Nasal Steroids

Treating Allergies with Nasal Steroids

One type of medication frequently prescribed to treat nasal allergies is a nasal steroid. Nasal steroids help reduce inflammation in the nose. RHINOCORT AQUA is an example of a nasal steroid. By treating the inflammation of nasal allergies, this type of allergy medication helps provide relief from sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Nasal steroids are topical therefore, they can work directly on the affected tissue where they are sprayed.

RHINOCORT AQUA can help provide effective, same-day relief ^* from nasal allergy symptoms, whether you have them seasonally or all year long. RHINOCORT AQUA offers once-daily dosing, which should fit easily into your busy lifestyle.

^*Based on treatment in the morning. Your nasal symptoms may begin to improve within 10 hours of first use

You may be concerned about using nasal steroids to treat your nasal allergy symptoms. You may believe that nasal steroids are like anabolic steroids that some athletes use to enhance their performance. Nasal steroids are similar to natural hormones, which are produced in our bodies. Some of these natural substances produced by our bodies influence metabolism and reduce inflammation. Others help control salt and water balance and the functioning of the immune system. Nasal steroids do not produce the same reactions in your body as anabolic steroids. When taken as directed, nasal steroids can be a safe and effective treatment for nasal allergies and allergic rhinitis.

Like all allergy medications, nasal steroids must be taken as prescribed in order to be effective:

Be patient! Nasal steroids work gradually. While using RHINOCORT AQUA, you may see improvement within 10 hours, but it may take up to 2 weeks before you see maximum improvement
Continue to take your nasal allergy spray for the duration prescribed. Your nasal allergy symptoms may return if you stop using your medication
Always follow your doctor's instructions. If you do not take your nasal allergy medication regularly, it may not work properly
Some short-term side effects with nasal steroids may include irritation of the nose, sore throat, or cough
If you have certain preferences, such as lack of scent in your nasal spray, ask your doctor about alternative options

If you're not getting satisfactory improvement in your nasal allergy symptoms with the treatment you've been using, this is a great time to call your doctor. Find out whether RHINOCORT AQUA may be right for you.

Be sure to check out other pages on this Web site that might be useful for your particular allergy situation.

Indication and Important Safety Information

RHINOCORT AQUA (budesonide) is for the management of seasonal and year-round nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

The most commonly observed side effects associated with the use of RHINOCORT AQUA in clinical studies were nosebleed, sore throat, nasal irritation, cough and breathing difficulties such as wheezing, chest tightening or coughing due to airway constriction.

Your doctor may prescribe RHINOCORT AQUA at a dose of 1 to 4 sprays per nostril once daily. Take RHINOCORT AQUA exactly as directed.

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 (a medication used for comparison in the study) both improved nasal allergy symptoms within 8 hours. However, you must continue to take your medication every day, as directed by your doctor. Your nasal allergy symptoms will continue to improve over the first few days, and maximum relief may take about 2 weeks to achieve.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information

This product information is intended for US consumers only. RHINOCORT AQUA is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.