Avamys Nasal Spray

Avamys nasal spray, or Avamys nose spray, is a treatment for hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, which is released into the air by plants in high quantities during spring and summer. Avamys nasal spray contains the active ingredient fluticasone furoate, which belongs to a group of medicines called glucocorticoids (a type of corticosteroid).

Avamys is used to prevent and treat the symptoms of hay fever, including:

• itchy and watery eyes
• an itchy, runny, or blocked nose
• sneezing

Avamys nose spray is a type of corticosteroid. When you spray Avamys into your nose, the active ingredient fluticasone is absorbed through the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This can treat and prevent an itchy, blocked, and runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery, or red eyes by decreasing inflammation in these areas.

Coming into contact with pollen causes your body to release a chemical called histamine. This makes the mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, and throat swell and become itchy, which is your body's way of trying to get rid of the allergen.

Avamys is only available as Avamys 27.5 mcg nasal spray. This means each spray contains 27.5 mcg of fluticasone. The usual starting dose for adults is 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.

Avamys steroid nasal spray is suitable if you’re over 18 and you’ve got hay fever symptoms that aren’t being managed by over-the-counter treatments. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any other medications or have any other health conditions before using it.

The usual starting dose for adults is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. This can be decreased to 1 spray in each nostril once a day if symptoms are controlled. You should use Avamys nasal spray at the same time every day as this will treat your symptoms until your next dose is due.

You only need to take Avamys nasal spray for the part of the year when you get hay fever symptoms, which is known as hay fever season. You should discuss with your doctor when it is best to stop and start your treatment.

Before you use Avamys nose spray for the first time:

1. Shake it vigorously for at least 10 seconds.
2. Remove the cap and point the spray upwards and away from you.
3. Press the spray button down repeatedly until the spray comes out as a fine mist – it’s now ready for use.

You’ll only need to repeat this process again if you’ve left the cap off for 5 or more days, or you haven’t used it in 30 days.

To use Avamys steroid nasal spray:

1. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
2. Shake the spray and remove the cap.
3. Tilt your head slightly forward and place the nozzle into your nostril. Make sure the nozzle is pointing slightly outwards, away from the centre of your nose.
4. Hold your other nostril closed and press the spray button once while breathing in through your nose.
5. Breathe out through your mouth.
6. Repeat this again if you take 2 sprays in each nostril before doing the same in the other nostril.
7. When you’re done, wipe the nozzle and inside of the cap with a clean tissue. This keeps the nasal spray clean and prevents it from becoming blocked. Never use water or anything sharp to clean it.
8. Store it somewhere safe and keep it upright.

When should I start taking Avamys nasal spray?

To best manage your hay fever symptoms, it’s best to start taking Avamys 1 or 2 weeks before your symptoms would usually start. This is because it can take a few days to work. Your doctor can advise you on the best time to start using Avamys if you’ve not used it before.

What should I do if I forget to take Avamys nasal spray?

If you forget to take Avamys nose spray, take your dose as soon as you remember. If it’s time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your treatment as normal. Don’t take a double dose if you forgot your dose.

What should I do if I use too much Avamys nasal spray?

If you use more Avamys nose spray than you’ve been prescribed, speak to your doctor if you get side effects, or if you’ve taken a lot more than you were meant to. Using a little bit too much on one occasion isn’t likely to be harmful.

If you often take more than you’ve been prescribed, you’re more likely to get side effects. If Avamys nasal spray isn’t treating your hay fever symptoms after several weeks on the highest dose, speak to your doctor.

What should I do if I want to stop taking Avamys nasal spray?

You can stop taking Avamys nasal spray when hay fever season is over. There’s no need to decrease your dose first. Speak to your doctor if you want to stop taking it sooner. Keep in mind that your hay fever symptoms could come back if it’s still hay fever season or you usually get symptoms at this time.

You might be able to use Avamys nasal spray while pregnant or breastfeeding, but you should always speak to your doctor or midwife first. Avamys nasal spray is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding in most circumstances.

• You should not take Avamys nasal spray if you’re allergic to fluticasone or any other non-active ingredient in the medication.
• Avamys nose spray may cause eye conditions such as cataracts (clouding of the lens) and glaucoma (increased pressure). Speak to your doctor if you’ve had these conditions before or if you notice any changes to your eyesight while taking it.
• Avamys nasal spray also contains benzalkonium chloride which can cause swelling and irritation in the nose. This is more common when using it for a long time. Speak to your doctor if you notice these symptoms.

If you’ve got any other medical conditions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Avamys nasal spray for the first time or if your circumstances change.

Like all medications, Avamys nose spray can cause some side effects, but not everybody will get them. Because the medication is inhaled, many side effects are associated with pain or irritation in the nose. If you get an irritated or sore nose while taking Avamys nasal spray, stop using it for a few days until it feels better. If this keeps happening, speak to your doctor.

A rare and serious side effect of any medication, including Avamys nasal spray, is a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you notice any of the following symptoms, call 999 or go to A&E straight away:

• swelling around the face
• redness or skin rashes
• difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing
• feeling weak or light-headed

If you get any of the following side effects, see if they go away after a short break from using Avamys nasal spray (for nasal side effects) or once your body adjusts to the medication. If these side effects are severe, affecting your daily life, or aren’t going away after several weeks of treatment, speak to your doctor:

Very common Avamys nasal spray side effects include:

• nosebleeds, which are generally minor and more likely if you use it for longer than 6 weeks continuously

Common Avamys nasal spray side effects include:

• headache
• shortness of breath
• nasal ulceration (ulcers in the nose), which can cause discomfort, irritation, and bleeding

Uncommon Avamys nasal spray side effects include:

• burning, irritation, pain, or dryness in the nose

If you notice any of the following side effects, speak to your doctor straight away:

Very rare Avamys nasal spray side effects include:

• small holes in the ridge of your nose (the skin that separates your nostrils)

Other Avamys nasal spray side effects (frequency not known) include:

• slowing of growth in children
• temporary changes in vision or blurred vision
• chest tightness caused by shortness of breath

For any other side effects, speak to your doctor and report them using the Yellow Card Scheme.

Avamys nasal spray should never be used alongside other steroid nasal sprays.

It may also not be suitable if you take:

• steroid tablets, creams, or injections
• asthma medications
• HIV treatments called ritonavir or cobicistat
• a fungal infection treatment called ketoconazole

A doctor needs to assess whether Avamys nasal spray is still safe for you while taking these medications, as they may increase the risk of side effects. Speak to your doctor before using Avamys nasal spray if you’re taking any other medications, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter treatments.

Avamys nose spray has no known food and drink interactions.

Avamys nasal spray contains the active ingredient fluticasone furoate. The other non-active ingredients include:

• glucose anhydrous
• dispersible cellulose
• polysorbate 80
• benzalkonium chloride
• disodium edetate
• purified water

It can be used if you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or halal.

How should I store Avamys nasal spray?

Avamys nasal spray should be stored upright with the cap on. Don’t refrigerate or freeze it. Always keep medicines away from children and vulnerable adults.

How should Avamys nasal spray be disposed of?

Don’t throw Avamys nasal spray in your normal waste bin. Speak to a pharmacist about how to dispose of medicines safely in your area – they may be able to dispose of it for you. Avamys nasal spray should be disposed of within 2 months of opening or after the expiration date.

What does Avamys nasal spray look like?

Avamys nasal spray is a white nasal spray suspension in an amber glass bottle, with a pump to administer the medication. The bottle is made of off-white plastic with a light blue cap. There’s also a viewing window so you can see how much medication you have left.

What pack sizes is Avamys nasal spray available in?

Avamys nose spray is available in pack sizes of 30, 60, and 120 sprays.

Information about the manufacturer

Avamys nasal spray is manufactured by: Glaxo Operations UK Ltd (trading as Glaxo Wellcome Operations), Harmire Road, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8DT, United Kingdom.