Nasal Steroid Side Effects (2024)

Nasal steroid allergy sprays like FLONASE are different from other types of nasal sprays, like Afrin®, which is only a decongestant. Not only do nasal steroid allergy sprays reduce the swelling in nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your nose,1but they also treat other symptoms, like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. And before you think a nasal allergy spray will bulk up your nostrils, you can rest easy. FLONASE contains a glucocorticoid—a substance produced naturally by your body to help fight inflammation. A glucocorticoid is a kind of steroid that is different from the anabolic (muscle-building) steroids sometimes misused by athletes.

SIDE EFFECTS OF NASAL STEROIDS

It’s important to know that nasal steroids sprays are safe to use for all adults. However, for children, make sure that you use one that’s approved for children age 2 or over.

Some common short-term and long-term side effects that may occur when using intranasal steroid sprays like FLONASE allergy relief nasal sprays, include:

  • Burning
  • Dryness
  • Crusting
  • Other irritation inside the nose

Make sure you (or your child) uses the spray exactly as prescribed to avoid side effects.

If you experience symptoms while using our family of FLONASE products that resemble an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of the face or tongue, wheezing, or feeling faint, stop using FLONASE and see a doctor.If you have questions or concerns about symptoms or trouble using the medication, it is best to call your doctor.

PRECAUTIONS

To help prevent local side effects from FLONASE allergy relief nasal sprays, it's best to spray only the recommended number of sprays in each nostril and aim the nozzle toward the outer wall of the nostril. Be sure to blow your nose to clear the passageway and wash your hands before using FLONASE.To learn how you can get the most from your FLONASE products, refer to ourHow to Useguide to ensure you achieve the allergy relief you need.

Learn which FLONASE product is right for you:

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Nasal corticosteroid sprayshttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000404.htm. Accessed August 9, 2019.
Nasal Steroid Side Effects (2024)

FAQs

Nasal Steroid Side Effects? ›

Steroid nasal sprays do not usually cause any significant side effects if used correctly and at normal doses. Side effects can include: a stinging or burning sensation in the nose. dryness and crustiness in the nose.

Do steroid nasal sprays have side effects? ›

Steroid nasal sprays do not usually cause any significant side effects if used correctly and at normal doses. Side effects can include: a stinging or burning sensation in the nose. dryness and crustiness in the nose.

Do nasal steroids have systemic effects? ›

The authors suggest that intranasal steroids may have a significant systemic effect and lead to clinical adverse events. They base this on the statistically significant changes in uncorrected urinary cortisol, not on clinical adverse events.

What are the most common adverse effects of intranasal corticosteroids? ›

More common
  • Burning, dryness, or other irritation inside the nose (mild, lasting only a short time)
  • irritation of throat.

What is the most common side effect of Flonase? ›

Common Flonase side effects include headache and sore throat. Nasal irritation or nosebleeds are also possible. Serious Flonase side effects include thrush, vision problems, and worsening asthma. Flonase may not be right for certain people, such as those with a history of eye problems.

What is the downside of steroid nasal spray? ›

Side effects may include any of these symptoms: Dryness, burning, or stinging in the nasal passage. You can lessen this effect by using the spray after showering or placing your head over a steamy sink for 5 to 10 minutes. Sneezing.

What is the downside of Flonase? ›

Downsides

Nosebleeds, nasal ulceration, headache, sore throat, nausea, cough, and nasal burning or itching. Also occasionally more serious nasal effects may occur and the use of Flonase may delay wound healing. Do not use Flonase if you have recently had nasal surgery or nasal trauma.

Can nasal steroids make you feel weird? ›

Side effects that are body-wide, such as nausea or infection, can occur but do so less often. It's important that you know the proper technique when using nasal sprays. This will help to ensure that your use of steroid nasal sprays is both safe and effective when treating your symptoms.

Can steroid nasal spray cause anxiety? ›

However, there are reports of some patients who use Avamys or other steroid-based nasal sprays long-term experiencing anxiety or anxiety symptoms. This may include breathlessness, restlessness, insomnia and a rapid heartbeat. This is thought to be very unusual and to only affect a very small number of people.

Is using Flonase every day bad? ›

Unlike some decongestant nasal sprays, which cannot be used for more than 3 days, FLONASE Allergy Relief can be used every day and provides sustained 24-hour symptom relief.

What are two major adverse effects of systemic corticosteroids? ›

[1] The most common adverse effects of corticosteroids include osteoporosis and fractures, suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Cushingoid features, diabetes and hyperglycemia, myopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, psychiatric disturbances, immunosuppression, cardiovascular disease, ...

What is major side effect of inhaled corticosteroids? ›

These putative effects may include adrenal suppression, bone loss, skin thinning, increased cataract formation, decreased linear growth in children, metabolic changes, and behavioral abnormalities.

What is one of the major adverse reactions to inhaled corticosteroids? ›

Inhaled corticosteroids can affect the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, bone density and growth, eyes, skin and immunity including an increased risk of pneumonia. Clinicians are recommended to aim for the lowest possible dose to avoid these systemic side effects.

Why shouldn't you use Flonase more than 3 days? ›

If you use a medicated decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 days in a row, you may develop rebound rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) when you do stop. This condition can cause prolonged sinus congestion. It may even damage your nasal passages over time. RM can be quite uncomfortable.

Is Flonase bad for anxiety? ›

Because anxiety is a possible side effect of fluticasone, people who suffer from anxiety may want to rethink taking it as medication- particularly if it is being taken to treat breathing problems.

Can you stop Flonase cold turkey? ›

Typically, you can stop using Flonase nasal spray without tapering. But if you have been taking it for an extended period or you are taking other oral steroids, talk with your doctor. They may wish to gradually reduce your dose.

How safe are steroid nasal sprays? ›

When used properly, nasal steroids are extremely safe and don't have the same side effects as oral steroids. In fact, they're one of the safest medications available for patients.

What happens if you use a steroid nasal spray for too long? ›

Intranasal steroid sprays are safe for long-term use, and there is little evidence to indicate they cause significant systemic side effects. However, patients with chronic rhinitis who might use them for long periods should be advised to use them only intermittently and at the lowest dose that controls their symptoms.

Can you use too much steroid nasal spray? ›

Accidentally using too much steroid nasal spray is unlikely to be harmful if it's a one-off. Speak to your pharmacist or your doctor if you're worried. Using a steroid nasal spray too much over a long period can make you more likely to get side effects.

Is it bad to use Flonase every day? ›

FLONASE and FLONASE SENSIMIST are non habit-forming and are safe to use every day as directed. FLONASE and FLONASE SENSIMIST nasal sprays provide 24-hour, all-day and all-night relief from nasal congestion, itchy eyes, watery eyes,* runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing.

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