Avamys Caution For Usage

Instructions for Use/Handling: Patients should be instructed that the device must be primed before first use and re-primed if the cap is left off or the device does not seem to be working. In order to prime the device, the nasal spray needs to be shaken vigorously for about 10 seconds with the cap on. This is important as Fluticasone furoate (Avamys) Nasal Spray is a thick suspension that becomes liquid when vigorously shaken. It will only spray when it becomes liquid. The patient must then press the button firmly all the way in, approximately 6 times until a fine mist is seen (to ensure a full-dose is delivered). Once primed, the patient must shake the nasal spray vigorously each time before use. The cap must be replaced after use to keep the nozzle clean and to prevent the need for re-priming.
This section includes the following information: The nasal spray; 6 important things to know about Fluticasone furoate (Avamys); preparing the nasal spray; using the nasal spray; cleaning the nasal spray.
The Nasal Spray: The medicine comes in a brown glass bottle inside a plastic casing. It will contain either 30, 60 or 120 sprays, depending on the pack size that has been prescribed for the patient.
A window in the plastic casing allows to see how much medicine is left. The patient will be able to see the liquid level for a new 30 or 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 to Know About Fluticasone Furoate (Avamys): 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. The patient will then be able to see the level through the window.
2. When the patient first use the nasal spray, shake it vigorously with the cap on for about 10 seconds. This is important as Fluticasone furoate (Avamys) Nasal Spray is very thick and becomes more liquid when the patient shakes 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 the patient has difficulty pressing the button with the thumb, the patient can use two hands.
5. Always keep the cap on the nasal spray when 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: The patient must prepare the nasal spray: Before using it for the first time; if the patient has left the cap off.
Preparing the nasal spray helps to make sure the patient always gets 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 the thumb and forefinger and pulling it straight off.
Hold the nasal spray upright and point the nozzle away from the patient.
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 the nose to clear the nostrils, and then tilt the head forward a little bit.
4. Hold the nasal spray upright and carefully place the nozzle in one of the nostrils.
5. Point the end of the nozzle toward the outside of the nose, away from the centre ridge of the nose. This helps direct the medicine to the right part of the nose.
6. As the patient breathe in through the nose, press the button once firmly all the way in.
7. Be careful not to get any spray in the eyes. If the patient does, rinse the eyes with water.
8. Take the nozzle out and breathe out through the mouth.
9. If the physician has told the patient to take 2 sprays per nostril, repeat steps 4 to 6.
10. Repeat steps 4 to 6 for the 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 the patient has 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 the patient still has 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 the patient thinks the nozzle may be blocked, don't use a pin or anything sharp to clear it.
Try to reset it by following the instructions as mentioned previously 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 the patient feels any discomfort using the spray, return it to the pharmacist.