Nasonex

Nasonex is used to relieve hayfever symptoms. It contains an ingredient which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids (although the name is similar, corticosteroids are very different from the anabolic steroids used in sport).

Many patients suffer from nasal congestion during the hayfever period. Nasonex nasal spray reduces the swelling inside your nose and helps you breathe during this time. The corticosteroids it contains reduce inflammation and symptoms such as itchiness, sneezing and a runny nose.

Nasonex is not only a nasal spray for hayfever. It is also used to treat nasal congestion caused by other allergies and provides relief from the symptoms of allergic reactions to animal hair, dust mite or feathers.

The spray can take 12 to 48 hours to work.

Nasonex nasal spray can be used on a daily basis. Take two sprays into each nostril once a day. If your symptoms improve, you may be able to reduce the Nasonex dosage to one spray per nostril per day.

Before the first use

Before using your Nasonex spray for the first time, you have to “prime” the bottle. Gently shake the bottle, take the dust cap off and pump the spray ten times until it releases a fine mist. If you haven’t used the spray for more than 14 days you need to repeat this process before using Nasonex again.

How to use the spray

1. Shake the bottle and take off the dust cap
2. Gently blow your nose
3. Tilt your head forward and hold the bottle upright
4. Close one nostril and put the nozzle of the spray bottle into the other nostril
5. Breathe in slowly through your nose and pump the spray once while breathing in
6. Breathe out through your mouth

Repeat these steps to administer a second dose to the same nostril and two doses to the other nostril.

Wipe the nozzle after every use and replace the dust cap when you are finished.

Cleaning your Nasonex spray

The spray needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. To clean your hayfever spray, take off the dust cap and nozzle. Wash and rinse both in warm water, then leave them to dry. Once both parts have dried you can put the spray back together and re-prime it with two sprays to prepare it for the next use.

Please note that you must not insert any sharp objects such as pins to unblock the nozzle - this can damage the spray and result in you getting an incorrect dose with each use.

Nasonex can cause side effects. The following side effects can occur:

• sneezing
• headache
• sore nose or throat
• nose bleeds
• disturbances of smell or taste

In rare cases, Nasonex can cause an allergic reaction. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience side effects such as wheezing and breathing problems.