INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
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This leaflet does not have the complete information about your medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist (also known as a chemist).
All medicines have some risks. Sometimes new risks are found even when a medicine has been used for many years.
If there is anything you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you want more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The medicine in your Beconase Hayfever is called beclomethasone dipropionate. This is one of a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, frequently called "steroids". They are not "anabolic steroids" which are the steroids sometimes misused by athletes.
Beconase Hayfever helps to prevent and treat allergic rhinitis (including hay fever) and related conditions. Allergic rhinitis includes symptoms such as an itchy sensation in the nose, throat and eyes, followed by sneezing, stuffiness, runny nose and often watery eyes.
Beconase Hayfever works by reducing the swelling and irritation in the lining of the nose. It relieves the symptoms of blocked nose, runny nose, itchy nose and sneezing.
It usually takes a few days for this medicine to help your nasal symptoms.
You may know that you are going to be allergic to, for example, pollen at a particular time of year. It is helpful to start using your spray just before your symptoms appear, to prevent them from starting. If you already have symptoms, improvement in your condition will take a few days.
If you have itchy eyes, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may tell you to use additional medicine to treat your eye symptoms.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on whether you should take this medicine.
You will find the instructions on how to use your Beconase Hayfever in the pack. Follow the instructions carefully on how to spray each dose into each nostril.
The pharmacist's label will usually tell you how many sprays to take and how often to use your Spray.
You should always shake the spray bottle before use.
Remember, you must only use your Spray for your nose.
If you find it difficult to use your Spray, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
For adults and children over 12 years of age: the usual dose is two sprays into each nostril twice daily.
You should use your Beconase Hayfever every day or as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant.
Your Beconase Hayfever is only for you. Do not give this medicine to someone else.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications or herbal remedies.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms become worse or don't improve.
Like other medicines, your Beconase Hayfever may cause some side-effects. Most of the side-effects will be minor and temporary, but some may be serious. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have.
You may sneeze a little immediately after using your Spray.
Other reported side effects include:
If any of these symptoms persist or worry you, tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
If you think you are having an allergic reaction to Beconase Hayfever, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital. Symptoms usually include some or all of the following:
If you have symptoms which you think may be due to your Spray, or you have any other symptoms which are making you feel uncomfortable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You should only use the number of sprays that you have been told. If you accidentally use a little more Beconase Hayfever on one occasion, it is unlikely to cause a problem. If you use a lot more sprays than you have been told, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
As with any medicine, in the event of an overdose, you should contact your nearest hospital emergency department or Poisons Information Centre for advice (0800 POISON or 0800 764 766) even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.
If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep your Beconase Hayfever in a place where children cannot reach it.
Do not put your Beconase Hayfever in the refrigerator.
Keep your Beconase Hayfever away from bright sunlight.
Keep your Beconase Hayfever away from heat (store below 30°C). Do not leave it in the car on hot days.
You will find an expiry (or use by) date printed on the manufacturer's label on the bottle and on the cardboard box. Do not use your Spray after this date.
Once you have opened your Spray, you should not use this particular bottle for more than three months. Write down the date you opened the bottle on the label or the box.
If you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose at the normal time.
Do not double the dose.
Your Beconase Hayfever spray is only for you. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms appear to be the same as yours.
You may have been prescribed steroids by your doctor. If you take high doses of steroids for a long time, this could affect your adrenal glands, making you feel tired and weak and possibly also experience weight loss. If this is the case, your doctor may do tests to check how your adrenal glands are working.
The glass bottle containing your medicine delivers an accurate measured spray. A standard bottle contains 200 sprays.
Each spray contains 50 micrograms of beclomethasone dipropionate in a liquid. The liquid also contains dextrose, Avicel, phenylethyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride and polysorbate 80.
Your Beconase Hayfever is supplied by:
Allen & Hanburys
Respiratory Care Division
Glaxo Wellcome New Zealand Limited
Quay Tower
Cnr Customs and Albert St
Private Bag 106600
Downtown, Auckland
Ph (09) 367-2900
Fax (09) 367-2910
Beconase is a Trademark owned by the Glaxo Group of Companies.
Do not throw this leaflet away. You may want to read it again.
This leaflet is copyrighted to Glaxo Wellcome and may be reproduced but not altered in any way.
Issue 1, May 2000