Nasonex

Nasonex Nasal Spray contains mometasone furoate, one of a group of medicines called corticosteroids. When mometasone furoate is sprayed into the nose, it can help to relieve inflammation (swelling and irritation of the nose), sneezing, itching and a blocked up or runny nose.

Hay fever, which occurs at certain times of the year, is an allergic reaction caused by breathing in pollen from trees, grasses, weeds and also moulds and fungal spores. Perennial rhinitis occurs throughout the year and symptoms can be caused by a sensitivity to a variety of things including house dust mite, animal hair (or dander), feathers and certain foods. Nasonex reduces the swelling and irritation in your nose and thereby relieving sneezing, itching and a blocked-up or runny nose caused by hayfever or perennial rhinitis.

The usual starting dose is two sprays into each nostril once daily.

• If symptoms are not controlled after 5 to 6 weeks, the dose may be increased to two sprays in each nostril twice daily. Once symptoms are under control, your doctor may advise you to decrease your dose.
• If no improvement in symptoms is seen after 5 to 6 weeks of twice daily administration, you should contact your doctor.

1. Shake the bottle gently and remove the dust cap.
2. Gently blow your nose.
3. Close one nostril and put the nozzle into the other nostril as shown. Tilt your head forward slightly, keeping the bottle upright.
4. Start to breathe in gently or slowly through your nose and whilst you are breathing in squirt a spray of fine mist into your nose by pressing down ONCE with your fingers.
5. Breathe out through your mouth. Repeat step 4 to inhale a second spray in the same nostril if applicable.
6. Remove the nozzle from this nostril and breathe out through the mouth.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 for the other nostril.

After using the spray, wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean handkerchief or tissue and replace the dust cap.

Like all medicines, Nasonex can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Immediate hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions may occur after use of this product. These reactions may be severe. You should stop taking Nasonex and get immediate medical help if you experience symptoms such as:

• swollen face, tongue or pharynx
• trouble swallowing
• hives
• wheezing or trouble breathing

When corticosteroid nasal sprays are used at high doses for long periods of time, side effects may occur due to the drug being absorbed in the body.