Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray

What is Beconase Spray used for?

Beconase aqueous nasal spray is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies that affect the nose and sinuses (known as allergic rhinitis).

Each bottle of Beconase nasal spray contains 200 doses, with each dose delivering 50 mcg of beclomethasone dipropionate.

You can buy Beconase nasal spray online from Prescription Doctor's UK pharmacy. Fill out the online medical form to begin your order.

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

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

The symptoms of hay fever can include:

• Blocked sinuses
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat, mouth, nose and ears
• The loss of your sense of smell (anosmia)

Hayfever can also cause asthma symptoms to worsen. This can cause:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tight chest
• Wheezing

How common is hay fever in the UK?

It is estimated that around a fifth of the UK population suffers from hay fever. 90% of people with hayfever are allergic to Rye and Timothy grass pollen, while 25% are allergic to tree pollen.

It has also been found that those allergic to birch pollen are more likely to be allergic to apples, cherries, peaches, and plums, as these fruits contain a protein similar to birch pollen.

The type of pollen you are allergic to can affect when your symptoms develop and how long your hayfever symptoms last. Hayfever season starts in late March and lasts until September.

If you are unsure of the type of pollen to which you are allergic, consult your doctor. Different kinds of pollen are present at different times of the year. So, when your symptoms develop in a given year, it may be an indication of which types of pollen affect you.

How does Beconase work?

The active ingredient of Beconase nasal spray is a naturally occurring corticosteroid (steroid) called beclomethasone dipropionate.

Beclomethasone relieves inflammation in the nasal passages caused by hay fever and other allergies.

When an allergen, such as pollen, dust or animal dander, enters the body through the nose, the immune system releases chemicals which cause inflammation.

When taken regularly through the nose, beclomethasone dipropionate prevents inflammation in the nose.

According to the NHS, corticosteroids are more effective than antihistamine tablets at preventing and relieving nasal symptoms, although they may take longer to take effect.

How long does Beconase take to work?

It may take a few days of taking Beconase regularly before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. It's important to keep using Beconase as prescribed, even if you don't notice an improvement right away.

Corticosteroids do not provide immediate relief from the symptoms of hayfever, but do offer relief when used regularly for a period.

How do I use Beconase?

For adults, the typical dose of Beconase is two sprays in each nostril, twice daily, equivalent to 400 mcg per day.

It is best to take Beconase twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Before you use Beconase nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime it.

To prime your Beconase nasal spray:

1. Hold the bottle upright. Support the base of the bottle with your thumb and place your index and middle finger on either side of the collar of the nozzle.
2. When priming, hold the Beconase nasal spray away from you to avoid accidentally spraying the suspension into your eyes.
3. Keeping the thumb still, press down with your fingers to pump the spray.

If the spray does not work, the nozzle may be blocked. Consult the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine for information on how to clean your Beconase nasal spray.

To use your Beconase nasal spray:

1. Shake the bottle and remove the cap from the nozzle
2. Gently blow your nose.
3. Close one nostril by pressing your finger against the side of your nose.
4. Insert the nozzle into the opposite nostril.
5. Tilt your head forward slightly and begin to breathe in slowly through your nose.
6. While breathing in, press the collar of the nasal spray down firmly to administer Beconase.
7. Remove the nozzle from your nose and breathe out through your mouth.
8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to administer a second spray of Beconase in the same nostril.
9. Repeat steps 3 through 7 to administer the Beconase spray in the other nostril.
10. When you have finished using your Beconase nasal spray, wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean tissue or handkerchief, and replace the dust cap.

If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of continuous use of Beconase, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I clean my Beconase nasal spray?

After each use, you should wipe the nozzle of the nasal spray with a tissue or handkerchief to keep it clean.

You should clean your Beconase nasal spray once a week. You may need to clean it more often if it becomes blocked.

To clean your Beconase nasal spray:

• Remove the dust cover
• Remove the nozzle by pulling the white collar upwards.
• Soak both the dust cover and nozzle in warm water.
• Shake any excess drops off the nozzle and dust cap, and leave them to dry in a warm place.
• Reattach the nozzle and dust cover to the bottle and prime your Beconase nasal spray before using it again.

Do not use solvents or high temperatures to clean the nozzle, as this can cause damage.

What should I do if I forget to use Beconase?

If you forget to use Beconase, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your normal time. Do not use more of this medicine to make up for a forgotten dose.

What should I do if I use more Beconase than I should?

If you use more Beconase than you should, inform your doctor. Using more Beconase than advised can increase your risk of side effects or cause your symptoms to worsen.

Beconase side effects and cautions

Before taking Beconase, please read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. The patient information leaflet contains instructions on how to store, use and dispose of Beconase nasal spray, as well as important information regarding the safety of Beconase.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Beconase nasal spray online (PDF).

Side effects of Beconase

All medicines carry the risk of causing unwanted side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

It is essential to be aware of the potential side effects of the medication you are taking.

Some common side effects of Beconase may include:

• Dry or painful nose and throat
• Mild allergic reactions, including skin rashes or redness, itching or weals like nettle rash or hives
• Nose bleeds
• Sneezing immediately after using Beconase
• Unpleasant taste or smell

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Beconase nasal spray, including a complete list of known side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Allergies

Do not use Beconase nasal spray if you are allergic to beclometasone or any of its other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Can I use Beconase while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning on having a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Beconase.

Other safety information

When placing your order for Beconase online, please inform our online prescriber of all medicines you are currently taking. This includes those prescribed to you, as well as those purchased over the counter, and health and herbal supplements.

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

Always store medicines out of sight and reach of children and pets.

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

Never share a medicine prescribed to you with anybody else. Even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently asked questions about Beconase

Can I drink alcohol while using Beconase nasal spray?

While alcohol does not interact with the active ingredient Beconase, excessive alcohol consumption may worsen hayfever symptoms.

Will Beconase nasal spray affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Beconase is unlikely to impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.

What would happen if I stopped taking Beconase?

Stopping treatment early can cause your symptoms to come back. You should not stop using Beconase unless your doctor gives you explicit permission to

If you wish to stop using Beconase, consult your doctor for advice.

If your doctor tells you to stop taking Beconase, take the remaining medicine to your pharmacist, so they can properly dispose of it for you.

How long can I use Beconase for?

Beconase can be used long-term to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and hay fever.

It is best to start using Beconase between 1 and 2 weeks before you expect your allergic symptoms to begin, as it can take a few days for Beconase to take effect.

If you are unsure how long to use Beconase nasal spray, consult your doctor.

Can I take Beconase with other hayfever treatments?

You can use Beconase nasal spray in conjunction with antihistamines to manage allergy symptoms.

However, you should always consult your doctor before taking Beconase alongside another hay fever treatment.

Is Beconase available over the counter?

Beconase hayfever is available over the counter in pack sizes of 100 doses.

However, bottles containing 200 doses are only available on prescription.

You can buy bottles of Beconase containing 200 doses from our online private prescription service.