About Rhinocort Hayfever®

1. What is Rhinocort Hayfever?
2. How does Rhinocort Hayfever work?
3. What symptoms does Rhinocort Hayfever treat?
4. How quickly will Rhinocort Hayfever work?
5. Why should I start taking Rhinocort Hayfever before I have hayfever symptoms?
6. How much Rhinocort Hayfever should I use?
7. How long should I take Rhinocort Hayfever?
8. Can children use Rhinocort Hayfever?
9. Does Rhinocort Hayfever have side effects?
10. What are the benefits of Rhinocort Hayfever?
11. How to use Rhinocort Hayfever – instructions
12. Download Rhinocort Hayfever Consumer Medicine Information

What is Rhinocort Hayfever?

Rhinocort Hayfever® is a non-drowsy once-daily treatment for the prevention and relief of hayfever. It is an intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) spray with the active ingredient budesonide, and is available without prescription from pharmacies.

Rhinocort Hayfever is a nasal spray containing 32mcg of budesonide per activation.
Available as a 60-dose Starter Pack or a 120-dose Economy Pack

How does Rhinocort Hayfever work?

INCS (such as Rhinocort Hayfever) are the most effective medications for controlling the range of hayfever symptoms, including sneezing, itching, a runny nose, eye symptoms and nasal blockage. Rhinocort Hayfever works by reducing and controlling the inflammation that causes nasal blockage and the other symptoms of hayfever.

Rhinocort Hayfever therefore treats and, when used early enough, can prevent symptoms. Other types of hayfever medicines, such as antihistamines, only treat the symptoms.

What symptoms does Rhinocort Hayfever treat?

Rhinocort Hayfever treats all hayfever symptoms, including:

• Sneezing
• Blocked or runny nose
• Nasal itching
• Watery eyes

How quickly will Rhinocort Hayfever work?

Some symptoms, such as blocked nose, can start to disappear within 3 hours; however it can take up to 2 - 3 days for the maximal effect of Rhinocort Hayfever to be achieved.

Continuing to take antihistamines during this transition period may offer further relief.

Why should I start taking Rhinocort Hayfever before I have hayfever symptoms?

Taking Rhinocort Hayfever 1 - 2 weeks before you are exposed to allergens that can trigger your hayfever (for example, before the start of the pollen season) can prevent hayfever symptoms from developing. It also prevents the nose lining from becoming hyperreactive – extra sensitive to allergens.

How much Rhinocort Hayfever should I use?

Rhinocort Hayfever should be used daily for the prevention and treatment of hayfever symptoms.

The starting dose is up to FOUR sprays into EACH nostril daily (eight sprays). You can take these sprays all in the morning, or if you prefer you can take TWO sprays into EACH nostril in the morning and evening.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of 8 sprays a day.

After your symptoms have improved, you should gradually reduce the number of sprays you put into each nostril to the lowest number that controls your symptoms. This might be one spray into each nostril in the morning.

Stage	Dose
Treatment	2 - 4 sprays in each nostril, once daily
Maintenance	1 - 2 sprays in each nostril, once dailiy

It may take up to two or three days of using Rhinocort Hayfever before you notice any improvement in your symptoms.

To prevent hayfever symptoms from occurring, take Rhinocort Hayfever 1 - 2 weeks before you are exposed to allergens that can trigger your hayfever (for example, before the start of the pollen season).

How long should I take Rhinocort Hayfever?

Rhinocort Hayfever only works if it is used on a regular basis. It generally takes a few days before you notice any improvement in your symptoms.

Rhinocort Hayfever is indicated for short-term (3 - 6 months) use only.

See your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms are not relieved within 7 days.

Do not use for more than 6 months without the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Can children use Rhinocort Hayfever?

Currently, the approved age indication for Rhinocort Hayfever is 12 years and above for seasonal hayfever and 18 years and above for perennial (all year round) hayfever.

Please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the use of Rhinocort Hayfever in children.

Does Rhinocort Hayfever have side effects?

All medicines have side effects. However, with Rhinocort Hayfever potential side effects are usually mild and last for only a short time.

Side effects can include: irritation of the nose or mouth, sneezing, increased sputum, cough, difficulty breathing, headache, tiredness, and/or nose bleeds.

Rhinocort Hayfever does not cause drowsiness like sedating antihistamines, it is not addictive and is in a different class of medicine from decongestants such as pseudoephedrine.

If you are pregnant it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rhinocort Hayfever.

What are the benefits of Rhinocort Hayfever?

Rhinocort Hayfever is most effective when it is used according to instructions. Benefits of Rhinocort Hayfever include:

• Effective relief of all hayfever symptoms
• More effective than antihistamine tablets, particularly if blocked nose is a major symptom.
• Onset of action from 3 hours. Maximum benefit may take 2 - 3 days.
• Non-drowsy
• Once-daily administration
• Comfortable to use – no alcohol or fragrance, and small spray volume
• Can be used to prevent hayfever symptoms from developing

How to use Rhinocort Hayfever – instructions

The most recent information on the best way to use Rhinocort Hayfever is as follows:

• Clear the nasal passages with gentle blowing before using Rhinocort Hayfever.
• Prior to first use, shake the bottle thoroughly and prime the nasal inhaler by spraying into the air about 5 times until a fine mist appears. (It may be necessary to re-prime the bottle if it is unused for several weeks.)
• Close one nostril and insert the end of the inhaler tube into the other nostril.
• Aim the spray away from the middle of the nose.
• Hold your breath and deliver a dose.
• Shake the bottle between sprays.

Try to avoid tilting your head back during administration and always aim the spray away from the middle of your nose.

Download Rhinocort Hayfever Consumer Medicine Information

Rhinocort Consumer Medicine Information
A consumer-friendly summary of things you should know about Rhinocort Hayfever.