Avamys Patient Counseling Information

The nasal spray: Your medicine comes in a brown glass bottle inside a plastic casing. It will contain either 60 or 120 sprays, depending on the pack size that has been prescribed for you.
A window in the plastic casing allows you to see how much medicine is left. You will be able to see the liquid level for a new 60 spray bottle, but not for a new 120 spray bottle because the liquid level is above the window.
The medicine sprays out of the nozzle when the button on the side is pressed firmly all the way in.
A removable cap protects the nozzle from dust and prevents it from blocking up.
Six important things you need to know about AVAMYS Nasal Spray: 1. The nasal spray comes in a brown glass bottle. To check how much is left, hold the nasal spray upright against a bright light. You will then be able to see the level through the window.
2. When you first use the nasal spray you must shake it vigorously with the cap on for about 10 seconds. This is important as AVAMYS Nasal Spray is very thick and becomes more liquid when you shake it well. It will only spray when it becomes liquid.
3. The button on the side must be pressed firmly all the way in, to release a spray through the nozzle.
4. If you have difficulty pressing the button with your thumb, you can use two hands.
5. Always keep the cap on the nasal spray when you are not using it. The cap keeps the dust out, seals in the pressure and stops the nozzle from blocking up. When the cap is in place the button on the side can't be pressed accidentally.
6. Never use a pin or anything sharp to clear the nozzle. It will damage the nasal spray.
Preparing the Nasal Spray: You must prepare the nasal spray: before you use it for the first time, if you have left the cap off.
Preparing the nasal spray helps to make sure you always get the full dose of medicine. Follow these steps: With the cap on, shake the nasal spray vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Remove the cap by gently squeezing the sides of the cap with your thumb and forefinger and pulling it straight off.
Hold the nasal spray upright and point the nozzle away from you.
Press the button firmly all the way in. Do this at least 6 times to release a fine spray into the air.
The nasal spray is now ready for use.
Using the nasal spray: 1. Shake the nasal spray vigorously.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils, and then tilt your head forward a little bit.
4. Hold the nasal spray upright and carefully place the nozzle in one of your nostrils.
5. Point the end of the nozzle toward the outside of your nose, away from the centre ridge of your nose. This helps direct the medicine to the right part of your nose.
6. As you breathe in through your nose, press the button once firmly all the way in.
7. Be careful not to get any spray in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with water.
8. Take the nozzle out and breathe out through your mouth.
9. If your doctor has told you to take 2 sprays per nostril, repeat steps 4 to 6.
10. Repeat steps 4 to 6 for your other nostril.
11. Replace the cap on the nasal spray.
Cleaning the nasal spray: After each use: Wipe the nozzle and the inside of the cap. Don't use water to do this. Wipe with a clean, dry tissue.
Never use a pin or anything sharp on the nozzle.
Always replace the cap once you have finished to keep out dust, seal in the pressure and stop the nozzle from blocking up.
If the nasal spray does not seem to be working: Check if you still have medicine left. Look at the level through the window. If the level is very low there may not be enough left to work the nasal spray.
Check the nasal spray for damage.
If you think the nozzle may be blocked, don't use a pin or anything sharp to clear it.
Try to reset it by following the instructions under 'Preparing the nasal spray for use'.
If it is still not working, or if it produces anything other than a fine mist (such as a jet of liquid), or if you feel any discomfort using the spray, return it to your pharmacist.