Nasonex

What is Nasonex?

Nasonex is a nasal spray which is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, perennial rhinitis and nasal polyps. It contains a type of steroid called a corticosteroid to relieve inflammation and hay fever symptoms.

How does Nasonex work?

Nasonex works by reducing the swelling and inflammation in the nose caused by coming into contact with an allergen such as pollen, dust mites or animal fur. It also relieves symptoms such as a blocked nose, sneezing or itching.

How long will Nasonex take to work?

You should start to see an improvement in your symptoms after 12 hours of using Nasonex but it can take up to 2 days for it to have a full effect. 

How long can I use Nasonex for?

You can use Nasonex for as long as you need to, for instance during pollen season. Once your symptoms are under control you will usually reduce your dose. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist on how to use it.

Is Nasonex a steroid?

Nasonex contains Mometasone which is a type of corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatories naturally produced by the body. These are different to anabolic steroids which are used by bodybuilders.

What causes hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen which is found in grass, trees and weeds. The symptoms occur as a result of these small particles coming into contact with your eyes, mouth and nose. When this happens your immune system sees pollen as a threat, releasing chemicals which cause hay fever symptoms. You are more likely to have hay fever if: 

• You have asthma 

• You have eczema 

• You have other allergies 

• You have a family history of hay fever 

• You were exposed to tobacco smoke as a young child 

Who is affected by hay fever?

Hay fever is a common condition which affects over 10 million people in the UK. It's more likely to develop during childhood or adolescence but you can get it at any age. Many people find that their symptoms are less severe as they get older. If you have asthma or any other allergic conditions then you are more likely to have hay fever than someone who has no known allergies. 

Hay fever and asthma

Hay fever is a common trigger for people with asthma. This means your asthma symptoms might get worse if you have hay fever. If this affects you, get advice from your doctor. You may be prescribed with a preventer inhaler to use every day alongside suitable hay fever medication to keep your symptoms under control.

How to prevent hay fever

It's impossible to avoid pollen completely but there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to it. These include: 

• Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the inside of your nostrils to stop pollen from entering  

• Stay indoors when possible if the pollen count is over 50 

• Keep the windows closed 

• Avoid keeping fresh flowers in your home 

• Vacuum and dust regularly 

• Dry clothes indoors 

• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke 

• Avoid walking across freshly cut grass 

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes 

• Change your clothes after being outside 

How do I know if I have hay fever or a cold?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and is most prevalent during pollen season (May-September). The cold is called by a virus and the symptoms clear up by themselves after a week or two. 

How to use Nasonex

Before you use Nasonex you'll need to prime the bottle for use. Shake it gently and press down on the pump 10 times until it produces a fine mist. When you're ready to use it, carefully shake the bottle and remove the dust cap. Blow your nose and then close one nostril, placing the nozzle into the other nostril. Tilt your head forwards slightly and press down on the pump to release a spray, breathing in at the same time. Breathe out through your mouth before repeating.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Nasonex is mometasone furoate.

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients include dispersible cellulose, glycerol, sodium citrate, citric acid monohydrate, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, purified water.

For adults and children over 12 use two sprays into each nostril once a day (a total of 4 sprays per day). The dose is halved for children under 12.

What should I do if I use too much Nasonex?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you use too much Nasonex. It's unlikely this will cause harm on a one-off occasion.

What should I do if I forget to use Nasonex?

If you forget to use Nasonex, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Never use double the amount to make up for a missed dose.

Possible side effects include: 

• Headaches 

• Sneezing 

• Nose bleeds 

• Sore nose 

• Sore throat 

• Ulcers 

• Respiratory tract infection 

• Glaucoma 

• Damaged septum 

• Altered taste or smell 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Blurred vision 

When used at high doses for long periods of time, this can cause slowed growth in children. 

Signs of an allergic reaction are: 

• Swelling of the face or tongue 

• Difficulty swallowing 

• Hives 

• Wheezing 

• Difficulty breathing

Contraindications

Nasonex should not be used if: 

• You are allergic to Mometasone or any of the other ingredients in the medicine 

• You have a nose infection 

• You have recently had a nasal operation or have a nose injury 

Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you: 

• If you have ever had tuberculosis 

• Infections 

• Additional corticosteroid medicines 

• Cystic fibrosis     

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are taking, particularly if you are using any other types of corticosteroids.

Can I use Nasonex alongside Antihistamines?

It's usually fine to take antihistamines alongside a steroid nasal spray like Nasonex. Always check with your doctor whether a certain combination is suitable or not.

Is Nasonex safe to use during pregnancy?

Nasonex should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor tells you it is safe. They will discuss the risks with you before prescribing it.

Is Nasonex safe to use while breastfeeding?

It's not known if Nasonex is passed into breast milk. It's recommended to ask your doctor for advice. 

Will Nasonex help a cold?

Nasonex is designed to treat allergic conditions such as hay fever and should not be used to treat a cold.

Alternatives to Nasonex

There are many over-the-counter remedies for hay fever, such as antihistamines or decongestants. These come in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops or tablets. Nasal corticosteroids, such as Nasonex, are more effective and can be prescribed for hay fever if over-the-counter remedies have not been effective. Corticosteroid tablets are available for quick, short term relief if your symptoms are severe. Immunotherapy treatment may be available if your symptoms have not responded to any other treatments. 

Nasonex vs Rhinocort

Nasonex and Rhinocort are both corticosteroids and work in the same way to reduce nasal inflammation. The main difference between the two medicines is that Nasonex can be used to treat nasal polyps in addition to hay fever and year-round allergies.

Nasonex vs Flonase

Nasonex and Flonase are both corticosteroid nasal sprays. They work in the same way to reduce inflammation and ease hay fever symptoms. Flonase is available to buy over-the-counter whereas Nasonex is prescription only.

How to treat hay fever at home

You can treat hay fever yourself with over-the-counter medications such as antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops. Rubbing a small amount of vaseline to the inside of your nostrils helps to prevent pollen from irritating the nose. It's recommended to stay indoors when the pollen count is high, if possible and showering and changing your clothes after being outdoors. 

Can you purchase Nasonex over-the-counter?

Nasonex is only available on prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter.

When is hay fever season?

Pollen season occurs between May- September. This is when pollen is released into the air, triggering hay fever symptoms.

Sources

Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1663/pil

NHS> Hay Fever https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/ 

NHS Inform> Hay Fever https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#about-hay-fever

Web MD> Nasonex https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4820/nasonex-nasal/details

Rxlist> Nasonex vs Rhinocort https://www.rxlist.com/nasonex_vs_rhinocort/drugs-condition.htm