Beconase hayfever nasal spray

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate (previously spelt beclomethasone in the UK), which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands and have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Beclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used as a nasal spray to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages. People who suffer from nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) such as hayfever tend to experience a variety of symptoms as a result of their allergy, including a runny, itchy or blocked nose, sneezing and sinus discomfort. These symptoms are a result of inflammation in the nasal passages. The nasal inflammation occurs when the nasal passages are exposed to foreign particles (allergens), for example, pollen, dust mites or pet fur. The allergens cause the cells in the nose to release chemicals that help to produce immune and allergic responses. These result in inflammation in the nasal passages and the symptoms of the allergy. When administered into the nose, beclometasone is absorbed into the cells of the nasal passages. Here it works by preventing the cells from releasing the chemicals that trigger the allergic response. This stops the allergic reaction from happening so the nasal inflammation is reduced and the symptoms relieved. The nasal spray will not relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies immediately, and can take two to three days to have its full effect. It is therefore most effective to start using the nasal spray two to three days before you expect to get symptoms, for example before the start of the pollen season, or if you know you are going to be in contact with pets that give you the allergy. For maximum benefit the spray should be used regularly to keep the nasal inflammation under control. Beclometasone nasal spray can be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies (eg Beconase hayfever) for the prevention and treatment of all nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), including hayfever and pet allergies, in adults aged over 18 years. It can also be bought from general retail outlets such as supermarkets, but these more widely available products (eg Beconase hayfever relief for adults) are only licensed specifically for the treatment of hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Beclometasone nasal spray can also be prescribed by your doctor. See the Beclometasone nasal spray (prescription-only) factsheet for further information.

What is it used for?

Relief from symptoms of hayfever

Treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis

Warning!

For full therapeutic benefit this medicine should be used regularly.

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.

If you have bought this medicine from a general retail outlet, such as a supermarket, you should not use it continuously for longer than one month without getting medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist. If you bought this medicine from your pharmacist you should not use it continuously for longer than three months without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms have been relieved.

If your symptoms have not improved after seven days of using this medicine, seek medical advice from your pharmacist or doctor.

Use with caution in

Infection of the nasal passages and sinuses

Not to be used in

Children or adolescents under 18 years of age

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.

This medicine may pass into breast milk in small amounts. It should only be used during breastfeeding if the benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the nursing infant. 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.

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Appearance of a hole in the partition between the two nostrils (nasal septum perforation)

Disturbance in sense of smell

Raised pressure inside the eye

Unpleasant taste

Dryness and irritation of the nose and throat

Hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, itching, hives or swelling of the lips and face

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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