Dymista Nasal Spray

What is Dymista nasal spray?

Dymista nasal spray is a combined steroid and antihistamine treatment for hayfever and nasal allergies.

How does Dymista work?

Dymista contains azelastine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, and fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid. Azelastine reduces histamine release to prevent an allergic reaction being triggered by pollen. Fluticasone reduces inflammation in your nose. Together, azelastine and fluticasone help treat and prevent symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy or watery eyes caused by hay fever or other nasal allergies.

How quickly does Dymista work?

Dymista works quickly within 30 minutes after using it. However, Dymista needs to be used daily as it takes a few days to achieve the best prevention and treatment of your symptoms.

How effective is Dymista?

Dymista is most effective when it’s used twice a day, every day for as long as it’s needed. The azelastine component of Dymista provides instant relief while the fluticasone component works in the background to prevent symptoms from occurring.

How to use Dymista nasal spray?

Before using Dymista nasal spray, shake the bottle for five seconds. If it’s the first time you’ve used Dymista, you’ll need to prime the pump by pressing down six times until it releases a fine mist into the air. When ready, blow your nose into a clean tissue and wash your hands. Look downwards, release a spray into your nostril, breathing in gently at the same time. Breathe out slowly through your mouth and repeat the process for your other nostril. Avoid tilting your head backwards as this can cause the medicine to collect in the back of the throat.

Dymista dosage

For adults and children over 12 years old, the typical starting dose is one spray in each nostril twice a day.

Dymista side effects

Common side effects you may experience while using Dymista include:

• Nosebleeds
• Headaches
• An unpleasant taste 

Less common side effects include: 

• Stinging or itching in the nose
• Dryness in the nostrils
• Sneezing 
• Dry or irritated throat 
• Cough 

In rare cases you may experience: 

• Dizziness 
• Tiredness 
• Nausea
• An allergic reaction 
• Septum perforation 
• Cataracts or glaucoma - if you experience any visual disturbances speak to your doctor

Contraindications

If you are allergic to azelastine, fluticasone or any of the other ingredients then do not use Dymista. Tell your doctor if: 

• You have a nasal infection 
• You’ve recently had an operation on your nose 
• You have tuberculosis 
• You have ever experienced cataracts or glaucoma
• You have severe liver disease 
• You have an impaired adrenal gland  

Drug interactions

You should let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies. These include: 

• Ritonavir
• Telaprevir
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole

Other types of nasal sprays should not be used alongside Dymista without your doctor’s recommendation. 

Dymista and pregnancy

You should speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding before using Dymista.

Dymista and alcohol

You should avoid drinking alcohol while using Dymista as you are more likely to develop side effects.

Dymista and driving

If Dymista makes you feel drowsy or sleepy, then do not drive while using it.

Can I use Dymista with other hay fever treatments?

Dymista should not be used alongside any other nasal spray or steroid treatment. Hay fever treatments such as eye drops or tablets can be used alongside Dymista, but you should always check with your doctor to make sure they do not interact with Dymista or cause side effects.

Is Dymista preventative or will it fix my symptoms?

Dymista prevents and relieves the symptoms of hay fever. In Dymista there are two components that work together to do this. These are Azelastine, a fast-acting antihistamine, and fluticasone, an effective long-lasting anti-inflammatory.

Can Dymista be used long term?

Dymista can be used long term, under the guidance of your doctor. You can use Dymista seasonally, for example when you will be exposed to allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet hair for long periods of time.

Can Dymista be used for other allergies?

Dymista is used for allergies that affect the nasal area. This could be hay fever, pet hair or dust mites. Your doctor may recommend that you use Dymista for other allergies if necessary.

Is Dymista available over the counter?

Dymista is not available over the counter. You need a prescription from a doctor, such as Dr Felix, to get Dymista.

Is Dymista a steroid?

Dymista contains two active ingredients; one is an antihistamine (azelastine) and one is a steroid (fluticasone). Fluticasone is a type of steroid known as a corticosteroid. 

Is Dymista safe?

Dymista is safe to use as directed by your doctor. Dymista is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years old.

Is Dymista addictive?

Dymista is not addictive. When you no longer need to use Dymista, your doctor will guide you on how to gradually reduce the dose so you can stop using it.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in Dymista nasal spray are azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Dymista nasal spray are disodium edetate, glycerol, microcrystalline cellulose, carmellose sodium, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, phenylethyl alcohol and purified water.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

There are no active or inactive ingredients in this nasal spray associated with allergic reaction cases, which makes a severe allergic reaction to this medication rare. However, the nasal spray can cause a burning sensation inside the nose after the first few uses. A severe allergic reaction presents as a rash, lip/face swelling, dizziness, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Get emergency medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.