How does beclometasone nasal spray work?
Beclometasone nasal spray is a corticosteroid (steroid) medicine.
The nasal spray reduces swelling, mucus, itching and irritation in your nose. It can take a little longer to work than antihistamine nasal sprays but the effects last for longer.
When will I feel better?
You will not notice any immediate improvement in your symptoms when you first start using beclometasone nasal spray. This is because it takes a few days for it to take full effect.
If you've bought the spray from a pharmacy or shop, check the leaflet that comes with the medicine. This will tell you when to speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you feel no better after using the spray. This will usually be after 7 to 14 days of use. Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for more advice.
For some people it can take 2 weeks or more to get the maximum benefits.
If you use the spray for hay fever, it's best to start using it at least a couple of weeks before the hay fever season starts. Many people notice they get symptoms at about the same time each year.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Beclometasone nasal spray is unlikely to have any lasting harmful effects if you follow the instructions that come with your medicine or use it as your doctor recommends.
However, children and teenagers may need to have their height and weight monitored carefully if they're using high doses of a steroid nasal spray like beclometasone for a long time. This is to make sure the steroid is not affecting their growth.
The nasal spray delivers a small amount of steroid medicine exactly where you need it. This limits the amount of steroid reaching the rest of your body. It also keeps the risk of side effects as low as possible.
Do I need a steroid card?
If you're using steroid medicines such as beclometasone nasal sprays, your adrenal glands may not make as much of some of the hormones your body needs such as cortisol (known as the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency.
It's more likely to happen if you take high doses for a long time (especially tablets and injections) or if you regularly use different kinds of steroids at the same time (such as a steroid nasal spray and a steroid inhaler).
Your doctor or pharmacist will assess your risk of adrenal insufficiency based on the type and dose of steroids you're taking and may recommend that you carry a steroid emergency card (red card). This card is the size of a credit card and fits in your wallet or purse.
Important
If you need any medical or dental treatment, or are having surgery or an invasive procedure, show your steroid emergency card to your doctor or dentist. This is important so they know you're having steroid treatment and can give you extra steroids as needed.
Will it affect my contraception?
Beclometasone nasal spray does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike while using it?
For most people, taking beclometasone nasal spray will not affect their ability to drive a car or cycle.
Can I drink alcohol with while using beclometasone nasal spray?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using beclometasone nasal spray.
Can lifestyle changes help with hay fever?
It'll help if you do not spend too much time outside when the pollen count is high.
Tips for when you're outside:
- Do not cut grass or walk on grass.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
- Put Vaseline around your nostrils to help trap pollen.
- Shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash off pollen.
Tips for when you're inside:
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- Do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
- Do not smoke or be around smoke as it makes hay fever symptoms worse.