Avamys – composition, action, dosage and price of a nasal spray

Proven content

Avamys is an aerosolized medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies and also reduces inflammation in the nasal mucosa. The active substance in the aerosol is fluticasone. The drug is available only in stationary pharmacies on prescription. What are the indications and contraindications for Avamys? How to properly dose it? Can the use of this spray cause side effects for the patient? How much does Avamys cost?

Avamys – general characteristics of the drug

Avamys is a medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called glucocorticoids. It is available in the form of an aerosol that is applied to the nose. This preparation primarily reduces inflammation caused by sensitization or allergy.

Avamys is available as a white nasal suspension in an amber glass bottle with a dispenser. The bottle is housed in a white plastic casing with a light blue cap and a button on the side. The housing has a window so that you can see the contents of the bottle. Avamys is available in packs of 30, 60 or 120 sprays. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

The company responsible for the production and distribution of Avamys is Glaxo Group Ltd, known as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). GSK is a British pharmaceutical concern. The GSK concern was established in December 2000 as a result of the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham. In the ranking of the 50 largest pharmaceutical companies for 2012, GSK was placed sixth. In Poland, GSK is a leading pharmaceutical company. The company provides patients with over 300 drugs, vaccines and health care products. Medicines produced by GSK are used to treat respiratory diseases and HIV infection. In 2017 alone, the GSk concern supplied 3,6 million doses of vaccines. The company is the largest investor in the pharmaceutical industry in Poland. Among others, it was bought by Poznańskie Zakłady Farmaceutyczne Polfa SA.

What are glucocorticoids and when to use them? Check: Glucocorticoid steroids

Avamys – composition and action of the drug

The active ingredient in Avamys is fluticasone as fluticasone furoate. Fluticasone is a synthetic and fluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Each dose of Avamys delivers 27,5 micrograms of fluticasone furoate.

This drug inhibits symptoms of inflammation such as: mucosal congestion, irritation and itching, increased secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract, swelling and infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Fluticasone works by inhibiting or stimulating the expression of genes whose protein products contribute to the inflammatory process in the cell.

Fluticasone is used as an inhaler in the treatment of bronchial asthma and other conditions with bronchospasm such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This drug primarily counteracts the inflammatory process developing in the bronchial wall, reduces the number of inflammatory cells (including eosinophils) in the bronchial mucosa, reduces bronchial hyperreactivity, and reverses the anatomical changes formed in the bronchial wall of people with asthma.

After administration of the drug, its effect begins after about 8 hours, and further improvement is seen over the next few days. The effectiveness of the action is maintained during the 24 hours between each administration.

The excipients of Avamys are anhydrous glucose, dispersible cellulose, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium and purified water.

When is it worth reaching for nasal drops? Check: Nasal drops – indications, contraindications, addiction, alternatives [WE EXPLAIN]

Avamys – indications for use of the drug

Avamys nasal spray is most commonly used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, runny nose and itchy nose, sneezing, watery, itchy or red eyes. Avamys can also be used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever), nasal polyps and nasal obstruction.

The drug is intended for adults and children 6 years of age and older.

How to recognize and diagnose an allergy? Read: Allergy – types, symptoms, diagnosis. Treatment of allergies

Avamys – contraindications to the use of the drug

Avamys, despite its effectiveness in combating allergy symptoms, cannot be used by every patient struggling with this type of ailments.

Avamys is contraindicated if you are allergic to fluticasone furoate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

What should you know about drug hypersensitivity? Check: Drugs are also allergenic

Avamys – precautions

Before and during the use of Avamys, follow the precautions included in the package leaflet.

When taking Avamys, remember that:

1. may cause growth slowing in children when used over a long period. The doctor will check your child’s height regularly and make sure that your child is taking the lowest possible dose;
2. can cause eye diseases such as glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) or cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye). Tell your doctor if you have had such changes in the past, or if you notice any visual disturbances while taking Avamys;
3. may cause irritation inside the nose;
4. should not be used in children under 6 years of age.

It should also be remembered that some diseases and other circumstances may constitute a contraindication to use or an indication for a change in the dosage of the preparation. In some situations it may be necessary to carry out certain check-ups.

Avamys is for nasal use only, it must not be swallowed or applied to any other part of the body.

Patients using Avamys should be aware that the use of intranasal corticosteroids may cause systemic side effects, especially with prolonged use or in high doses.

How Avamys is stored is also important:

1. the drug should be kept out of the sight and reach of children;
2. Avamys is best stored in an upright position. Always use the cap;
3. you should not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label or the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month;
4. Avamys nasal spray should be used within 2 months after first opening. This medicine should not be refrigerated and should not be frozen;
5. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines no longer required. Such behavior will help to protect the environment.

What should you know about proper drug storage? Check: Medications that are stored wrongly are poisonous

Avamys – drug dosage

Always use Avamys exactly as described in the package leaflet or as directed by the doctor or pharmacist.

Avamys should be taken once a day. It is also best to take your dose at the same time each day. The drug treats the symptoms of the disease both during the day and at night. Drug effects are usually seen within 8 to 24 hours of first use. However, some patients do not feel any improvement even for several days after the first use of Avamys.

Correct dosing of Avamys it depends on the age of the patient.

Avamys dosages for adults and children 12 years of age and older:

1. the usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day;
2. Once symptoms are controlled, you can reduce your dose to 1 puff in each nostril once a day.

Avamys dosages for children 6-11 years of age:

1. the usual starting dose is one spray in each nostril once a day;
2. if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may increase your dose to 2 sprays in each nostril once a day until your symptoms are controlled. You can then reduce the dose to one spray in each nostril once a day.

Avamys has no taste or smell. It is sprayed into the nose as a mist. Be careful not to get the spray into your eyes. If this happens, rinse eyes with water.

How to take medication correctly? Check: How to take medications effectively?

Avamys – how to apply the drug

Avamys is available as an aerosol spray, so it is important to use it correctly into your nose. The nasal spray is contained in an amber glass bottle inside a plastic housing. Contains 30, 60 or 120 doses. A window on the side of the plastic housing allows you to see how much Avamys is left.

In the package insert, the manufacturer included The 6 basic rules for using Avamys into your nose:

1. Avamys comes in an amber glass bottle. To see how much medicine is left, hold the bottle upright in bright light. The fluid level is visible through the window;
2. when using the nasal spray for the first time, shake the bottle with the cap on the dispenser vigorously for about 10 seconds. This is important because Avamys is a thick suspension that turns liquid when shaken vigorously. The drug will only spray when it is liquid;
3. firmly press down on the dose-release button to release the dose through the tip of the dispenser;
4. if it is difficult to press with your thumb, you can apply pressure with the thumbs of both hands;
5. always replace the cap when you are not using the nasal spray. The cap prevents the ingress of dust, maintains the pressure in the sprayer and prevents the clogging of the tip of the dispenser. When the cap is on, the dose button must not be pressed accidentally;
6. never use a pin or other sharp tool to clean the dispenser tip. This could damage the dispenser mechanism.

You should also prepare the spray before using Avamys. The spray should be properly prepared before the first use of the drug, and after leaving the dispenser without the cap for 5 days or when the device has not been used for 30 days or more.

In order to properly prepare the aerosol for use:

1. shake the bottle vigorously with the cap on the dispenser for about 10 seconds;
2. remove the cap by gently pressing the sides of the cap with your thumb and forefinger;
3. holding the nasal spray upright, tilt it, then point the dispenser away from you;
4. firmly press down on the dose-release button all the way down. Press at least 6 times until the mist is released into the air.

The spray prepared in this way is ready to be applied into the nose. In order to perform the application properly, the following rules must be adhered to:

1. shake the nasal spray vigorously;
2. remove the cap;
3. blow your nose to clear your nostrils, then tilt your head forward slightly;
4. place the tip of the dispenser in one nostril. Aim the tip of the dispenser towards the outside of the nose, away from the septum. This will allow the medication to reach the correct part of the nose;
5. while inhaling through the nose, press the button firmly as far as it will go;
6. remove the dispenser from the nostril and exhale through the mouth;
7. Replace the nasal spray cap.

It is also very important regular cleaning of the dispenser. Therefore, wipe the tip of the dispenser and the inside of the cap with a dry, clean tissue after each use. Do not use water to clean the dispenser tip. Also, never use a pin or other sharp tool to unclog the tip of the dispenser.

If the aerosol has stopped working, it is worth:

1. check if there is still any medicine. To do this, look through the window at the drug level. If there is very little medicine left, the nasal spray may not work properly;
2. check that the nasal spray can is not damaged;
3. check if the tip of the dispenser is clogged, never use a pin or other sharp tool to unclog it;
4. try to restart it following the instructions described above;
5. go with the nasal spray for advice from the pharmacy. 

What are home inhalers and how to choose the best one? Check: Home inhaler – how to choose the best model?

Avamys – side effects

Avamys, like any other drug, may cause side effects in patients. It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

1. wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing;
2. sudden weakness or lightheadedness;
3. swelling of the face;
4. rash, redness of the skin.

The frequency classification of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare (≥ 100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Very common side effects:

1. nose bleeds, especially with uninterrupted use of the drug for 6 weeks or more.

Common side effects:

1. ulceration of the nasal mucosa (irritation, discomfort, visible streaks of blood when cleaning the nose);
2. headache.

Uncommon side effects:

1. pain, burning, tenderness or dryness inside the nose.

Very rare side effects:

1. perforation of the nasal septum.

Side effects with frequency unknown:

1. slowing the growth of children by affecting the body’s hormone production;
2. transient visual disturbances with prolonged use.

Nasal corticosteroids can affect the body’s hormone production, especially when used in high doses over a long period of time. This side effect may slow down the growth of children.

What is chronic rhinitis and how to treat it? Check: Chronic rhinitis and its types

Avamys – drug interactions

Before starting treatment with Avamys, please inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking or have taken recently. You should also inform what medications the patient plans to take in the near future.

It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking, or have recently taken any of the following medicines:

1. tablet or injection steroids;
2. steroids in creams;
3. asthma medications;
4. ritonavir used to treat HIV;
5. ketoconazole used to treat fungal infections.

Your doctor will evaluate whether you can use Avamys with these medicines.

Which drugs should never be combined with each other? Check: Dangerous interactions

Avamys and pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any medications or dietary supplements during pregnancy requires consultation with the attending physician. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Avamys.

During pregnancy, Avamys should only be used on specific advice from your doctor. Avamys is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, unless specifically directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

What is worth knowing about proper supplementation during pregnancy? Check: Conscious choices. Diet and supplementation in pregnancy

Avamys

The price of Avamys may vary depending on the city in which the antibiotic is purchased or the pharmacy chosen by the patient.

A package of Avamys containing 120 doses costs about PLN 40-45.

What are the causes of nasal congestion and how to deal with this problem? Check: Nasal blockage