Nasacort AQ is a nasal spray that contains triamcinolone - an adrenocortical steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Nasacort AQ is used to treat nasal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose caused by seasonal allergies or hay fever.
Nasacort AQ may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Nasacort AQ in a child under 2 years old without the advice of a doctor. Some brands of triamcinolone nasal are not made for use in children. Do not use Nasacort AQ if you are allergic to triamcinolone.
Before using Nasacort AQ, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have tuberculosis, asthma, a history of glaucoma or cataracts, any type of infection, or if you have had recent surgery or injury to your nose.
It may take up to a week before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of treatment, or if they get worse any time during treatment.
Nasacort AQ can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.
Do not stop using Nasacort AQ suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about using less and less of the medication before stopping completely.
Before using Nasacort AQ
You should not use Nasacort AQ if you are allergic to triamcinolone.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need to adjust the dosage of Nasacort AQ or have special tests:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Nasacort AQ will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether triamcinolone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Nasacort AQ without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Nasacort AQ can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication. Do not use Nasacort AQ in a child under 2 years old without the advice of a doctor. Some brands of triamcinolone nasal are not made for use in children.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use Nasacort AQ?
Use Nasacort AQ exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Before each use, gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
Shake the canister well just before using it.
To use Nasacort AQ inhaler:
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Remove the protective cap from the nasal inhaler.
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Hold the inhaler between your thumb and forefinger, tilt your head back slightly, and insert the inhaler into one nostril while holding the other nostril closed with one finger.
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Press down on the canister to release the spray and inhale gently at the same time. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly through the mouth.
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Replace the white protective inhaler cap.
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Clean your inhaler weekly by removing the medicine canister and the protective cap, and rinsing the inhaler thoroughly with warm water. Do not use soap. Allow the inhaler to dry completely before replacing the cap and canister.
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Throw away the nasal inhaler after 100 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the canister.
To use Nasacort AQ spray:
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Before using the Nasacort AQ spray for the first time, prime the spray pump by spraying the medicine into the air and away from your face, until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 14 days.
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Hold the nasal spray with the tip pointed into one nostril but not far into your nose. Bend your head forward to aim the spray toward the back of your nose. Hold your other nostril closed with one finger. Pump the spray unit and sniff gently at the same time.
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Throw away the nasal spray after 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.
Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using Nasacort AQ.
It may take up to a week before your symptoms improve. Keep using Nasacort AQ as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of treatment, or if they get worse any time during treatment.
Do not stop using Nasacort AQ suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about using less and less of the medication before stopping completely.
If you use Nasacort AQ for several months, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store at Nasacort AQ room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the cover and clip on the nasal spray pump unit when not in use. Keep the protective cap on the nasal inhaler when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of Nasacort AQ is not expected to be dangerous. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid?
Nasacort AQ can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.
Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone (nasal)) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Nasacort AQ: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
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white patches or sores inside your nose or mouth, or on your lips; or
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blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights.
Less serious Nasacort AQ side effects may include:
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stinging, burning, or bleeding in your nose;
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sneezing after use of the medicine;
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sore throat, cough, stuffy nose;
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watery eyes;
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headache;
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nausea, vomiting; or
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an unpleasant taste or smell.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Nasacort AQ?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
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cancer medicine (chemotherapy);
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cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
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sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf);
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basiliximab (Simulect), efalizumab (Raptiva), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone);
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mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept);
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azathioprine (Imuran), leflunomide (Arava), etanercept (Enbrel); or
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other steroids such as prednisone, fluticasone (Advair), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Nasacort AQ. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
