Frequently Asked Questions About RHINOCORT AQUA
What kinds of nasal allergies does RHINOCORT AQUA treat?
RHINOCORT AQUA is for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms of seasonal and
year–round (perennial) allergic rhinitis. People who have seasonal allergic
rhinitis experience nasal allergy symptoms that come and go with the seasons.
This condition is also known as hay fever. Seasonal nasal allergies are often
caused by outdoor molds and pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds. People who
have perennial allergic rhinitis can have nasal allergy symptoms all year long
from exposure to triggers such as dust mites, mold, and dander from pets,
especially cats.
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Who can take RHINOCORT AQUA?
RHINOCORT AQUA has been proven safe and effective in treating the sneezing,
nasal congestion, and runny nose associated with seasonal and year-round nasal
allergies, or allergic rhinitis, in patients 6 years of age and older. Pregnant
women and nursing mothers should notify their doctors before using RHINOCORT
AQUA.
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Can children use RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray?
Yes, children with allergies can use RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray; however, safety
and effectiveness in pediatric patients below 6 years of age have not been
established. RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray is for the management of nasal allergy
symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6
years of age and older.
Children taking nasal corticosteroids should have their growth routinely
monitored, and the benefits of steroid therapy should be weighed against the
possibility of effects on growth, since controlled clinical studies have shown
that intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity. This
effect has been observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of HPA
suppression, suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of
systemic corticosteroid exposure than HPA function.
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What is RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray used for?
RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray is for the treatment of seasonal and year-round nasal
allergy symptoms in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
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How does RHINOCORT AQUA work?
RHINOCORT AQUA is a nasal steroid that is for the treatment of the sneezing,
congestion, and runny nose associated with seasonal and year–round nasal
allergies, or allergic rhinitis. The active ingredient in RHINOCORT AQUA is
called budesonide (pronounced bew–des–ah–nide), which belongs to a class of
drugs called corticosteroids.
When a person with nasal allergies encounters allergens in the air, the nose
reacts by producing mucus. The blood vessels inside the nose dilate, which
causes nasal congestion. Nasal steroids such as budesonide reduce annoying
nasal allergy symptoms, but also treat the source of the problem. RHINOCORT
AQUA treats your nasal allergies by reducing the inflammation that brings on
these allergy symptoms.
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What are corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are nasal steroids that are similar to some hormones produced
naturally in our bodies. Many different corticosteroids produced by our bodies
influence metabolism, reduce inflammation, and help control salt and water
balance and the functioning of the immune system. When people hear the word
"steroid," they may think of the steroids that some athletes and bodybuilders
use to build muscles. These steroids work differently than the corticosteroid
in RHINOCORT AQUA.
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How often do I take RHINOCORT AQUA?
Use RHINOCORT AQUA as directed by your doctor, and do not exceed the prescribed
dosage. It is important to use RHINOCORT AQUA daily, for best results, even if
your allergy symptoms have improved. Remember, this nasal allergy medication
has been prescribed for you by your doctor and should not be given to anyone
else. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
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Do I have to shake the bottle of RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray?
Yes, shake the bottle gently for a few seconds before each use.
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How long does it take RHINOCORT AQUA to work?
Your nasal allergy symptoms may begin to improve within 10 hours after first
using RHINOCORT AQUA. In one group of patients that were studied, RHINOCORT
AQUA and the nasal spray mometasone furoate monohydrate both improved nasal
allergy symptoms within 8 hours. However, you must continue to take your
allergy medication every day, as directed by your health care provider. Your
nasal allergy symptoms will continue to improve over the first few days, and
maximum relief may take about 2 weeks to achieve.
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How many sprays does RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray contain?
Each bottle of RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray 32 mcg contains 120 metered sprays
after initial priming.
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How long does a bottle of RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray last?
Each bottle of RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray 32 mcg contains 120 metered sprays
after initial priming, so the length of time that your bottle will last depends
on the number of sprays per day your doctor has prescribed. At the recommended
starting dose of 1 spray per nostril* once daily, one bottle of
RHINOCORT AQUA can provide up to 60 days of treatment.
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How do you prime RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray?
Prior to initial use, the container must be shaken gently and the pump must be
primed by pressing down on it 8 times. If used daily, the pump does not need to
be reprimed. If not used for 2 consecutive days, reprime with 1 spray or until
a fine spray appears. If not used for more than 14 days, rinse the applicator
and reprime with 2 sprays or until a fine spray appears.
Additional instructions can be found here
or found in the
full product information.
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Are side effects possible?
Nasal steroids are safe and effective in treating nasal allergies when used as
prescribed by a doctor. However, like all medications, RHINOCORT AQUA may cause
some side effects. The most common complaints reported by patients using
RHINOCORT AQUA included nosebleed, nasal and throat irritation, and cough. As
with all medications, call your doctor to discuss any side effects you may
experience.
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How should I store RHINOCORT AQUA?
Store RHINOCORT AQUA in a dry place at room temperature, and keep it out of the
reach of children. Keep the green protective cap on when not in use. Protect
RHINOCORT AQUA from light. Do not use RHINOCORT AQUA Nasal Spray after 120
sprays (does not include priming) or after the expiration date shown on the
carton or bottle label.
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Can I take RHINOCORT AQUA in combination with other nasal allergy medications?
You should talk with your doctor about adding RHINOCORT AQUA to your current
nasal allergy treatment plan.
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