Fluticasone nasal spray is a medication sprayed directly up the nostrils to relieve hay fever symptoms, such as blocked, itchy or runny noses, sneezing, and watery eyes.

The active ingredient, fluticasone propionate, is a corticosteroid. This copies the steroids made naturally by your body to reduce inflammation, which causes hay fever and allergy symptoms.

Fluticasone nasal spray has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms in adults and adolescents.

You can buy fluticasone nasal spray under brand names such as Flixonase and Avamys.

Fluticasone nasal spray reduces the inflammation in your nasal passages (your nose), which causes hay fever symptoms.

You need to use it daily to get the most out of treatment. It can provide relief from symptoms for up to 24 hours, though it can take up to 2 weeks to start working effectively to begin with.

Adults and children over 12 years old should start with 2 sprays in both nostrils each morning.

If symptoms continue or get worse, you can repeat this in the evening too. Once symptoms are under control, reduce this to 1 spray in each nostril in the morning only.

The starting dose will vary for younger children. Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend the correct dose for you.

Always follow the instructions to use your spray correctly.

How to use your nasal spray:

1. Gently blow your nose.
2. Remove the dust cap.
3. Shake the bottle to mix up the medicine.
4. Close one nostril with your finger and put the nozzle into the other one.
5. Tilt your head forward slightly while keeping the bottle upright.
6. Press down on the collar of the bottle (the flat base of the nozzle) as you breathe in slowly through your nose.
7. Breathe out through your mouth.
8. Repeat steps 5 to 7 for each spray in that nostril. Then repeat this process for the other nostril.

How to clean your nasal spray (once a week):

1. Remove the dust cap.
2. Pull upwards on the collar to remove the nozzle.
3. Soak the collar and nozzle in warm water for a few minutes.
4. Rinse both under a running tap, then shake off any excess water.
5. Leave the collar and nozzle to dry.
6. Replace the nozzle on the spray (and the dust cap if you are not using the spray immediately).

Carefully read the patient information leaflet that comes with your spray. This has pictures to show you how to use your spray correctly. Do this before using your spray for the first time.

What happens if I use my fluticasone nasal spray too much?

Call a healthcare provider if you use more than your doctor’s recommended dose.

What should I do if I forget to use my fluticasone nasal spray?

If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose as normal. Do not take a double dose.

When do I stop taking my fluticasone nasal spray?

You can use your fluticasone nasal spray for as long as you need it. However, your symptoms may return if you’re around whatever triggers these (for example, pollen). Talk to your doctor before you stop using your spray.

Can I use my fluticasone nasal spray if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

You may be able to use fluticasone nasal spray if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding but speak to your doctor about the benefits and any potential risks first.

You can get fluticasone nasal spray online through Superdrug Online Doctor.

1. Answer a few quick questions about your symptoms and health.
2. Our doctors will review your answers and issue you with a prescription if it’s right for you.
3. Choose to have it delivered to you or collect it from your local Superdrug store (‘click and collect’).

You can also buy fluticasone nasal spray from supermarkets and pharmacies with a prescription.

Can I buy fluticasone nasal spray over the counter?

Adults can buy fluticasone nasal spray in small amounts over the counter from a pharmacist. You will need a prescription from a doctor for larger quantities or if a child needs this.

Can I get fluticasone nasal spray on the NHS?

Yes, you can get fluticasone nasal spray on the NHS if you have a prescription from your doctor.

Like any medicine, using a fluticasone nasal spray can have side effects. Not everyone will get these, though. These can vary from one person to another among those that do. One in 10 people experience a:

• nosebleed*
• dry or painful nose* and throat
• continued unpleasant taste or smell
• headache

* Stop using the spray for a few days and then try again, if you experience these effects.

One in 10,000 people experience rare side effects such as:

• an itchy red rash
• more severe skin reactions such as dry, cracked or peeling skin
• problems with their eyes

Talk to your doctor if side effects do not go away after a few days. If someone uses the spray without knowing they’re allergic to fluticasone, they may experience an allergic reaction, though this is very rare. Get immediate medical advice if you experience:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing
• sudden light-headedness, weakness, or if you faint
• swelling around the mouth, tongue or face
• rash or redness of the skin

You might sneeze more than usual or notice an unpleasant taste or smell straight after using the spray. Having a drink or rinsing your mouth out can help with this.

Do not take fluticasone nasal spray if you are allergic to fluticasone. Talk to your doctor before using fluticasone nasal spray if:

• you have an infection in your nose
• you have ever had surgery on your nose

The fluticasone nasal spray is a safe and effective medicine, but certain drugs can interact with the medicine it contains, making it unsafe for you. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking either:

• medication to treat HIV or fungal infections
• medicines containing steroids, such as asthma inhalers and eczema creams

There are other nasal sprays to treat hay fever symptoms which you can buy online with a prescription, such as Nasonex. They work in a similar way to fluticasone nasal spray, but they contain different corticosteroids.

You can also buy nasal sprays which contain a combination of antihistamines and corticosteroids such as Dymista.

There are non spray medicines that can help relieve hay fever symptoms too. These include antihistamine tablets like Neoclarityn and Telfast.