Nasacort Allergy Relief

Nasacort Allergy contains a medicine called triamcinolone acetonide.

This belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids which means it is a type of steroid. It is given as a spray in the nose to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever), such as sneezing, itchy and runny nose, itchy, red and watery eyes, nasal congestion and associated sinus discomfort. This type of allergy, such as hayfever, can be caused by different pollens in different seasons of the year. This is called ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’.

This medicine only works if used on a regular basis and may not help your symptoms straight away. It helps some people within the first day of treatment, however, for other people it may take 3 to 4 days to feel a relief.

Before using your nasal spray, blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils.

1. Preparing the bottle

• Remove the blue cover by pulling upwards
• Shake the bottle gently before use

2. If you are using the spray for the first time

• Hold the bottle upright
• Point the spray away from you while doing this
• Fill the pump with spray by pressing the nozzle downwards – this is called priming
• Press and release it 5 times
• Do this until a fine spray is produced
• The spray is now ready to use

3. Using the spray

• Close one nostril with your finger
• Hold the bottle upright and put the nozzle into the other nostril as far as is comfortable
• Breathe in gently through your nose with your mouth closed
• While you are doing this, press the nozzle to deliver one spray

4. Then breathe out through your mouth

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 if you have to spray again in the same nostril and for the other nostril

6. After using the spray

• To keep the spray nozzle clean, wipe it carefully with a clean tissue or handkerchief after each use
• Replace the cap over the nozzle

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

Stop using Nasacort if: You have an allergic reaction to Nasacort Allergy. The signs (frequency not known) may include: a rash (hives), itching, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following side effects. Also tell them if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet.

Common side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 100)

• Runny nose, headache, sore throat and/or cough
• Nosebleeds
• Inflammation/irritation of the airways (bronchitis)
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle pain, weakness and/or fatigue)
• Problems with teeth

Other side effects (frequency not known)

• Irritation and dryness on the inside of your nose
• Sinuses become congested or blocked
• Sneezing
• Changes in the way things taste or smell
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Sleeping problems, feeling dizzy or tired
• Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
• A decrease in the levels of cortisol in the blood (lab value)
• Cloudiness of the lens in the eye (cataract)
• Elevated pressure inside the eyeball (glaucoma)
• Blurred vision

In some people, Nasacort Allergy can cause damage to the middle part of the inside of the nose (called ‘nasal septum’). Discuss any worries you may have about this with your doctor or pharmacist.

The full list of side effects is available in the patient information leaflet.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Nasacort Allergy if:

• You have any infection of the nose or throat that is not treated. If you get a fungal infection while using Nasacort Allergy, stop using the spray until the infection has been treated.
• You have recently had a nose operation, or had an injury or ulcer in the nose.
• You are using other corticosteroid products, such as other nasal sprays or eye/nose drops, asthma medications, tablets creams or ointments.
• You are being transferred from steroid injections or tablets to Nasacort Allergy.
• You have had glaucoma or cataracts

Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or they are still not controlled, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.