Avamys (Fluticasone Furoate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Avamys Used For?
Avamys is a nasal spray that contains fluticasone furoate, a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation caused by allergies in your nose.
Primary Uses
Avamys treats symptoms of allergic rhinitis including stuffy, runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and watery, itchy or red eyes. The effects are usually felt within the first day, although some people may not feel the effects until several days after first taking it.
How It Works
Avamys belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. It works by decreasing inflammation caused by allergy (rhinitis) in your nasal passages.
Good to know: Avamys is not addictive
How to Take Avamys
Avamys is a nasal spray that should be used once daily at the same time each day. Shake well before use and spray into the nose as a fine mist.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: The usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day (55 micrograms fluticasone furoate). Once symptoms are controlled, you may be able to decrease your dose to 1 spray in each nostril once a day. Children (2 to 11 years): The usual starting dose is 1 spray in each nostril once a day (27.5 micrograms fluticasone furoate). If symptoms are severe, your doctor may increase the dose to 2 sprays in each nostril once a day until symptoms are under control.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, use the product as soon as you remember, then go back to using the product as you would normally.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nose bleeds
- nasal ulceration which may cause irritation or discomfort in your nose
- headache
- pain, burning, irritation, soreness or dryness in the inside of the nose
- slowing of growth in children
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- wheezing
- swelling of the lips/mouth
- difficulty in breathing
- hay fever
- lumpy rash (hives)
- fainting
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Avamys. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Avamys
Do not use Avamys if you are allergic to fluticasone furoate or any of the ingredients listed. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, are allergic to foods, dyes, or any other medicine, or take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Avamys and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infection)
- ritonavir (used to treat HIV infection)
Alcohol & Driving
Avamys is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be careful until you know how it affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Avamys affects you. Avamys is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machinery.
Storage
Store your Avamys below 30°C, protected from direct sunlight. Always keep the cap on. Do not freeze. Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave in the car or on window sills. Keep in its pack until it is time to use it. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Overdose Information
If you think that you or anyone else have used too much Avamys, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The effects are usually felt within the first day, although some people will not feel the effects until several days after first taking it.
No, Avamys is not addictive.
No, do not use Avamys in or near the eyes. It is only for use in your nose.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, then go back to using it normally. Do not take a double dose.
Do not stop using Avamys or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.
Avamys is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age. For children 2 to 11 years, the usual starting dose is 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction such as wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty breathing, hay fever, lumpy rash (hives) or fainting, call your doctor straight away or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.