Nasonex

Nasonex

Nasonex nasal spray is used to treat nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), such as hayfever. The active ingredient of Nasonex is a corticosteroid (steroid) called mometasone furoate.

Unlike other allergy treatments, such as antihistamine tablets, Nasonex works directly in the nose to reduce and manage symptoms such as sneezing, itching, a blocked nose or a runny nose.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is an immune response to allergens such as pollen (known as hayfever), pet fur and dander, or dust. To those who are sensitive to these allergens, the presence of these within the nostrils causes cells in the walls of the nostrils to release chemicals called histamines.

These chemicals cause inflammation in the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes, resulting in the symptoms of rhinitis. These symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Itchy eyes
• Itchy nose
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Watery eyes

For some people, avoiding their allergic triggers is effective at keeping their symptoms under control. People with hayfever may stay indoors when the pollen count is high, for example. But such precautions may not be possible by everyone.

Allergies can also affect other conditions, including asthma, which can cause people with asthma to use their inhalers more frequently. If you feel your allergies to affect other health conditions, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

If it is not possible for you to avoid your triggers, and your symptoms are disrupting your sleeping pattern or concentration, Nasonex nasal spray may help you.

If you suffer from rhinitis but are not sure what triggers your symptoms, speak to your GP about getting an allergy test. This will help to identify possible triggers of your condition so that you can avoid them.

You should speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice on taking treatments for allergies, including over-the-counter hayfever treatments.

How does Nasonex work?

Nasonex contains a corticosteroid (steroid) called mometasone furoate.

Mometasone furoate prevents cells in the nose from releasing chemicals which cause inflammation and the symptoms of nasal allergies.

By blocking the inflammatory response in the nose, the symptoms clear up.

Nasonex does not immediately relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

You need to use Nasonex nasal spray regularly for a period of time before you will notice a change in your allergy symptoms.

How to use Nasonex?

The typical dose of Nasonex for an adult is two sprays in each nostril once daily.

You should always take Nasonex as prescribed by your doctor. If you are unsure how to take Nasonex, ask your doctor or a pharmacist.

Before using your Nasonex nasal spray for the first time, you need to prime the bottle.

Priming your Nasonex nasal spray

1. Shake the spray bottle gently and remove the nozzle cap.
2. Place your index finger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle, supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb.
3. Holding the nozzle away from you, depress the pump 10 times until you see a fine mist.

If you have not used your Nasonex nasal spray for more than 14 days, you need to re-prime the bottle by depressing the pump twice until you see a fine mist.

Using your Nasonex nasal spray

1. Gently shake the bottle and remove the cap from the nozzle.
2. Blow your nose gently.
3. Supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb, place your index finger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle.
4. Close one nostril by pressing the side of your nose with your finger and push the nozzle into the other nostril. Keep the bottle in an upright position.
5. Begin to gently breathe in and depress the pump. This will spray the medicine into your nose.
6. Remove the nozzle from your nose and breathe out gently through your mouth.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 for the other nostril.

Once you have administered your medicine, use a clean tissue or handkerchief to clean the nozzle of the bottle and replace the cap.

Further information regarding cleaning and storing your Nasonex nasal spray can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose of Nasonex?

If you miss a dose of Nasonex, take it as soon as you remember. Continue taking your treatment as you normally would.

Do not take more Nasonex to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Nasonex?

If you take more Nasonex than you should, speak to your doctor. Using steroids for long periods, or in large quantities, can affect some of your hormones