Uses

This medication is used to treat symptoms of the nose (stuffiness or congestion, runny nose, itching, and sneezing) caused by seasonal and year-round nasal allergies. Ciclesonide works by reducing the swelling (inflammation) of the nasal passages. It belongs to the class of drugs known as corticosteroids.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ciclesonide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Shake the container gently before each use. Remove the dust cap. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle when you first use each bottle or if you have not used it for 4 days. A fine spray means that the pump is primed properly.

Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Do not use more than 2 sprays in each nostril daily as this may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid spraying this medication in your eyes or directly onto the nasal septum (the wall between the two nostrils). Follow the detailed instructions for using the spray.

After each use, wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue and replace the protective cap. If the spray tip becomes blocked, do not try to unblock the nasal applicator by using a sharp object. Look at the Patient Information Leaflet to learn how to correctly unblock the spray bottle.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

This medication does not work right away. Some people will feel this medication working within 2 days, but it may take up to 2 weeks for seasonal allergy relief, and up to 5 weeks for year-round allergy relief. When using ciclesonide to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms, start this medication 2-4 weeks before pollen season begins.

Keep track of the number of sprays used from each container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the manufacturer's package or 4 months after you removed the bottle from the foil pouch it came in, whichever comes first.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Nosebleeds, irritation of the nose, or ear pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

• unusual/extreme tiredness
• weight loss
• headache
• swelling ankles/feet
• increased thirst/urination
• vision problems

Using corticosteroids in the nose for a long time may rarely cause fungal infections of the nose or throat. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following:

• fever
• pain in the nose
• severe sore throat
• pain when swallowing
• white patches on the back of the throat

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• severe nosebleeds
• severe pain in the nose
• whistling sound while breathing
• eye pain

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using ciclesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery)
• current/past infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye infection)
• certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts)

Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

If you use this medication for a long time, lab and/or medical tests (such as nose exams, height measurement in children) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Ask your doctor for ways to reduce your exposure to substances (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, smoke) that can worsen allergy symptoms.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.