Avamys Nasal Spray

What is Avamys?

Avamys is the brand name for a medicinal product containing the active substance fluticasone furoate. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids (or glucocorticoids). Unlike antihistamine tablets that work throughout the body, Avamys is administered as a nasal spray, delivering the medicine directly to the lining of the nose where the allergic reaction is occurring.

Mechanism of Action

Fluticasone furoate is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In allergic rhinitis, inhaled allergens trigger immune cells in the nasal lining to release various chemicals (like histamine) that cause inflammation, swelling, itching, and mucus production. Avamys works by entering the cells in the nasal lining and inhibiting the release of these inflammatory chemicals. Think of it like a targeted fire extinguisher that cools down the specific area of inflammation in your nose, reducing swelling and reactivity to allergens like pollen.

According to BNF guidance, fluticasone furoate is a potent corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory effects.

What is Avamys Used For?

Avamys is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.

Symptoms it helps relieve include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
• Rhinorrhoea (runny nose)
• Nasal itching

The NICE guidance on allergic rhinitis recommends intranasal corticosteroids like Avamys as first-line treatment for moderate to severe symptoms.

Before Using Avamys

Before starting treatment with Avamys, it is important to consider your medical history. Inform your clinician if you:

• Have had recent nasal surgery, injury, or ulcers in the nose.
• Have or have had tuberculosis (TB) or any other bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infection.
• Have been in close contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles.
• Have glaucoma or cataracts, or have a family history of glaucoma.
• Have any untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infections in the eye.

Avamys Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Avamys must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to fluticasone furoate or any of the other ingredients
• Untreated local infection involving nasal mucosa
• Active or quiescent tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract
• Untreated fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic infections

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients (≥65 years)

• No specific dose adjustment needed
• Monitor for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment necessary
• Fluticasone furoate is not significantly excreted by the kidneys

Hepatic Impairment

• Limited data available
• Use with caution in severe impairment
• Monitor for systemic effects

Avamys and Other Medicines

Significant interactions requiring monitoring:

High-Risk Combinations

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir): Increased systemic exposure to fluticasone furoate
• Other corticosteroids: Increased risk of systemic steroid effects

Common Combinations

Avamys is often used alongside:

• Oral antihistamines: No known interaction; complementary action
• Decongestants: No known interaction
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists: No known interaction

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk
• Limited human data available
• Consult doctor before use during pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Small amounts may pass into breast milk
• Consider risk-benefit with your doctor
• Monitor infant for signs of adrenal suppression

Driving & Machine Operation

• No direct impairment of driving ability
• Caution advised if experiencing:
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Vision changes
• Do not drive if experiencing significant dizziness

Avamys Ingredients

Active Substance

• Fluticasone furoate (27.5 micrograms per spray)

Excipients

Important Note on Benzalkonium Chloride

• May cause nasal irritation
• Can cause bronchospasm in sensitive individuals
• Contains 0.1 mg/ml as preservative

How to Use Avamys Nasal Spray

Preparation Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly
2. Remove dust cap and safety clip
3. Shake the bottle gently
4. Prime the spray before first use or if not used for 7+ days

Administration Technique

• Position: Tilt head slightly forward
• Hold: Hold bottle upright with thumb at base and index/middle fingers on either side of nozzle
• Insert: Gently insert nozzle into nostril
• Breathe: Breathe in gently through nose while spraying

Post-Administration Protocol

1. Wipe nozzle with clean tissue
2. Replace dust cap
3. Do not blow nose immediately after administration

Avamys Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage Schedule

Dose Adjustment Criteria

• Start with 2 sprays per nostril once daily for symptom control
• Reduce to 1 spray per nostril once daily when symptoms controlled
• Maximum dose: 2 sprays per nostril once daily (110 micrograms total)
• Do not exceed recommended dose

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step spraying guide:

Priming Instructions (First Use or After 7+ Days)

1. Shake gently and remove dust cap
2. Point spray away from face
3. Press down firmly on applicator 6 times until fine mist appears
4. Spray is now ready for use

Spraying Process

1. Gently blow nose to clear nostrils
2. Hold bottle upright with nozzle between fingers
3. Close opposite nostril with finger
4. Insert nozzle into nostril, aiming slightly outward
5. Breathe in gently while pressing applicator firmly once
6. Repeat for other nostril

Post-Spray Care

• Wipe nozzle clean with dry tissue
• Replace dust cap to prevent contamination
• Do not blow nose for 15 minutes after administration
• Do not share device with others

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double doses
• Take missed dose as soon as remembered
• If near time for next dose, skip missed dose

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome features)
• Adrenal suppression
• Increased risk of systemic steroid side effects

Management

1. Seek medical attention if concerned
2. Discontinue treatment temporarily
3. Symptomatic treatment as needed
4. Gradual dose reduction if systemic effects occur

Avamys Side Effects

Like all medicines, Avamys can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild and affect the nose.

Side Effects by Frequency

For complete side effect information, refer to the official Avamys SmPC.

How to Store Avamys

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C
• Do not freeze
• Keep in original packaging
• Protect from light

In-Use Storage

• Use within 6 months of opening
• Discard if solution changes color or becomes cloudy
• Keep dust cap on when not in use

Disposal

• Dispose via pharmacy take-back scheme
• Do not dispose in household waste
• Do not flush down toilet

Avamys Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• 1 bottle (120 sprays)

Components

• White plastic bottle with metered nasal spray pump
• Dust cap and safety clip
• Patient information leaflet

Appearance

• White, opaque plastic bottle
• Clear, colourless to slightly yellow suspension
• Blue dust cap and safety clip

Where Can I Buy Avamys Online in the UK