3. How to use Nasacort

1. What Nasacort is and what it is used for

Nasacort 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 nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Nasal symptoms of allergy include sneezing, itching, and having a blocked, stuffy or runny nose. These can be caused by things such as:

•    Animal fur or house dust mites. This type of allergy can happen at any time of the year and is called 'perennial allergic rhinitis'.

•    Pollen. This type of allergy, such as hay fever, 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.

How much Nasacort to use Adults and children (over 12 years)

•    The usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril each day

•    Once the symptoms of allergy are under control, the dose may be lowered to 1 spray in each nostril each day

Children (6 to 12 years)

•    The usual dose is 1 spray in each nostril each day

•    If the symptoms do not go away, then the dose may be increased to 2 sprays in each nostril each day

•    The dose can then be lowered again to 1 spray in each nostril each day

•    Do not use Nasacort for more than 3 months in children under 12 years old

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2. What you need to know before you use Nasacort

Do not use Nasacort:

X If you are allergic to triamcinolone acetonide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)

Signs of an allergic reaction to Nasacort include: a rash (hives), itching, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.

Warning and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Nasacort:

▲    If you have any infection of the nose or throat that is not treated. If you get a fungal infection while using Nasacort, stop using the spray until the infection has been treated.

▲    If you have recently had a nose operation, or had an injury or ulcer in the nose.

▲    If you are being transferred from steroid injections or tablets to Nasacort spray.

▲    If you have had glaucoma or cataracts

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

Children (under 6 years)

This medicine is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age.

Operations or times of stress

Your doctor may advise you to take a higher than normal dose of this medicine for medical reasons. If your dose is increased, tell your doctor if you are going to have an operation or are feeling unwell. This is because higher than normal doses of this medicine can lower your body's ability to heal or cope with stress. If this happens, your doctor may decide you need further treatment with another medicine to help.

How to use the spray

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

1.    Preparing the bottle

• Remove the blue cover by pulling upwards

Pull off the blue plastic clip 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 breath 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

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