Nasonex

What is Nasonex?

Nasonex is used for treating allergy symptoms that occur both seasonally and all year round. Allergies are commonly due to pollen, pets and dust. The symptoms that Nasonex helps to control include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itching. It can also be used to treat growths that can develop in the nose, also known as nasal polyps.

Nasonex is a type of corticosteroid. This means that it works by reducing the swelling that can be found in the nasal passages.

How does work?

Nasonex spray contains mometasone, which is a type of corticosteroid. These are hormones that the adrenal glands, found on the tops of the kidneys, produce naturally. They have several different uses, including controlling inflammation.

Mometasone works to reduce inflammation that occurs in the nasal passages due to allergies and hayfever. It’s absorbed into the nasal lining and stops cells from releasing particular chemicals that cause the inflammatory response. So it eases symptoms like a blocked nose, runny nose and sinus discomfort. It also helps symptoms that affect the eyes, like itchiness.

When there is inflammation or swelling in the sinus lining, nasal polyps can form. This is usually because of an allergy or infection. This inflammation can block the nose, and cause difficulty breathing through the nose. Mometasone works to reduce both inflammation and polyps.

What doses of Nasonex are there?

You can only take Nasonex once daily. The recommended dose for allergy symptoms and hayfever is two sprays per nostril. Each spray contains 50mcg of mometasone furoate. These four sprays should be done once a day, meaning the total daily dose is 200mcg.

How to use Nasonex

Read through the instructions provided to make sure that you are familiar with the spray.

• Shake the bottle carefully before using it.
• Before first use, you need to spray into the air 10 times until you see that a fine mist has formed. Make sure to spray away from yourself during this.
• If you haven’t used the spray for more than 14 days then you will need to pump it into the air twice before spraying it into your nostril.
• Nasonex is only to be used in your nostril, and not the mouth. Avoid your eyes.
• You need to clean the plastic nozzle regularly to stop it becoming blocked.
• If you have allergies, it can be effective to use Nasonex a few days before you would usually experience symptoms (for example if you know that you will be visiting pets or being in a high pollen environment).
• If you forget to take Nasonex, then do so when you remember, unless this clashes with your next dose. If it does, skip the dose you missed. Only ever take one dose at a time.

How long does it take Nasonex to work?

Nasonex should begin to relieve your allergy symptoms after two days and be completely effective after a few weeks. Once you notice that your symptoms are under control, then you can reduce the dose down to one spray per nostril, per day. If you find that your symptoms haven’t improved after five weeks of using the same dose, then you should consult your doctor. They will advise on changing your dosage or other options.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Nasonex?

If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, you should skip the one you missed and take your next dose at the usual time. If you think you’ve taken too much by mistake, get medical advice right away. If you’re having difficulty breathing then call 999 or go to the hospital.