Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Avamys Nasal Spray |
| Active Ingredient | Fluticasone Furoate (27.5 micrograms per spray) |
| Other Ingredients | Glucose anhydrous, Dispersible cellulose, Polysorbate 80, Benzalkonium chloride, Disodium edetate, Purified water |
| Bottle Size | 120 sprays per bottle |
| Used For | Hay fever and allergic rhinitis |
| Dosage | 1–2 sprays per nostril daily |
| Suitable For | Adults and children aged 6+ |
| Onset of Action | Within 8–12 hours |
| Storage | Below 30°C, use within 2 months of opening |
| Regulated Pharmacy | Quick Meds (UK GPhC registered) |
What is Avamys Nasal Spray:
Avamys is a prescription nasal spray containing the active ingredient 27.5 micrograms of fluticasone furoate, a corticosteroid, and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It reduces inflammation in the nasal passages to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis including congestion, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes.
It is a locally acting steroid, with minimal systemic absorption and is used to treat perennial allergic rhinitis and seasonal hay fever.
How Does Avamys Work?
Avamys nasal spray effectively reduces inflammation, swelling and irritation in your nose, which can be caused by allergens like pollen or dust. This helps relieve itching, sneezing and your blocked or runny nose. It is designed to reduce inflammation inside the nasal passages for easier breathing from the nasal passages.
The active ingredient Fluticasone Furoate works by delivering a corticosteroid directly to the nasal passages. By acting locally, it calms the immune system's overreaction to allergens, preventing the chain of events that leads to allergy symptoms.
It can take a little longer to work than antihistamine nasal sprays but the effects last for longer and are non-drowsy. It typically takes a few days for it to take full effect. However, symptom relief can start within 8–12 hours, but the key is for consistent dosing to ensure full benefit is received from the medication.
It can be used continuously daily during allergy season for consistent results.
Dosages & how to use it.
| Age Group | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and adolescents 12+ | 2 sprays per nostril (110mcg) | 1 spray per nostril (55mcg) | Once daily |
| Children 6–11 | 1 spray per nostril (55mcg) | 1 spray per nostril (55mcg) | Once daily |
| Children under 6 | Not recommended | Not recommended | N/A |
Dose guidelines
Adults and children over 12 years: Two sprays into each nostril once daily. The dose should be reduced to one spray into each nostril, once symptom control has been achieved.
Patients should use the minimum effective dose.
Do not exceed 2 sprays per nostril per day.
Use at the same time each day for best results.
Step-by-step instructions
If you're using a new bottle, it may not work the first time. Pump the spray a few times until a fine mist comes out. You'll also need to do this if you have not used the bottle for a few days.
Remove the cap and gently shake the bottle.
- Blow your nose gently, then close 1 nostril with your finger.
- Bend your head forward slightly and carefully put the nozzle into your other nostril, keeping the bottle upright.
- Slowly breathe in through your nose and with your fingers press down on the widest part of the nozzle to squirt the spray once into your nostril.
- Breathe out through your mouth.
- Follow steps 3 and 4 again to squirt a second spray (if you need it) into the same nostril.
Repeat the process with the other nostril if you need it.
After using the spray, wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap.
Side effects of Avamys
With the Avamys nasal spray very little Fluticasone Furoate is absorbed into the rest of the body when you use it, so it's not likely to give you side effects.
In rare cases the following side effects have been reported:
- Minor Nosebleeds
- Nasal dryness, irritation or sneezing
- Unpleasant taste or smell
- Sore throat
Nosebleeds (epistaxis) is a possible concern with all steroid based intranasal sprays, but please be aware that not everyone will suffer from this.
If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Serious side effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness.
Avamys (Fluticasone) Nasal Spray may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Avamys vs Dymista vs Nasonex
| Feature | Avamys | Dymista | Nasonex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Fluticasone furoate | Azelastine + fluticasone propionate | Mometasone furoate |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid | Antihistamine + corticosteroid | Corticosteroid |
| Primary use | Allergic rhinitis | Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Allergic rhinitis + nasal polyps |
| Onset of relief | 8–24 hours | 5–30 minutes | 1–2 days |
| Dosing frequency | Once daily | Twice daily | Once daily |
| Prescription required (UK) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum age | 6 years | 6 years (UK: 12) | 6 years |
| Common side effect | Nosebleeds | Bitter taste, drowsiness | Nosebleeds, headache |
| Treats nasal polyps | No | No | Yes |
All of the available nasal sprays are UK incensed and are only available via prescription.
Dymista has a dual action therapy, which includes an antihistamine element and Nasonex is also licensed to treat nasal polyps.
Can you buy Avamys over-the-counter?
Avamys is a prescription-only medication in the UK. It cannot be purchased over the counter and is only available from registered online pharmacies with consultation.
This can be in the format of an online consultation questionnaire and is an alternative accessible pathway to a GP consultation.
Using Avamys long term
This medication can be used throughout the year and has no fixed duration of treatment. They can be used seasonally or as needed when exposed to an allergen.
The key for administration is to reduce the dosing regimen as symptoms come under control.
As the medication is a nasal spray it does not pass systemically into the body and thus is suitable for continued use.
FAQs
Is Avamys a steroid?
Yes. Avamys contains fluticasone furoate, which is a type of corticosteroid. It works locally in the nasal passages to reduce inflammation caused by allergens. Because it is applied directly to the nose, very little is absorbed into the body, making systemic side effects unlikely.
What are the side effects of Avamys?
The most common side effect is nosebleeds, which affects more than 1 in 10 users. Other possible effects include headache, nasal ulceration, and nasal discomfort. Allergic reactions are rare. If you experience severe symptoms, stop using the spray and seek medical advice.
Can Avamys be used for sinusitis?
Avamys is primarily licensed for allergic rhinitis. However, some doctors may prescribe it off-label for sinus inflammation if they consider it appropriate. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and do not self-treat sinusitis with Avamys without medical guidance.
Is Avamys safe during pregnancy?
Avamys should not be used during pregnancy unless your doctor advises it. There is limited data on its safety in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your GP before using Avamys nasal spray.
Can you buy Avamys over the counter?
No. Avamys is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You will need either a GP prescription or an online consultation with a registered Pharmacy. Over-the-counter alternatives such as Beconase or Pirinase are available for milder symptoms without a prescription.
How long does Avamys take to work?
Avamys can begin to relieve symptoms within 8 to 24 hours of the first dose. However, it may take several days of regular use to achieve the full benefit. For the best results, use it at the same time each day and continue treatment as directed by your prescriber.