Nasonex nasal spray

How does it work?

Nasonex nasal spray contains the active ingredient mometasone furoate, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroid medicines are derivatives of corticosteroid hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They are often simply called steroids, but it should be noted that they are very different from another group of steroids, called anabolic steroids, which have gained notoriety because of their abuse by some athletes and body builders.

Corticosteroids have many important functions in the body, including control of inflammatory responses. Corticosteroid medicines are mainly used for their effect in controlling inflammation, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are used for the localised treatment of nasal allergies.

Inflammation often occurs as a result of an allergic reaction, and people who suffer from nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), such as hayfever, or dust mite or pet allergies, tend to experience a variety of symptoms due to this inflammation. Inflammation of the nasal passage forces fluid out of the nasal tissues, resulting in a runny and blocked nose. Other symptoms include sneezing, and watery, itchy eyes.

Mometasone works by stopping the cells in the nasal lining from producing various inflammation-causing chemicals that are normally released when the body reacts to allergens or irritation. These include prostaglandins and various other inflammatory substances. By preventing these inflammatory chemicals from being released in the nose, mometasone reduces the inflammation and relieves its related symptoms.

The nasal spray delivers mometasone directly to the area where it is needed, which reduces the chance of side effects occurring elsewhere in the body.

Mometasone nasal spray treats the symptoms of nasal allergies, such as hayfever, pet allergy or dust mite allergy. It can also be used to prevent hayfever in people who suffer severely from this type of allergy. Treatment should be started four weeks prior to the pollen season for this purpose.

Some people may experience some relief from their hayfever symptoms within 12 hours of the first dose. However, it is important to keep using the medicine regularly, as prescribed by your doctor, to achieve the full benefit.

What is it used for?

Hayfever in adults and children over six years of age

Inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies that occur thoughout the year in adults and children over six years of age

Nasal polyps in adults over 18 years of age

Warning!

Before you use the nasal spray for the first time shake the bottle well, then press the pump six or seven times until a uniform spray is produced. If you don't use the nasal spray for 14 days or more you should reprime the spray in this way again before using it. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Any remaining nasal spray should be carefully disposed of two months after the first use.

Do not exceed the dose of this medicine prescribed by your doctor.

People using this medicine long-term should have regular nasal examinations.

Children who are receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroid medicines should have their height regularly monitored, since high doses of corticosteroids taken for long periods of time can impair growth in children.

Nasonex has not been studied for use in the treatment of unilateral polyps, polyps associated with cystic fibrosis, or polyps that completely obstruct the nasal cavities.

Use with caution in

Active or inactive tuberculosis infection

Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye

Untreated infections affecting the body as a whole

Not to be used in

People who have had recent nasal surgery or injury (until healing has occured)

Untreated nasal infections

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)

Nasal irritation

Nasal burning

Nasal ulceration

Smell or taste disturbances

Side effects similar to those associated with corticosteroids taken by mouth may occur if this medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is unlikely unless the medicine is used at high doses for prolonged periods of time.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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