Flonase Nasal Spray Review

One of our discussion boards asked about various products people have tried for allergies (click here to see that informative discussion). I guess I'm an allergy expert to an extent because I am allergic to pretty near everything.

Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate is the generic name) is an anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid) nasal spray available by prescription only.

What I like about Flonase:

• once a day dosing
• cuts down on swelling to make for easier breathing through the nose (helpful if you have allergic rhinitis)
• may cut down on sinusitis if sinuses drain better
• can be helpful for indoor and outdoor allergies
• is approved for people as young as 4 years old
• doesn't cause drowsiness (I definitely wasn't sleepy when I got my nose cauterized.)
• available in generic form--can save a little bit of money
• easy to use--the Flonase website actually has directions for using this nasal spray if you're interested

What I don't like about Flonase:

• It caused me to have severe nosebleeds that were bad enough to need to be cauterized. This is when they burn the bleeding vessel--burning the inside of one's nose is not fun. I stopped using Flonase after that, even though my allergist encouraged me to use it in a nasal lavage (neti pot) cup. No thanks--I'm not taking that chance again, but this might be an option if you really want to use this nasal spray but are experiencing nosebleeds.
• It has a strange smell. My husband swears it does not smell, but I can tell any time that he has sprayed his nose with it (he also has a prescription for Flonase). If I am anywhere near it in the room, I begin to cough. Incidentally, Flonase also causes my husband to have occasional nosebleeds.
• It leaves a medicine taste in the back of my throat.
• It is EXPENSIVE
• Relief is not immediate. This is not Afrin or Nasalcrom, where you can get immediate relief. I would not recommend Afrin for use for long-term, but Nasalcrom is a good OTC alternative. Two of my kids use Nasonex, another prescription anti-inflammatory nasal spray, that has never caused either of them to have a nosebleed.
• Bottle is not clear--it may sound like more medicine is in the bottle when it is no longer squirting. I found it helpful to write the date on the bottle. If used regularly, you will then know when this bottle will run out because each spray is metered.

My Viewpoint:

If you are looking for an anti-inflammatory, expensive, prescription-strength nasal spray that is likely to cause bad nosebleeds, you may want to consider using Flonase. Some people have had great results with Flonase, but I have not.

I prefer Nasonex for my children. If you are considering an over-the-counter nasal spray that is faster-acting (but also shorter-acting), you may want to read my review about Nasalcrom.