Benacort Hay Fever Nasal Spray 64 Micrograms 120 Sprays

What is Benacort Hay Fever Nasal Spray 64 Micrograms 120 Sprays?

Benacort Nasal Spray contains budesonide, a corticosteroid, in a metered pump that delivers 64 micrograms with each spray. It is licensed to prevent and treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, in adults. As a pharmacy medicine, our pharmacist checks it is right for you before it is dispensed.

How does it help?

Hay fever symptoms come from inflammation in the lining of the nose, set off when pollen lands on it. Budesonide acts directly on that lining to damp down the inflammation, so the nose is less swollen, produces less mucus and reacts less to the next dose of pollen. Because it works on the underlying inflammation rather than on the symptoms alone, it takes a few days of regular use to reach its full effect, so start it before or as soon as the pollen season begins. The starting dose is 256 micrograms a day, either as two sprays into each nostril each morning or one spray into each nostril morning and evening; once symptoms are controlled this can usually be reduced to one spray into each nostril each morning.

Key benefits

• Treats the blocked, runny, itchy nose and sneezing of hay fever at their source
• Can be used to prevent symptoms as well as to treat them
• Acts locally in the nose, so very little reaches the rest of the body at the licensed dose
• Once symptoms are controlled, a single morning dose is usually enough

Who should take care?

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. For adults aged 18 and over only, and not for continuous use for more than three months. Do not use if you are allergic to budesonide or any of the other ingredients. Talk to our pharmacist before using it if you already use any other steroid medicine (inhaler, tablets, cream or another nasal spray); if you have or have had tuberculosis, or have recently been in contact with chickenpox or measles; if you have severe or frequent nosebleeds, ulcers inside the nose or have had nose surgery recently; if you have ever been diagnosed with glaucoma or cataracts, or have an eye infection; if you have diabetes or reduced liver function; if you have a fungal or viral infection of the airways; or if you take medicines such as ketoconazole, itraconazole or some HIV medicines. Tell your GP or optician about any blurred vision or other change in your eyesight while using it. Speak to our pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.