPECIAL CARE AND CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU TAKE THIS MEDICINE:
    If you are under the age of 18 years. 
    If you have a high temperature, cold or have been diagnosed with a sinus infection.
    If you have ever had an allergic reaction to FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief or any of its ingredients 
    If you have recently had surgery or an injury to the nose, or ulcers in the nose.
    If you have or have recently suffered from a nasal infection in or around the nose.
    If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
    If you are breastfeeding
    If you are taking ritonavir (a medicine used to treat HIV) unless told to do so by your doctor.
    If you are using ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections) unless told to do so by your doctor.
    If you are using other corticosteroid medicines – these may include some eczema creams, asthma inhalers, tablets, injections, nasal sprays, and eye or nose drops.

  • Can I use FLIXONASE® year round?

    If you are  18 or older and have been using FLIXONASE® steadily for 6 months, check with your doctor before continuing to use FLIXONASE® on a daily basis.

     

  • If my symptoms go away, should I stop using FLIXONASE®?

    You may be tempted to stop using FLIXONASE® when you start to feel better. It is important to keep using FLIXONASE® daily as long as you are exposed to allergens like pollen, mould, house dust mites, or pet dander.  Flixonase use will prevent you reacting to these allergens. If you stop use, your symptoms may return. 

  • Is FLIXONASE® okay to use with other medicines?

     

    You should tell your doctor about all of the other medications you take, including FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief.

    There are a few medicines to look out for because they may cause the level of FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief in your body to become too high. Check this table:

     

    IF YOU’RE TAKING:

    Medicines for HIV infection (such as ritonavir)

     

     Tablets for fungal infection (such as ketoconazole)

     

    Other corticosteroid medicines – these may include some eczema creams, asthma inhalers, tablets, injections, nasal sprays, and eye or nose drops

     

    HERE’S WHAT TO DO:

    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using FLIXONASE® Allergy & Hayfever Relief.

 

 

Flixonase contains fluticasone propionate 50mcg per spray. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. Use only as directed. For the prevention and treatment of seasonal and allergic rhinitis including hayfever. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.

 

Flixonase is a registered trademark of the GSK group of companies or its licensor. Auckland, New Zealand. TAPS PP8551 

The information on this site is intended for visitors from New Zealand only. See our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

 

1. Bachert C & Geveart P. Allergy 1999;54(Suppl 57):116–23. 2. Wiseman LR & Benfield P. Drugs 1997;53:885–907. 3. Australian Medicines Handbook 2016, AMH Pty Ltd; Adelaide.