Xhance (fluticasone propionate) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of Xhance?

The most common side effects of Xhance are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Nosebleeds
• Nasal problems (see below)
• Sore throat or common cold symptoms, including a stuffy nose
• Sinus infection
• Headache

There may be other side effects of Xhance that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Xhance?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Xhance are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Xhance may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Xhance and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Nasal Problems. Xhance may cause severe problems with your nasal passages, such as sores in your nose (nasal ulceration) and nasal septal perforation, which is a hole in the cartilage that separates your nose. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of nasal problems.

• Crusting in your nose
• Nosebleeds
• Runny nose

Eye Problems. Xhance may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. It can also cause cataracts (clouding of the eye lens). It is important to have regular eye exams while using Xhance. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma or cataracts.

• Loss of vision or vision changes
• Eye pain or redness
• Severe headache or vomiting
• Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy
• Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Infections. Xhance can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

• Burning or stinging when you pee 
• Cough or coughing up blood
• Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea or stomach pain
• Weight loss
• White patches or redness in your nose or throat

Increased Stress Hormone (Hypercorticism). Long-term use of Xhance can lead to hypercorticism, a condition when your body has too much stress hormone, also called cortisol. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of increased stress hormone.

• Acne
• Easy or frequent bruising
• More or thicker hair on your body and face
• Rounded or moon-like face 
• Ankle swelling
• Hump or a fatty pad between your shoulders 
• Stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, breasts, or arms

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of Xhance can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you have been taking a corticosteroid by mouth, such as prednisone, and you stop it and switch to Xhance. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
• Low blood pressure

Weak Bones. Using Xhance for a long time may cause your bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. Tell your health care provider if you break a bone, and get a bone mineral density test if one is ordered for you.

Slowed Growth in Children. Xhance may slow down growth in children and adolescents who are still growing. Talk with the health care provider if you have any concerns about how your child is growing.