Nasonex Nasal Spray

Nasonex nasal spray is available as prescription-only medicine. The active ingredient is mometasone furoate 50mcg which belongs to a group of medicines called steroids or corticosteroids. Mometasone nasal spray effectively reduces inflammation, swelling and irritation in your nose. This helps relieve itching, sneezing and your blocked or runny nose.

Nasonex nasal spray needs to be used regularly for it to work. It takes a few days for Nasonex nasal spray to work, so starting at least a week before the nasal symptoms begin is sensible. The usual starting dose is one or two sprays into each nostril once a day. As you improve, you should lower your dose to one spray into each nostril once daily. If your symptoms worsen, you may need to return your dose to the starting dose. Do not use larger doses or more than the maximum recommended dose. You must use your nasal spray correctly. Otherwise, you may notice that it is not as effective.

Your Nasonex Nasal Spray has a dust cap which protects the nozzle and keeps it clean. Remember to take this off before using the spray and replace it afterwards.

If you are using the spray for the first time, you need to ‘prime’ the bottle by pumping the spray ten times until a fine mist is produced:
1. Gently shake the bottle.
2. Put your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle and your thumb underneath the bottle. Do Not pierce the nasal applicator.
3. Point the nozzle away from you and press down with your fingers to pump the spray ten times until a fine mist is produced. If you have not used the spray for 14 days or more, you must “re-prime” the bottle by pumping the spray two times until a fine mist is produced.

1. Shake the bottle gently and remove the dust cap. (Figure 1)
2. Gently blow your nose.
3. Close one nostril and put the nozzle into the other nostril. 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 (Figure 3).

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

Nasonex nasal spray can cause side effects like all medicines, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects are sneezing, dry or sore throat, hoarse voice, unpleasant taste or smell or sore nose or nosebleeds.

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

Most adults and children over the age of 4 years can use the spray. However, Nasonex may not be suitable for:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to mometasone furoate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have an untreated infection in your nose. Use of Nasonex during an untreated infection in your nose, such as herpes, can worsen the infection. You should wait until the infection is resolved before using the nasal spray.
• if you have recently had an operation on your nose or you have injured your nose. You should not use the nasal spray until your nose has healed.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Nasonex

• if you have or have ever had tuberculosis.
• if you have any other infection.
• if you take other corticosteroid medicines, either by mouth or by injection.
• If you have cystic fibrosis.

While you are using Nasonex, talk to your doctor

• if your immune system is not functioning well (if you have difficulty in fighting infection) and you come into contact with anyone with measles or chickenpox. You should avoid coming into contact with anyone who has these infections.
• if you have an infection of the nose or throat.
• if you have been using the medicine for several months or longer.
• if you have persistent irritation to the nose or throat.