Before using triamcinolone nasal spray

Before using triamcinolone nasal spray make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have recently had surgery on your nose.
• If you have recently had an infection in your nose.
• If you suffer from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• If you have tuberculosis (TB).
• If you are taking any other medicines including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

Triamcinolone nasal spray is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age.

How to use triamcinolone nasal spray

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. This will explain how to 'prime' your spray before using it for the first time.
• Use triamcinolone nasal spray exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils.
2. Shake the container and remove the cap.
3. Close one nostril by pressing against it gently with a finger.
4. Put the nozzle of the spray into the other nostril taking care to keep the container upright.
5. To administer a dose, breathe in gently at the same time as pushing down on the nozzle of the container.
6. Breathe out through your mouth.
7. If you have been told to use 2 sprays into each nostril, administer another dose.
8. Repeat the above steps in the other nostril if you have been instructed to use the spray in both nostrils.
9. Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not use this spray more often than your doctor or pharmacist recommends as this can increase the risk of side-effects.
• If you are using triamcinolone nasal spray to relieve the symptoms of hayfever, your doctor may recommend that you start using the nasal spray several weeks before the hayfever season starts.
• If triamcinolone nasal spray has been prescribed for your child for long-term use then this may affect their growth rate. Your doctor will measure their height regularly and if their growth rate is affected the dose prescribed may be reduced.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are using this spray.
• Clean your nasal spray at least once a week (or more often if it gets blocked). This can be done by soaking the cap and spray nozzle in warm water for a few minutes and then allowing them to dry naturally.

Can triamcinolone nasal spray cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any troublesome dryness or irritation of the nose or throat, nose bleeds, or if you experience any other side-effects which you think may be due to this medicine.

Important: if you experience difficulty breathing, or any swelling of the face, rash or itching, contact your doctor immediately.

How to store triamcinolone nasal spray

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• After opening your spray, it may be used for 1 or 2 months depending on the size of the container you have been supplied with. Make a note of the date you open the spray and check the container for how long it may be used for after opening.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Nasacort® Nasal Spray, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2010, accessed September 2010.
• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.