Preparing Your Avamys Nasal Spray
Before you even think about putting the nozzle in your nose, proper preparation is essential for the effectiveness of Avamys, which is a corticosteroid medication used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This involves priming the device and ensuring it's ready to deliver a fine mist, not a jet of liquid.
Priming the Device
For first-time use or if the spray has not been used for 30 days or more, you must prime the device. This ensures you get a full, consistent dose with every spray.
- Shake Vigorously: Shake the nasal spray vigorously for about 10 seconds while the cap is still on. Avamys is a thick suspension that becomes liquid when shaken well, which is necessary for it to spray correctly.
- Remove the Cap: Gently squeeze the sides of the cap and pull it straight off.
- Prime the Pump: Hold the spray upright, pointing the nozzle away from your face. Press the side button firmly and repeatedly (at least six times) until a fine mist is released.
Weekly Maintenance and Repriming
To prevent blockages and maintain proper function, it's important to keep the device clean and re-prime it when necessary.
- Weekly Cleaning: Wipe the nozzle and the inside of the cap with a clean, dry tissue to prevent it from getting blocked. Never use water or any sharp objects to clean it.
- Repriming: Re-prime the device if you haven't used it for 30 days or more, or if you've left the cap off for 5 or more days.
Step-by-Step Guide to Spraying Avamys
For the medicine to reach the correct area of your nasal passages, it's crucial to use the right technique. Proper head positioning and spraying angle prevent common errors that can make the medication less effective.
The Correct Spraying Technique
- Clear your nose: Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils of any mucus.
- Shake and Tilt: Shake the spray vigorously again and remove the cap. Tilt your head slightly forward.
- Insert the Nozzle: Hold the spray upright and insert the nozzle into one nostril, closing the other with your finger.
- Aim Away: Point the nozzle slightly outwards, away from the center ridge (septum) of your nose, towards the outside of your nostril. This helps direct the medicine to the right part of your nose and reduces the risk of nosebleeds.
- Press and Inhale: As you breathe in slowly through your nose, press the side button firmly to release a single spray.
- Breathe out: Remove the nozzle and breathe out through your mouth.
- Repeat for Second Nostril: Repeat the process for the other nostril. If your doctor has instructed you to take two sprays per nostril, repeat steps 3-6 in the first nostril before moving to the second.
- Wipe and Cap: After use, wipe the nozzle and inside of the cap with a clean, dry tissue and replace the cap.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sniffing Hard: Sniffing too hard after spraying can cause the medication to go down your throat instead of staying in your nose.
- Spraying into the Septum: Aiming the nozzle directly at the center of your nose (septum) can increase the risk of irritation and nosebleeds.
- Using Before Saline Rinse: If you use a saline spray or nasal irrigation, do so before using Avamys. Wait at least an hour before using Avamys.
- Forgetting to Shake: Not shaking the suspension vigorously enough can lead to an ineffective dose, as the medicine might not be properly mixed.
Comparison Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Technique
| Feature | Correct Technique | Incorrect Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Shake vigorously for 10 seconds before each use. Prime before first use and after 30+ days of no use. | Forgetting to shake or prime, leading to an inconsistent or weak dose. |
| Head Position | Tilt head slightly forward. | Tilting head back, which can cause the medicine to run down the throat. |
| Nozzle Placement | Point the nozzle away from the center of the nose, towards the outer nostril wall. | Aiming directly at the nasal septum, risking irritation and nosebleeds. |
| Inhalation | Breathe in gently and slowly through the nose as you press the button. | Sniffing hard or inhaling rapidly, causing the spray to go to the back of the throat. |
| Post-Application | Breathe out through the mouth. Wait to blow your nose. | Blowing nose hard right after use, which can remove the medicine. |
| Aftercare | Wipe nozzle with a dry tissue; replace cap securely. | Using water to clean or not replacing the cap, leading to blockages. |
Conclusion
Using Avamys correctly is a straightforward process that significantly impacts its effectiveness. By consistently following the proper steps—including vigorous shaking, correct priming, and precise spraying technique—you can maximize the therapeutic benefits and minimize potential side effects. Always use the medication at the same time each day for the best results, and be patient, as it may take several days to experience the full effect. If you have any questions or experience issues, consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from your healthcare provider or the manufacturer's leaflet for Avamys.
Important Reminders for Avamys Use
- Follow Doctor's Orders: Adhere strictly to the dosage and frequency prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Consistency is Key: For the best results, use Avamys at the same time each day to treat symptoms throughout the day and night.
- Monitor Symptoms: Report any lack of improvement or worsening symptoms to your doctor, as it might indicate the need for a dosage adjustment.
- Check for Leftovers: To see how much medicine is left, hold the nasal spray upright against a bright light and look through the viewing window.
- Recognize Full Effect: Remember that it can take several days for Avamys to achieve its greatest effect, so continue using it regularly even if immediate relief isn't felt.
Safe Storage and Disposal
To ensure your Avamys nasal spray remains effective and safe, proper storage and disposal are necessary.
- Upright Position: Store the nasal spray upright with the cap on to prevent leakage.
- Temperature: Keep it in a cool, dry place below 30°C and do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Away from Children: Always keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
- Expiration: Discard the spray within 2 months of first opening, or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.
- Safe Disposal: Talk to a pharmacist about the proper disposal of unused or expired medication.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While Avamys is a highly effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, some situations warrant a discussion with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve after consistent use, or if they worsen.
- Adverse Effects: If you experience irritation, nosebleeds, vision changes, or other side effects.
- Damage or Malfunction: If the device is damaged or produces a liquid jet instead of a fine mist.
- Drug Interactions: If you take other medications, especially other steroids or HIV treatments.
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
