Avamys (Fluticasone) Nasal Spray

What is Avamys nasal spray?

Avamys is a prescription-strength nasal spray containing the active ingredient fluticasone furoate. It’s designed to prevent and treat symptoms of allergies, and is suitable for adults and children aged 6 years and over.

What is Avamys nasal spray used for?

Avamys nasal spray is used to treat seasonal allergies such as hay fever, as well as year-round allergies caused by triggers such as dust mites, moulds, and animals. It helps with symptoms like:

• a stuffy, runny, blocked, or itchy nose
• sneezing
• watery, itchy, or red eyes

How do fluticasone furoate nasal sprays work?

Avamys belongs to a group of medicines called steroids (corticosteroids). It works by reducing the inflammation, swelling, and irritation in your nose caused by allergies. By helping to calm your body's allergic response, Avamys can effectively help relieve and prevent allergy symptoms.

Avamys nasal spray dosage

You should use Avamys once a day, at the same time each day, to treat your symptoms throughout the day and night.

For adults and children 12 years and over:

• The usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once daily.
• Once symptoms improve, you may be able to decrease your dose to 1 spray in each nostril once daily.

For children 6 to 11 years:

• The usual starting dose is 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
• If symptoms don't improve, your doctor or prescriber may increase the dose to 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, until symptoms improve.

Please be aware that we only prescribe this treatment to adults aged 18 or over from our clinic.

How to use Avamys nasal spray

To use Avamys nasal spray, you should:

1. 1. Shake the bottle before using, then remove the cap.
2. 2. Blow your nose, then close one nostril with your finger.
3. 3. Tilt your head forward slightly.
4. 4. Carefully put the nozzle into one nostril, keeping the bottle upright.
5. 5. Slowly breathe in through your nose, and with your fingers press down on the nozzle to squirt the spray into your nostril.
6. 6. Take the nozzle out and breathe out through your mouth.

Follow the steps above again if you need to squirt a second spray, and 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.

Avamys nasal spray side effects

Like all medicines, Avamys nasal spray can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects may include:

• a dry, sore, or irritated nose
• nosebleeds, particularly if you’ve been using Avamys continuously for more than 6 weeks
• burning, soreness, or discomfort inside the nose
• ulcers inside the nose (nasal ulceration)
• headaches
• an unpleasant taste or smell after using the spray
• a dry or sore throat, or hoarse voice
• shortness of breath

When to seek medical help

Although uncommon, some side effects can be more serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking the medicine and seek medical help:

• an allergic reaction
• problems with your breathing
• damage to the inside of your nose, including sores or, very rarely, small holes in the wall between your nostrils
• changes in your eyesight, like blurred vision
• changes to your voice, including hoarseness or loss of voice

Using Avamys at high doses or for long periods may affect the body’s normal hormone production. In children, this may result in slower growth, which is why your doctor may monitor your child regularly during treatment.

For a complete list, including rarer side effects, you can read the patient information leaflet.

Avamys withdrawal symptoms

Avamys is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms. If you stop treatment, you may notice your allergy symptoms coming back. This is not caused by withdrawal, but by the underlying condition returning once the medication is stopped.

If you've been advised to use Avamys regularly and are thinking about stopping treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's the right time to do so.

When not to use Avamys

Most adults and children over the age of 6 can use Avamys, but there are times that it shouldn’t be used. Do not take this medicine if you:

• are allergic to fluticasone furoate or any of the other ingredients

To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist during your consultation if you:

• have had eye conditions in the past (like glaucoma or cataracts)
• are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• have had nose surgery
• have an infection in your nose

Storage information

It’s best to store Avamys nasal spray upright, with the cap on. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children, and don’t refrigerate or freeze.

Avamys nasal spray should be used within 2 months after first opening.

Alternatives to Avamys nasal spray

Prescription-strength treatments like Avamys nasal spray are more likely to cause potential side effects, so it’s recommended that you try over-the-counter alternatives first to see if they work for you.

There are some non-prescription nasal sprays that can help with allergy symptoms:

• Beconase
• Pirinase
• Clarinase

If you’re looking for cheaper prescription-only alternatives, generic Avamys contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way but is usually available at a lower cost than branded options.

Frequently asked questions about Avamys nasal spray

Is it safe to use Avamys every day?

Yes, Avamys is designed for once daily use. Using it at the same time each day can help provide consistent relief from allergy symptoms throughout the day and night.

Is fluticasone a steroid or an antihistamine?

Fluticasone furoate, the active ingredient in Avamys, is a corticosteroid (steroid) medicine, not an antihistamine. It works by reducing inflammation inside the nose caused by allergies, helping to relieve symptoms.

Is Avamys a strong steroid?

Avamys provides strong and effective relief. As it’s a nasal spray, it works mainly where it’s applied rather than throughout the body, so very little of it enters your general bloodstream.

Can I buy Avamys nasal spray over the counter?

No, Avamys nasal spray is only available on prescription. If you're struggling with allergy symptoms and aren't sure which treatment is right for you, our pharmacists can help to recommend you suitable options.

Sources

• About fluticasone nasal spray and drops. NHS. (2023). [Accessed 16 October 2026].
• Avamys nasal spray suspension. EMC. (2025). [Accessed 16 October 2026].