Avamys Nasal Spray

Avamys is a prescription-only steroid nasal spray containing the active ingredient Fluticasone Furoate. Avamys is effective in reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms such as runny, blocked, or itchy nose. It works by reducing the inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages caused by allergens. Fluticasone belongs to a group of steroids called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a copy of a steroid produced naturally by your body. Fluticasone is available over the counter as Flixonase and by prescription called Avamys and mixed with an antihistamine called dymista. You do need to use fluticasone regularly for it to work.

Avamys Nasal spray contains 27.5mcg of Flucticasone Furoate. Although Avamys can be taken in children aged 6 years and over we only offer this treatment to adults over 18 years old. The recommended starting dose is two spray actuations (27.5 micrograms of fluticasone furoate per spray actuation) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 110 micrograms). Once adequate control of symptoms is achieved, dose reduction to one spray actuation in each nostril (total daily dose 55 micrograms) may be effective for maintenance. If your symptoms get worse after reducing your dose you may increase the dose again.

The dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is maintained.

The intranasal device should be shaken before use. The device is primed by pressing the mist release button for at least six spray actuations (until a fine mist is seen), whilst holding the device upright. Re-priming (approximately 6 sprays until a fine mist is seen) is only necessary if the cap is left off for 5 days or the intranasal device has not been used for 30 days or more.

The device should be cleaned after each use and the cap replaced.

Remove the cap and gently shake the bottle.

1. Blow your nose gently, then close 1 nostril with your finger.
2. Bend your head forward slightly and carefully put the nozzle into your other nostril.
3. Slowly breathe in through your nose and with your fingers press down on the widest part of the nozzle to squirt the spray once into your nostril.
4. Breathe out through your mouth.
5. Follow steps 3 and 4 again to squirt a second spray (if you need it) into the same nostril.

Repeat the process with the other nostril if you need it.

If you forget to take Avamys take the dose as soon as you remember but avoid taking the dose if it is almost time to take the next dose. Do not double dose to make up for the forgotten dose.

Like all medicines, Avamys can cause side effects although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects are unpleasant taste or smell, a dry or sore nose or nosebleeds, a dry or sore throat or a hoarse voice or headache. Serious side effects are rare however it is important you contact the doctor or The Family Chemist clinician if you suffer from any other side effects. The full list of side effects is available in the patient information leaflet.

Taking avamys long term may cause eye conditions. Tell your doctor if you notice blurred vision or other visual disturbances while you are taking avamys.

Answer the consultation honestly and accuratly if you are taking, or have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
It is especially important to tell The Family Chemist Clinician if you are taking, or have recently taken any of the following medicines:

• steroid tablets or injected steroids
  • steroid creams
  • medicines for asthma
  • ritonavir or cobicistat, used to treat HIV
  • ketoconazole, used to treat fungal infections

Your doctor will assess whether you should take Avamys with these medicines. Your doctor may wish to monitor you carefully if you are taking any of these medicines as they may increase the side effects of Avamys.

Avamys should not be used at the same time with other nasal sprays containing steroids.