Nasonex

What is Nasonex nasal spray used for?

Nasonex nasal spray is used to treat nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), such as hay fever. 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, including sneezing, itching, a blocked nose, or a runny nose.

While you cannot get Nasonex nasal spray over the counter, you can order Nasonex online from Prescription Doctor's UK pharmacy. To begin your order, complete our brief online medical questionnaire, which will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, our UK pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your item the same day via a discreet, next-day delivery service.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is an immune response to allergens, such as pollen (known as hay fever), 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 for everyone.

Allergies can also affect other conditions, including asthma, which can cause people with asthma to use their inhalers more frequently. If you believe your allergies may be affecting other health conditions, consult 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 identify possible triggers of your condition, allowing you to avoid them.

You should consult your doctor or a pharmacist for advice on treating allergies, including over-the-counter hay fever 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 adults is two sprays in each nostril, administered once daily.

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

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 a fine mist appears.

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 a fine mist appears.

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 upright.
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 wipe the nozzle of the bottle, then 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 a double dose of Nasonex to make up for a 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.

Nasonex side effects and cautions

Before using Nasonex nasal spray, it's important to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. The patient information leaflet contains instructions on how to store, use and dispose of the medicine safely, as well as important safety information.

You can view the Nasonex patient information leaflet online.

Who should not use Nasonex nasal spray?

Nasonex nasal spray is not suitable for everyone. This may be due to underlying medical conditions or interactions with other medicines.

Before using Nasonex, speak to your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• Injury to the nose
• Nasal infection
• Recent nasal surgery
• Sinus infection
• Tuberculosis

If you are unsure whether Nasonex nasal spray is suitable for you, consult your doctor.

Nasonex nasal spray contains benzalkonium chloride, which may cause nasal irritation.

Nasonex side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, although not everyone will experience them. It's important to understand the risks associated with taking Nasonex.

Common side effects of Nasonex nasal spray may include:

• Nosebleeds
• Headache
• Nasal ulcers
• Respiratory tract infections
• Sneezing
• Sore nose and throat

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For further information on the safety of Nasonex nasal spray, including a comprehensive list of side effects associated with the medication, please refer to the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction?

Do not take Nasonex if you are allergic to mometasone furoate or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction to Nasonex may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Swollen face
• Trouble swallowing
• Wheezing

Can I take Nasonex while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant or are trying for a baby, speak to your doctor before using Nasonex to ensure the treatment is safe for you to use.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your Nasonex Nasal Spray before you start using it.

If you have any questions or concerns about Nasonex nasal spray or your allergies, one of our online prescribers or pharmacists can help.

Do not use Nasonex past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date typically refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never dispose of medicine via household or water waste, as this can harm the environment. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Do not store Nasonex nasal spray above 25°C.

Always store medicine away from the sight and reach of children.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they have been diagnosed with the same condition or are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

Frequently asked questions about Nasonex

Will Nasonex affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

The effect of Nasonex on driving or operating machinery is not known.

If you feel dizzy or tired after using Nasonex, it is recommended to avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel well enough to do so.

Can I take Nasonex with other medicines?

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Interactions between medicines can cause undesired effects, such as reducing the efficacy of the medicine or exacerbating side effects.

Your doctor may advise you to cease other corticosteroid treatment while taking Nasonex.

If you are taking medicines for HIV, such as ritonavir or cobistat, your doctor may wish to carefully monitor you while taking Nasonex.

Is it safe to use Nasonex on a long-term basis?

Nasonex nasal spray is safe for long-term use. It's important to always follow the doctor's prescription.

What is the difference between Nasonex and Nasacort?

Nasonex and Nasacort nasal spray contain different corticosteroids.

Nasonex contains mometasone furoate, while Nasacort contains triamcinolone acetonide.

Your doctor will be able to determine which nasal spray is most suitable for you.