Avamys Nasal Spray

Avamys Nasal Spray

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Hywel McGlinchy

You can request to buy Avamys nasal spray online from our UK registered online pharmacy. After completing your assessment and checking out, your order will be passed to our UK registered doctors for review. If approved, our pharmacy team will dispense and dispatch your medication to your chosen address.

What is Avamys

Avamys is a nasal spray used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This includes symptoms such as sneezing, blocked or runny noses, and itchiness. The most common use is in patients who suffer from hayfever and other allergic reactions. It contains 27.5 micrograms of a corticosteroid called Fluticasone Furoate. Avamys is for use in patients aged six years and over and is a prescription-only medication in the UK.

How does it work?

Avamys contains fluticasone furoate, which is from a class of drug called a corticosteroid. This works in a similar way to naturally occurring corticosteroid hormones. By attaching to receptors in some types of cells, it helps decrease the immune response to allergens. This leads to a reduction in the release of substances such as histamines, which are part of the inflammatory response of the body to external allergens. By reducing the aggressiveness of this response, the symptoms you experience, such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses, are reduced. 

How do I use Avamys Nasal Spray?

For adults, the recommended daily dose is two sprays into each nostril once daily to control symptoms. Once symptoms have eased, you should reduce your daily dose to one spray into each nostril, providing a total of 55 micrograms per day.

Before using Avamys, you should read the patient information leaflet provided in the ‘Info Leaflet’ tab.

• Starting dose recommended for the treatment of allergic rhinitis for adults.

‘TWO sprays into each nostril daily.’ (This can be reduced to ‘ONE spray into each nostril daily’ when symptoms become more controlled)

Is Avamys suitable for me?

In specific situations, Avamys nasal spray should be used with caution. It is advised not to use Avamys if you:

• Have problems with your liver
• Have glaucoma or cataracts
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Be sure to tell our online doctor on our online assessment form, if you are taking other medication (including either prescribed medicines by your GP or purchased medicines from a pharmacy.)

Avamys may not be suitable for you or may need to be used with caution if you are taking certain medicines, for example:

• Steroid-based medicines (specifically ones taken orally)
• Ritonavir
• Ketoconazole (taken orally)
• If you are allergic to fluticasone furoate or any of the other ingredients.

How effective is Avamys?

In studies of patients who suffered from seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever!), Avamys was shown to
reduce the symptoms experienced by patients significantly. Most patients saw a 40-60% improvement in their symptom scores. This was compared to a 25-40% improvement in patients who were given a placebo dose.

• Avamys works best if it is used on a regular basis.
• Symptom relief can begin up to 8 hours or more after you first start using Avamys, however, you will receive the maximum benefit when you use Avamys every day during the time that you are exposed to your allergy.

Avamys Nasal Spray Summary

Avamys Prices

How long can I use Avamys for?

Avamys will treat your symptoms throughout the day and night. Some people will not feel the full effects until several days after first using Avamys. However, it is usually effective within 8 to 24 hours of use. The usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once every day.

Can Avamys be used long term?

Intranasal steroid sprays are safe for long-term use, and there is little evidence to indicate they cause significant systemic side effects. However, patients with chronic rhinitis who might use them for long periods should be advised to use them only intermittently and at the lowest dose that controls their symptoms.

Side Effects of Avamys Nasal Spray

Like all medicines, Avamys can cause side effects. Each patient may be affected differently, so it's important you are aware of these in case you need to take action. Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects. Some of the more common side effects associated with Avamys are;

• Nasal bleeding
• Nasal ulceration
• Headache
• Nasal burning
• Nasal irritation
• Nasal soreness
• Nasal dryness
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema (Swelling)
• Rash
• Hives (skin rash with red, raised, itchy bumps)

If you notice any of the above or any side effects that are not listed please contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

• Avamys PIL

Directions for use

Adults and adolescents (12 years and over):

The recommended daily dose is 110 micrograms which means two sprays in each nostril once per day.  

The daily dose should be lowered to 55 micrograms per day once the symptoms are under control. The abovementioned dose might be enough for maintenance.   

Children (6-11 years of age)

The recommended daily dose is 55 micrograms which means one spray in each nostril once per day.  

Warnings for Avamys Nasal Spray

Avamys nasal spray should be used with caution in patients who

• have an infection of their sinuses / nasal passages
• have had recent nasal surgery
• have tuberculosis affecting the lungs

Please read all patient information leaflets with your medication. Make sure you know the side effects, and discontinue use if any serious side effects occur, and contact your GP

Ingredients in Avamys Nasal Spray

Active substance: Fluticasone furoate (27.5 micrograms)

Other ingredients: glucose anhydrous, dispersible cellulose, Polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, purified water