Patient Information Leaflet for Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray (beclometasone dipropionate).

Your doctor has decided to prescribe Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray as part of your treatment.

This leaflet tells you about Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray and how to use it. Please read it carefully and keep it until you have finished the medicine.

WHAT IS BECONASE AQUEOUS NASAL SPRAY?

Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray contains 50 micrograms beclometasone dipropionate as the active ingredient in each spray. It also contains microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, polysorbate 80, purified water and the preservatives benzalkonium chloride and phenylethylalcohol. These other ingredients are needed to make a stable suspension which will not go off.

The active ingredient in this medicine is beclometasone dipropionate. This is the new name for beclomethasone dipropionate. The ingredient itself has not changed.

Each bottle delivers 200 sprays.

HOW YOUR MEDICINE WORKS

Beclometasone dipropionate is one of a group of medicines called corticosteroids which are often referred to simply as ‘steroids’. Steroids are used to treat hayfever and perennial rhinitis because they have an anti-inflammatory action. They reduce the swelling and irritation in the nose and so help to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms. They should be taken regularly every day.

Beclometasone dipropionate should not be confused with anabolic steroids misused by some athletes and taken as tablets or injection.

USES

Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray is used to prevent and treat allergic rhinitis and perennial rhinitis in adults and children aged 6 years and over.

When you have rhinitis the inside of your nose becomes swollen and itchy. This often occurs during the early summer when it is caused by breathing in pollens from grasses or trees and is called hayfever. Some people get problems all the year round and this is called perennial rhinitis. It may be due to house dust mites or animals such as cats or dogs.

When you spray Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray into your nose it helps to relieve the itching, sneezing and blocked or runny nose.

MAKE SURE THAT THIS MEDICINE IS SUITABLE FOR YOU

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE

• if you are pregnant (or intending to become pregnant),
• if you are breast-feeding a baby,
• if you have recently been treated with injected steroids or if you have been taking oral steroids for a long time,
• if you have ever had to stop taking this or another medicine for this illness because you were allergic to it or it caused problems.

Sometimes this medicine may not be suitable and your doctor may want to give you something different. Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking, including those you have bought from the chemist. Remember to take this medicine with you if you have to go into hospital.

USING YOUR NASAL SPRAY

• Follow the instructions shown later in the leaflet. If you have any problems tell your doctor or pharmacist.
• Make sure you know HOW and WHEN to use the nasal spray, and HOW MANY sprays you should use. Your doctor should have told you and the instructions should be on the pharmacist's label. If they are not, or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• ONLY USE IN YOUR NOSE.

SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray can have side effects. If you experience any of the following while you are taking Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Common side effects that have been reported in between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people taking Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray include:

• a dry or painful nose or throat
• an unpleasant taste or smell
• bad nose bleeds
• allergic reactions including skin rashes or redness, itching or wheals like nettle rash or hives

Very rare side effects that have been reported in less than 1 in 10,000 people taking Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray include:

• problems with their eyes after using the nasal spray. If you experience pain or blurred vision, tell your doctor as soon as possible
• severe allergic reactions, which can be sudden, including swelling of the face or throat, or shortness of breath and/or wheezing
• in very rare instances, treatment with Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray may affect the normal production of steroids in the body. This is more likely to happen if high doses are being used over a long period of time. One of the rare effects is that children may grow more slowly than others. Children who are receiving treatment over a long period of time will have their height checked regularly by their doctor. Your doctor will help prevent this happening by prescribing the lowest dose of steroid at which your symptoms are well controlled.

If you feel unwell or have any other problems tell your doctor or pharmacist and follow their advice.

STORING YOUR MEDICINE

• Keep your nasal spray in a safe place WHERE CHILDREN CANNOT REACH IT.
• Protect from frost and light. Do not store above 30˚C (86˚F). Do not put in the refrigerator.
• Do not use this nasal spray after the date shown as 'EXP' on the label and carton.
• Stop using this bottle three months after you first opened it.
• If you are told to stop taking this medicine RETURN ANY UNUSED BECONASE AQUEOUS NASAL SPRAY TO YOUR PHARMACIST to be destroyed.

LEAFLET DATE NOVEMBER 2005

ABOUT YOUR NASAL SPRAY

Your new Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray has a dust cap which protects the nozzle and keeps it clean. Remember to take this off before using the spray.

A new spray, or one which has not been used for a few days, may not work the first time. You may need to ‘prime’ the bottle by pumping the spray a few times until a fine mist is produced. To do this hold the bottle as shown. Put your forefinger and middle finger on the collar either side of the nozzle and your thumb underneath the bottle. Keeping your thumb still, press down with your fingers to pump the spray.

Hold the nozzle pointing away from you while you are doing this.

If the spray still doesn't work and you think it may be blocked, clean it as follows. NEVER try to unblock it or enlarge the tiny spray hole with a pin or other sharp object because this will destroy the spray mechanism.