Nasonex is a prescription-only nasal spray containing mometasone furoate, a corticosteroid. It is also available as a cream for treating skin conditions like eczema.

What is Nasonex used for?

Nasonex is used to reduce nasal irritation and swelling, helping to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny or blocked nose caused by hay fever or other allergies.

What kind of medication is Nasonex?

Nasonex belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids, which are synthetic versions of hormones naturally produced by your body. Note that corticosteroids are different from anabolic steroids.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Nasonex is mometasone furoate.

The active ingredient in Nasonex, mometasone furoate, is absorbed into the lining of your nose, where it works to stop the production of chemicals that cause allergic reactions.

How long does Nasonex last?

Nasonex can typically be used for up to 3 months. However, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend using it for a longer period. If you don’t feel better after using it for 2 weeks, it’s important to consult your doctor, as they may suggest adjusting your treatment.

How long does Nasonex take to work?

Many people begin to feel relief within 12 hours of their first dose. However, for optimal results, continue using Nasonex regularly. If you experience seasonal hay fever and find it difficult to manage symptoms, your doctor may recommend starting Nasonex before the pollen season begins to prevent symptoms from developing.

How effective is Nasonex?

Nasonex is generally effective in reducing hay fever symptoms. If your symptoms persist after using it for several days, speak to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss alternative treatment options.

To ensure Nasonex works effectively, it should be used every day at the same time. The recommended dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.

Preparing the bottle

If you are using Nasonex for the first time, follow these steps to prepare the bottle:

1. Shake the bottle gently.
2. Place your middle finger and forefinger on either side of the nozzle, with your thumb underneath the bottle.
3. Point the nozzle away from your face and press down with your fingers to pump the spray. Pump 10 times or until the bottle sprays a fine mist.
4. If you haven’t used Nasonex for 14 days or longer, repeat these steps, though it may take fewer pumps to produce a fine mist.

Using the nasal spray

Follow these steps to use Nasonex correctly:

1. Shake the bottle gently and remove the dust cap.
2. Blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils.
3. Close one nostril with your finger and insert the nozzle into the other nostril.
4. Tilt your head slightly forward and keep the bottle upright.
5. Breathe in gently through your nose while pressing down on the spray once.
6. Breathe out through your mouth. If needed, repeat the spray in the same nostril.
7. Remove the nozzle and breathe out through your mouth.
8. Repeat steps 3 to 7 for the other nostril.
9. Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap.

Always use the spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

How long should you use Nasonex for?

Nasonex is usually used for up to 12 weeks. If you don’t feel better after 14 days, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If symptoms persist, your doctor may advise continuing the treatment for a longer period.

Buying Nasonex online

Yes, you can buy Nasonex online through Superdrug Online Doctor. To order, follow these steps:

1. Answer a few quick questions about your symptoms and health.
2. Our doctors will review your answers and issue a prescription if appropriate.
3. Once prescribed, you can purchase Nasonex from us and have it delivered to your home or collect it from your local Superdrug store ('click and collect').

Buying Nasonex over the counter

No, Nasonex is only available with a prescription. You cannot buy it over the counter.

Getting Nasonex on the NHS

Yes, Nasonex is available on the NHS and can be prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use Nasonex if you:

• are allergic to mometasone furoate or any other ingredients in this medicine
• have an untreated infection in your nose as Nasonex can make this worse
• have recently injured or had an operation on your nose which hasn’t healed

When Nasonex may be unsuitable

Before using Nasonex, speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have or have ever had tuberculosis
• have any other infection
• have cystic fibrosis
• are taking other corticosteroid medicines, either by injection or mouth
• are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to have a baby

While using Nasonex, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• your immune system is not functioning well (you're getting ill regularly)
• you get an infection or continuous irritation in your throat or nose

Medications that interact with Nasonex

Some medicines may increase the effects of Nasonex. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using the spray so they can monitor you carefully, especially if you are taking medicines for HIV, like cobicistat or ritonavir.

If you take any other corticosteroid medicines for allergies, you may need to stop taking these when you start Nasonex. Be careful if you do stop using these as some people get undesirable effects, like pains and weakness in their joints when they do. You can also develop other allergies like watering or itchy eyes or itchy and red skin patches.

There are alternatives to Nasonex that may be worth considering, such as Telfast and Neoclarityn. Both are antihistamine tablets proven to relieve hay fever symptoms. Telfast is particularly beneficial as it provides relief without causing drowsiness.

Please note that Neoclarityn is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Here are some references for hay fever and related treatments:

• Hay Fever (February 2021), NHS (Accessed 21 April 2022)
• Mometasone Nasal Spray (July 2020), NHS (Accessed 21 April 2022)
• Nasonex 50 micrograms/actuation Nasal Spray, Suspension – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) (March 2020), EMC (Accessed 21 April 2022)
• Neoclarityn 5 mg Film-coated Tablets – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) (January 2022), EMC (Accessed 21 April 2022)
• Telfast 180mg Film-coated Tablets – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) (November 2021), EMC (Accessed 21 April 2022)