Medication Information
Nasonex is used for the treatment and prevention of nasal symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose. Nasonex is in a class of medications called topical steroids. It works by reducing inflammation (swelling) in the nasal passages.
How should Nasonex be used?
Nasonex comes as a spray to inhale through the nose. It is usually sprayed once a day in each nostril. To help you remember to use Nasonex, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Nasonex exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the pump well before each use.
Do not spray Nasonex into the eyes.
For the prevention of nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies, begin using Nasonex 2-4 weeks before the beginning of the pollen season.
Nasonex controls the nasal symptoms of allergies but does not cure them. You should begin to feel an improvement in your nasal allergies within 1--2 days of the first dose of Nasonex. It may take 1--2 weeks until you feel the full benefit of Nasonex. Continue to use Nasonex even if you feel well.
Before you use Nasonex the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.
To use the nasal inhalation, follow these steps:
- Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
- Close one nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the bottle upright while inserting the nasal applicator into the other other nostril.
- For each spray, press down firmly once on the shoulders of the white applicator using your forefinger and middle finger. Support the base of the bottle with your thumb. Breathe gently inward through the nostril.
- Breathe out through the mouth.
- Repeat in the other nostril.
- Replace the plastic cap.
- Before using a new pump of Nasonex for the first time, prime the pump by spraying ten times or until a fine spray appears. If you do not use the pump for more than 1 week, prime it again by spraying two times or until a fine spray appears.
Other uses for Nasonex
Nasonex may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using Nasonex,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Nasonex or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- tell your doctor if you have a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection or a herpes infection of the eye and if you have or have ever had tuberculosis, glaucoma, or cataracts. Also tell your doctor if you have had a recent injury, surgery, or ulcer in the nose.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Nasonex, call your doctor.
- avoid exposure to measles and chicken pox. If you are exposed to one of these diseases while using Nasonex, call your doctor immediately.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Nasonex cause?
Nasonex may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- vomiting
- sore throat
- cough
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
wheezing
vision changes
yeast infection of the nose or throat
Nasonex may cause children to grow more slowly. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Nasonex.
Nasonex may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Nasonex.
What storage conditions are needed for Nasonex?
Keep Nasonex in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light, and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep track of the number of sprays used from each bottle of Nasonex. Throw away the bottle after using 120 sprays. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
If your condition does not improve or becomes worse, call your doctor.
To clean the nasal applicator, remove the plastic cap and pull gently upward on the white nasal applicator so that it comes free. Wash the applicator and cap in cold water. Dry and replace the applicator, followed by the plastic cap.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
|
