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Avamys Side Effects: Everything You Need to Know Before Using the Steroid Nasal Spray

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Avamys is one of the leading steroid nasal sprays, a clinically proven medication used to prevent and treat allergic rhinitis symptoms. When used correctly and with the right dosage amounts, the likelihood of side effects is minimal. However, it can be helpful to know about potential side effects so you can spot the signs of any unpleasant symptoms early and if needed, adjust your treatment accordingly.
In this article we’ll unpack everything you need to know about Avamys side effects, from common to serious, as well as spotting the signs of an allergic reaction.

 

Avamys nasal spray uses

Avamys nasal spray can be used to treat unpleasant symptoms caused by allergens including pollen, mould, dust and skin shed by animals. It contains the active ingredient fluticasone furoate, which is a powerful steroid or corticosteroid, that targets allergy and hay fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms by reducing the swelling and irritation inside the nose. 

It effectively offers rapid relief for: 

  • Sneezing
  • A blocked nose
  • Itchy and watery eyes
  • Itchy and runny nose

This potent nasal steroid can safely be used for the prevention of hay fever symptoms, typically administered a couple of weeks prior to the start of the hay fever season. You can also use it periodically as and when required, or as a long-term treatment for allergies and perennial allergic rhinitis in both adults and children.

Overview: Avamys nasal spray side effects

Whilst using avamys, side effects can occur for many reasons and while most are typically mild and temporary, it's important to know what to look out for. 

The likelihood of side effects may increase if the treatment is not used as directed.

Here’s a breakdown of potential side effects:

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 100 people):

Nosebleeds (typically mild, particularly when used for more than 6 weeks continuously).

Common side effects (affecting up to 10% of people): 

  • Nasal ulceration (irritation, discomfort, streaks of blood when you blow your nose)
  • Headache 
  • Shortness of breath

Serious side effects (affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people):

Although rare, you should be aware of any serious side effects associated with using fluticasone nasal spray. You must call your doctor or 111 urgently if you experience any of the following:

  • Breathing problems
  • Inflamed nostril wall
  • Damage to your nose or sores inside your nose
  • Blurred vision or a cloudy lens in the eye 

Signs of an allergic reaction (rare):

Call 999 and seek immediate medical help if you or someone experiences any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction. These symptoms can require urgent hospital treatment. 

  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, gasping for air 
  • Burning sensation in nose and headache
  • Feeling lightheaded and weak
  • Face swelling - lips, mouth, throat, tongue
  • Struggling to swallow 
  • Skin, lips or tongue turn pale, blue or grey
  • Skin rash 
  • Dizziness, confusion and drowsy 
  • Faints and is not able to wake up
  • A child that is not responding as normal – they may be limp, floppy and find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face

Nasal spray side effects prolonged use

Generally, when used as instructed, long-term use of Avamys is unlikely to cause any lasting adverse effects. A small amount of steroid medicine is delivered precisely where you need it which limits how much can reach the rest of your body, whilst lowering the risk of side effects. 

One clinical trial looking into the long-term safety of fluticasone furoate nasal spray assessed 806 patients with allergic rhinitis and found it to be well tolerated when used for 12 months.

Avamys contains an ingredient named benzalkonium chloride which can potentially cause oedema. This is a buildup of fluid that leads to swelling in the nasal mucosa when used on a long-term basis. 

The normal production of hormones may be affected when nasal corticosteroids are used in high doses for a long time. Therefore, children are usually monitored with their height and weight measured periodically to ensure that it is not affecting their growth.

In conclusion, serious side effects are rare but may occur if this medicine is used in high doses for a prolonged period of time. 

What drugs should not be taken with Avamys

If you are currently taking other medicines or are planning on doing so whilst using Avamys, you should be aware that this can affect the way each of them works and increase your likelihood of experiencing side effects. 

You’re advised to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about any current or future medications, including those bought over the counter, as well as any herbal remedies as your fluticasone dosage may need to be adjusted. Specifically, any of the following:

  • HIV medicines, such as ritonavir or cobicistat
  • Fungal infection medicines, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
  • Steroid tablets or injections
  • Medicines containing steroids, such as eczema creams
  • Asthma inhalers
  • Other nasal sprays and drops
  • Eye drops

Evidence on the safe use of complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements while using Avamys nasal spray is limited, as they are tested in a different way. Therefore, it's important to mention whether you are taking any to your GP or pharmacist.

Avamys nasal spray and anxiety

There are reports that suggest that steroid sprays including Avamys can potentially have rare psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders or aggression. Mood disorders such as anxiety, nervousness and agitation are amongst some of the psychiatric and neurologic effects to have been reported to the World Health Organization Uppsala Monitoring Centre by patients using nasal corticosteroids. These cases are incredibly rare and you’re unlikely to experience side effects when Avamys is used correctly. This is because a limited amount of medicine enters the rest of your body when it is sprayed into your nostril.

FAQ's

What happens if nasal spray goes down your throat?

If the liquid accidentally goes down your throat it generally causes little harm, but you may experience mild irritation in the throat. This can happen when the nasal spray bottle is not positioned correctly, or you breathe in too quickly. 

Sources


Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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