Has anyone been using Flonase for a long time? I have been using it 2x per day for the past 2 years. Lately I have been cutting back because I'm not sure if it can be harmful ever though the Dr. says no.
Would appreciate any replies,

Grace

Hi,
I have also been using Flonase for over a year and a half. I too am skeptical, but I have also heard that it is safe - that it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. I am still not thrilled to be taking it long-term.

Hi,
I have also been using Flonase for over a year and a half. I too am skeptical, but I have also heard that it is safe - that it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. I am still not thrilled to be taking it long-term.

I took Flonase for a few years. There was something I read back then about a content in the product that naturally occurs in the body, so that made me feel better about using it. When I ran out I did not ask for a refill & used over the counter sprays, eventually tapering down to saline. As I am more concerned about cross contamination and spraying into the sinus. I have a history of some nasty uri's and decided this method is not the answer for me. I wanted to try something else and did. I think Flonase is a good & effective product. I take medication for something else and it does contain and anti histamine so I don't need another medication. I had allergy shots for a while but I did not continue that for various reasons. You could research the product. Before I take a medication, I read through the info packet. It gives a lot of info and the chemical composition. Since there is no cure (accept avoidance and living in a bubble) this is what we have. There is the homeopathic route :bouncing: When I am very congested I take my medication and rub a small amount of Menthol/Eucalyptus by the collarbone/chest which helps clear my nasal sinus passage so I can breath through my nose. Before all that I used to use the vicks stick (inhale it through nostril) :p Take Care, G

.... that it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream ....

I copied the following from an FDA site:

"Indirect calculations indicate that fluticasone propionate delivered by the intranasal route has an absolute bioavailability averaging less than 2%. After intranasal treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis for 3 weeks, fluticasone propionate plasma concentrations were above the level of detection (50 pg/mL) only when recommended doses were exceeded and then only in occasional samples at low plasma levels."

If I read that right, Flonase does not get appreciably absorbed into the bloodstream, unless you use more than you are supposed to. If it did get into the bloodstream, then I would think it would effect your coltisol levels.

I don't know if there is any long term effect on the nasal passages.

I just found out this information and this ingredient is in the flonase I use. I called my ENT this morning and asked to be put on Rhinocort AQ because it does not contain this type preservative. Here is the info. I found.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/32/1728_79718