Dymista Nasal Spray

What is Dymista Nasal Spray?

Dymista Nasal Spray is a combined steroid and antihistamine treatment for hayfever and nasal allergies that occur throughout the year. 

How does Dymista work?

Dymista contains azelastine hydrochloride, which is an antihistamine, and fluticasone propionate as the steroid component. Azelastine stops the body from releasing histamine which is a chemical that triggers an allergic reaction, preventing your allergy symptoms from flaring up. Fluticasone works on the cells within the nostrils themselves to prevent inflammation and relieve symptoms. 

How quickly does Dymista work?

Dymista will begin to take effect 15 minutes after using it. however, it can take a few days for the medicine to operate at its full effect.

How effective is Dymista?

Dymista is most effective when it’s taken twice a day for as long as it’s needed. Using it irregularly means the medicine won’t be as effective. 

Active ingredients

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

Inactive ingredients

The additional ingredients are  disodium edetate, glycerol, microcrystalline cellulose, carmellose sodium, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride , phenylethyl alcohol and purified water. 

How to use Dymista Nasal Spray

Before using the nasal spray, shake the bottle for five seconds. If it’s the first time you’ve used it, or if it hasn’t been used for seven days, you’ll need to prime the pump by pressing down six times until it releases a fine mist into the air. When it’s ready, blow your nose to clear the nostrils as best you can. Looking downwards, release a spray into the nostril, breathing in at the same time. Breathe out slowly through your mouth and repeat on the other side. Avoid tilting your head backwards as this can cause the medicine to collect in the back of the throat.

Dymista dosage

One spray should be administered into each nostril twice a day. 

Dymista side effects

Common side effects which you may experience with 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 inform your doctor of any other medicines you are taking, including herbal remedies. Particular care should be taken if you are using any other type of corticosteroids. Certain medicines may stop the fluticasone from working correctly, increasing the risk of experiencing side effects. These include: 

• Ritonavir
• Telaprevir
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole

Additional types of nasal sprays should not be used alongside Dymista.   

Dymista and pregnancy

You should seek advice from a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and planning to take Dymista.

Dymista and alcohol

Alcohol can increase the risk of developing side effects while you are using Dymista. 

Can I use Dymista with other hay fever treatments?

Dymista should not be taken alongside any other type of nasal spray or steroid treatment. Hay fever treatments such as eye drops can be used alongside Dymista but you should always check with a doctor to make sure any additional treatment will not interfere with Dymista or cause side effects.     

Is Dymista preventative or will it fix my symptoms?

Dymista both prevents and relieves the symptoms of hayfever. The antihistamine component works to prevent symptoms from flaring up and the steroid soothes any reaction that does occur. 

Can Dymista be used long term?

Dymista can be used long term. It should only be used when you are coming into contact with an allergen. For example, when pollen season is coming up or you are visiting a home with a pet. 

Can Dymista be used for other allergies?

Dymista can only be used for allergies which affect the nasal area. This could be hay fever, pet hair or dust. 

Is Dymista available over the counter?

Dymista is currently only available on prescription from a doctor.

Is Dymista a steroid?

Dymista is both a steroid and an antihistamine. It contains fluticasone which is a steroid. 

Is Dymista safe?

Dymista is safe to use provided its taken correctly. It’s not recommended for children under the age of 12. 

Is Dymista addictive?

Dymista is not addictive and will not cause a rebound effect where you need to heighten the dose to get the full effect.It’s designed for long term use.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• Mayo Clinic > Nasal Spray Addiction
• Drugs.com > Dymista Food Interactions