Rhinocort Aqua

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How does it work?

Budesonide belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids act inside the body's cells to decrease the release of certain chemicals that are involved in the body's immune system, and which initiate an inflammatory reaction. By decreasing the release of these chemicals, corticosteroids help reduce inflammation. Individuals, who suffer from nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), such as hayfever, house dust or pet allergy, tend to experience a variety of symptoms due to the inflammatory reaction. Inflammation of the nasal passage is associated with congestion of the nasal tissues and a runny and blocked nose. Other symptoms include sneezing and watery, itchy eyes. Corticosteroids can be used to treat these symptoms. This medicine is given as a nasal spray specifically to prevent the inflammation that occurs due to allergies affecting the nasal passage. As this medicine is given as a nasal spray, this delivers the budesonide directly to the place where it is needed. When it is used in this way, only a small dose is required and the likelihood of side effects occurring elsewhere in the body is low. The medicine can take three to seven days to have its full effect and must be used regularly.

What is it used for?

- Growths into the nose
- Hayfever
- Inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies that occur thoughout the year
- Inflammation of the nasal lining not due to infection or allergy (vasomotor rhinitis)

Warning!

- 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.
- For full therapeutic benefit this medicine should be used regularly.
- The dose of this medicine for use in children has not been established.
- Even if symptom relief has been achieved, this medicine should not be used continuously for longer than 3 months without consulting your doctor.
- This medicine may cause side effects elsewhere in the body if used at high doses and for long periods of time. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for further information and do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Special care is demanded in the treatment of patients transferred from oral to nasal corticosteroids where disturbances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis could be expected.

Use with caution in

- Fungal or viral infections of the airways
- Tuberculosis infections of the lung

Not to be used in

- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

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.
- The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- This medication is available without prescription, only when supplied in small quantities.

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