NASONEX® FAQs

• E-mail Page

Whether you have a current prescription for NASONEX® or are considering it as an option, you may want more information. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about NASONEX®. Talk to your doctor if you have any other questions or concerns about using NASONEX®.

Q. How quickly will NASONEX® start to work?
A. You can get relief within 11 hours after your first dose of NASONEX®. This is based on one single-dose, parallel-group study of patients in an outdoor "park" setting (park study) and one environmental exposure unit (EEU) study. Onset also was shown to be within 2 days after the first dose in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group seasonal allergic rhinitis studies. The maximum benefit is usually achieved within 1 to 2 weeks.

Q. Where can I find out more about nasal allergies?
A. To learn more about nasal allergies, as well as nasal allergy treatments, see:

• About Nasal Allergies
• Treating Nasal Allergies
• Before Seeing Your Doctor

Q. Is NASONEX® safe?
A. NASONEX® has a proven safety profile when used as directed. It is not addictive, and contains no alcohol. It is non-habit forming, non-drowsy, and won't keep you up at night. Nasal steroids like NASONEX® should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by athletes to enlarge muscle mass and can have serious side effects.

Side effects with NASONEX® were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing.

Q. Is NASONEX® safe for children?
A. NASONEX® has a proven safety profile and is FDA-approved for treating nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is approved for helping to prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms in patients 12 years and older, when initiated 2 to 4 weeks before allergy season.

Side effects with NASONEX® were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing.

Q. Does NASONEX® cause a "rebound effect?"
A. A "rebound effect"—when stuffiness and congestion worsen when you stop using a medication—can occur when over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nasal sprays have been used longer than the recommended period. NASONEX® does not cause a rebound effect. It is not an OTC medication and is only available by prescription.

Q. What is the benefit of a nasally administered medicine?
A. Nasal sprays like NASONEX® deliver medication directly where it's needed.

Q. Does NASONEX® have an unpleasant smell?
A. No. Unlike some other nasal spray medications, NASONEX® is scent-free.

Q. How should I administer NASONEX® for best results?
A. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first, then see instructions in the package insert, (Adobe Acrobat required), watch the How to Use NASONEX® tutorial, or read The Right Way to Spray.

Q. Will NASONEX® provide relief for a sudden allergic reaction?
A. No, NASONEX® is not designed to relieve sudden allergic reactions. You need to use NASONEX® every day to help control your nasal allergy symptoms. For further information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or refer to the package insert. (Adobe Acrobat required)

Q. What should I do if no spray comes out of the bottle the first time I use NASONEX®?
A. If you are using NASONEX® for the first time, you have to "prime" the bottle by spraying it about 10 times in the air or until a fine mist appears. If you haven't used NASONEX® for at least 1 week, re-prime the bottle by spraying it twice in the air. For further information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or see instructions in the package insert. (Adobe Acrobat required).

Q. How should I store NASONEX®?
A. Keep NASONEX® in a cool, dark place such as a medicine cabinet or closet. Do not let it sit in direct light for long periods of time.

Q. When should I order a refill of NASONEX®?
A. If you're running low on NASONEX®, be sure to order a refill several days in advance, so you don't run out. To help you remember, sign up for FREE refill reminders. You should keep track of the number of sprays used from your bottle of NASONEX® Nasal Spray. To make sure you get a full dose of medicine with each spray, your NASONEX® bottle should be discarded after 120 sprays, even though the bottle may not appear to be completely empty.