Avamys (27.5 micrograms) Nasal Spray

What is Avamys nasal spray?

Avamys nasal spray is an effective prescription-only treatment for hay fever and other allergies. Avamys contains the active ingredient fluticasone furoate, which works to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages caused by allergic reactions (with the culprits most commonly being pollen, animals, and house dust).

By reducing nasal inflammation, this steroid-based spray can significantly reduce and alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which include nasal congestion, a runny, itchy nose, sneezing, and red, itchy and watery eyes.

Avamys nasal spray is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Each bottle of nasal spray contains approximately 120 sprays (going by the usual starting dose) and can be used by adults and children aged 6 years and over.

What is Avamys nasal spray used for?

Avamys nasal spray effectively reduces symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), including nasal congestion, sneezing, a running nose, and watery, itchy and red eyes. You simply spray it into your nose as needed, gently targeting each affected nostril. Applied once or twice per day, the fine mist will work quickly to reduce inflammation, clearing your airways and soothing your discomfort.

This steroid nasal spray is also effective at reducing the symptoms of allergies caused by other irritants such as pet hair or house dust.

How does Avamys nasal spray treat allergic rhinitis?

When you suffer an allergic reaction in your nose (particularly through hay fever), your airways can close up through inflamed nasal mucosa and the resulting production of mucus. Avamys nasal spray contains a corticosteroid called fluticasone furoate (part of a group of medicines called glucocorticoids) which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and works quickly to bring down this swelling.

As the swelling from the allergic reaction goes down, most of the other symptoms of allergic rhinitis will also be reduced, including itchiness, sneezing, and a running nose. And since it tackles the symptoms, the nasal spray is effective against all nasal allergies at any time of year.

How quickly does Avamys nasal spray work?

The nasal spray should begin to reduce your hay fever symptoms within 8 hours of application and reach its full effect once you’ve been using it for a few days. You’ll start by applying two sprays per nostril each day, then reduce this to one spray per nostril when your symptoms are under control. You should keep using Avamys for as long as you’re exposed to allergens.

Avamys nasal spray alternatives

If you don’t want to use a fluticasone furoate nasal spray, you can still treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis using a number of alternative methods. Head to our hay fever treatments page to browse over-the-counter (OTC) medications for allergic rhinitis, including antihistamine tablets, eye drops, and non-steroid nasal sprays.

• Hay fever tablets include Chlorphenamine, Piriteze, and Zirtek.
• Eye drops include Opticrom, Optilast, and Optrex.
• Non-steroid nasal sprays include Nasacort, Beconase, Benacort.

If you haven’t yet tried an OTC treatment, you should do so before seeking a prescription for Avamys nasal spray (or other potent treatments such as oral corticosteroids).

Here are some additional things you can try to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever:

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to keep irritants from reaching your eyes.
• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen.
• Keep windows closed on days with high pollen counts.
• Shower regularly to get rid of pollen grains trapped in your hair and/or skin.
• Change your clothes when you’ve been outside.

How to use Avamys steroid nasal spray

The usual starting dose for Avamys nasal spray is 2 sprays in each nostril per day (done in one application). Once the symptoms of hay fever are under control, you can go down to 1 spray in each nostril per day.

In children between the ages of 6 and 11 years, the recommended dose is 1 spray in each nostril once a day. If your child’s symptoms are severe, their doctor may increase the dose to 2 sprays per nostril per day until symptoms are under control. The dose will then be reduced.

nasal sprays are generally very easy to use, and Avamys is no different. To use the spray, simply follow these steps:

1. If comfortable, blow your nose gently to remove as much mucus as possible.
2. Shake the bottle well to help the nasal spray work evenly and consistently.
3. Tilt your head forward slightly.
4. Place the nozzle inside one of your nostrils, aiming it away from the nasal septum (the part that divides your nasal cavity).
5. Squeeze the nozzle firmly while breathing in through your nose.
6. Repeat the process for your other nostril.

Note: if you have difficulty breathing through the nostril you’re trying to treat, you can use a finger to hold the other one closed while you apply the nasal spray.

Avamys Nasal Spray ingredients

Avamys contains the active ingredient of fluticasone furoate (27.5 micrograms per spray).

It also contains the following inactive ingredients: glucose anhydrous, dispersible cellulose, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, and purified water.

Avamys nasal spray side effects

Side effects from using Avamys (or any other fluticasone nasal spray) aren’t very common, but they do happen. Side effects when using Avamys can include the following:

• Nosebleeds.
• Nose ulcers.
• Headaches.
• Nasal irritation.
• Nasal soreness.

Avamys has also been known to cause thrush as a side effect. For more information on thrush and how to treat fungal infections, read through our thrush guides.

For more information, read our Avamys nasal spray side effects page.

If these side effects persistently bother you, or you suffer some other adverse reaction to using Avamys nasal spray, stop using the nasal spray and discuss an alternative treatment option with your doctor.

Avamys nasal spray warnings

Avamys is not suitable for children under the age of 6 years.

Before using Avamys nasal spray, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist of the following:

• Any other medications you’re taking (including other nasal sprays).
• Any cataracts or bouts of glaucoma you’ve ever suffered.

Benzalkonium chloride, one of the inactive ingredients of Avamys nasal spray, may irritate your nasal passages. Mild nasal irritation isn’t generally a serious problem. If you notice any change in your vision while using Avamys, however, you should inform your doctor immediately.

Do not use Avamys if you know you’re allergic to fluticasone furoate or any of the other ingredients listed below.

Avamys nasal spray and other medicines

If you’re taking any of the following medicines, it may not be advisable to use Avamys nasal spray:

• Any protease inhibitor (such as ritonavir).
• Any other corticosteroid medicines.
• Certain fungal infection treatments (such as ketoconazole).

Please ensure you’ve read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Avamys nasal spray (or any other fluticasone furoate nasal spray). If you’re unsure whether you can use a fluticasone furoate nasal spray, consult a medical professional.

Avamys nasal spray during pregnancy or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning to have a baby, or are currently breastfeeding, speak to your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Sources

• Avamys Nasal Spray Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6439/pil
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/