What is Xhance Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayXhance (fluticasone) is a prescription nasal spray with a unique exhalation delivery system that is manufactured by OptiNose US, Inc. It was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nasal polyps (growths in your nose) in adults 18 years of age and older. Xhance is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in your nasal passages to help decrease symptoms such as a stuffy nose.
If your doctor has prescribed Xhance to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Xhance is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Xhance used for?
Xhance (fluticasone) is a corticosteroid that is indicated for the treatment of nasal polyps in patients 18 years of age or older.
How does Xhance work?
The exact mechanism of action of Xhance in the treatment of nasal polyps is not known. The active ingredient of Xhance, fluticasone, is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids decrease the number of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils, mast cells, and macrophages. It also increases the effects of anti-inflammatory cells to help reduce swelling and nasal congestion.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Xhance?
- Nasal spray with 93 mcg of fluticasone propionate in each spray.
Before taking Xhance
Before beginning Xhance, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, including if you:
- have a history of sores in your nose, nasal surgery, or injury.
- have eye problems such as herpes eye infection, glaucoma, or cataracts.
- have a weakened immune system.
- have a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
- have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.
- have osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones).
- have liver impairment.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How to take Xhance
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, and Medication Guide that comes with this medication.
- Use Xhance exactly as your doctor prescribes it to you. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without discussing it with them.
- Properly prime the spray pump if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for 7 days or more. Once primed, remove the cap and shake the Xhance container well. Tilt your head forward and insert the nosepiece into a nostril and the flexible mouthpiece in your mouth. Blow hard into the mouthpiece and while doing this, use your thumb to press the bottle to deliver the medicine. Do not close or block your other nostril or breathe in through your nose while blowing into the mouthpiece.
- It is important to keep using this medication twice a day without missing any doses. If you miss a dose, take it right away on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at your regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra doses of Xhance to make up for a missed dose.
- Store your Xhance nasal spray at room temperature between 59°F and 77°F (15°C and 25°C) away from heat, cold, and light. Throw away your Xhance container after using 120 sprays following the initial priming. Keep all medications out of the reach of children.
Xhance contraindications
You should not use Xhance if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in Xhance.
Xhance warnings
- You should be monitored for adverse nasal effects including nose bleeds, ulcers, and yeast infections while taking Xhance. Xhance should not be used if you have had recent nasal surgery, trauma, or ulcerations.
- You should be closely monitored for eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts.
- Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions have been reported with the use of Xhance.
- There is an increased risk of new or worsening infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of an infection.
- Your doctor may check you for a decrease in bone mineral density when starting treatment and then periodically thereafter.
Xhance drug interactions
When Xhance is taken with other medications, it may change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Discuss with your doctor whether any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, ritonavir, itraconazole, or ketoconazole
Xhance side effects
Some common side effects of Xhance in clinical trials include:
- Nosebleeds
- Nose ulcers
- Common cold symptoms
- Crusting around the nostrils
- Slow wound healing
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Sinus infection
- Headache
Xhance can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:
- Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, angioedema, and trouble breathing)
- Hole or tear in your septum
- Extreme tiredness, weakness, and low blood pressure
- Serious or fatal cases of chickenpox or measles
- New or worsening cataracts or glaucoma
- Cushing’s syndrome from long-term use
- Weakened bones
Contact your doctor for medical advice about any possible side effects you experience while taking Xhance. You can report your adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Xhance alternatives
Your healthcare professional can prescribe other medications for your condition if Xhance is not right for you. These other treatment options will vary by different factors such as side effects and costs. Some FDA-approved alternatives to Xhance include:
- Flonase (fluticasone propionate)
- Xolair (omalizumab)
- Nasonex (mometasone)
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone)
- Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone)
- Dymista (azelastine/fluticasone)
Xhance FAQs
Can you take Xhance while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
Available data on the use of inhaled or intranasal fluticasone in pregnant women did not show an association with adverse effects on the unborn baby. There is no data on whether Xhance is found in breast milk or the effects it may have on the infant. Fluticasone was found in rat milk during animal studies. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Is Xhance the same as Flonase?
While Xhance and Flonase contain the same active ingredient fluticasone, they have different strengths and uses. Xhance is approved to treat nasal polyps in adults, while Flonase is used to treat allergy symptoms in adults and children 4 years of age and older. Xhance has a unique delivery system that carries the medication deep into your nose to treat nasal polyps. They also come in different strengths. Flonase delivers 50mcg per spray while Xhance delivers 93mcg per spray.
How long should you use Xhance?
According to the manufacturer’s website, Xhance was shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials that lasted up to 1 year. Your healthcare provider will determine how long you should be on Xhance.
What is the cost of Xhance?
The average cost of a 16ml bottle of Xhance 93mcg/spray is almost $700.
Is there a generic for Xhance?
Currently, there is no generic Xhance available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Xhance through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.