Avamys (Fluticasone) Nasal Spray

What is Avamys? 

Avamys is a nasal spray for hay fever and allergy symptoms containing the active ingredient fluticasone furoate. This treatment belongs to a group of medicines called glucocorticoids and it works to decrease the inflammation caused by allergies and reduce symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and watery or itchy eyes. 

How to use Avamys

Your doctor or Chemsit4U pharmacist will usually recommend that you use Avamys once a day, at the same time each day. The usual starting dose for adults and children 12 years and over is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. Once your symptoms are controlled, you can decrease your dose to 1 spray in each nostril once a day. For children aged 6 to 11 years, the recommended starting dose is usually 1 spray in each nostril once a day. This can be increased to 2 sprays if the symptoms are particularly severe. 

Always shake the bottle vigorously with the cap on before using Avamys. The medicine is a thick suspension that only becomes a liquid when it’s shaken well and it will only spray when it becomes a liquid. 

To use the spray, firstly blow your nose to clear your nostrils, then tilt your head forward slightly. Place the nozzle into one of your nostrils and point the end of the nozzle slightly outwards, away from the centre ridge of your nose. Press the button firmly all the way in whilst you take a deep breath in through your nose. Once you’ve administered your recommended dose into each nostril, replace the cap on the nasal spray. 

How does fluticasone relieve allergy symptoms?

Each spray of Avamys contains 27.5mg of the active ingredient fluticasone furoate, a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Fluticasone works by stopping the cells in the nasal passages from releasing the chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction, meaning allergy symptoms can be relieved and controlled with daily use. 

What is hay fever?

Hayfever is a common allergy that usually affects people in the spring and summer when plants start to release pollen, a very fine powder that is part of the plant’s reproductive system. The proteins in pollen can cause your nose, throat, eyes and sinuses to become swollen and inflamed. Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September in the UK, when the pollen count is at its highest. Symptoms of hay fever include: 

• Sneezing and coughing

• A runny or blocked nose

• Itchy, red or watery eyes

• Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears

• Loss of smell 

• Pain around the temples and forehead

• Headache or earache

• Feeling tired

If you also suffer from asthma, hay fever can also cause a tight feeling in your chest, shortness of breath or wheezing and coughing. 

Is Avamys suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women? 

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for expert advice before taking Avamys. 

Is Avamys suitable for children? 

Avamys is not recommended for children under the age of 6 years old. If your child is suffering from hayfever or other allergy symptoms, speak to a Chemist4U pharmacist for suitable alternatives or browse our wide range of allergy treatments. 

When should this medication not be used? 

Avamys is usually safe for most adults and children over 6 years old. You should not, however, take Avamys if you are allergic to fluticasone furoate or any of the other ingredients in this medicine. 

Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking Avamys if you are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies, including those obtained without a prescription, or if you have or have ever had eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. 

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, there’s a possibility that you may experience some side effects when you take Avamys, but these won’t affect everybody. Make sure to stop taking Avamys and seek immediate medical help if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and difficulty breathing). Other side effects may include:

• Minor nosebleeds 

• Nasal ulceration, which may cause irritation or discomfort in your nose or streaks of blood when you blow your nose

• Headache

• Shortness of breath

• Pain, burning irritation, soreness or dryness in the inside of the nose (uncommon)

• Small holes (perforations) in the ridge inside the nose that separates the nostrils (very rare) 

Avamys may also cause slow growth in children, blurred vision or temporary changes to vision, or chest tightness causing difficulty breathing. The frequency of these side effects cannot be estimated from the available data. 

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. 

Do I need a prescription for Avamys?

You do need a prescription for Avamys in the UK. Our healthcare professionals can provide prescriptions if they think this treatment would be right for you and your condition. When you click the button which reads “Start Consultation” at the top of this page, you’ll see a short questionnaire set up by our healthcare team which is designed to help them understand your medical needs. Just like an in-person consultation with your GP, our doctors will assess your answers to their questions and write a prescription for the treatment they think will be best for you. You’ll then be able to pay for your medication and we’ll send it out to you quickly and in discreet packaging.

Storage information

Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use Avamys after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Once opened, use this medicine within 2 months. Always keep the cap on and store the nasal spray upright. 

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support