Dymista Nasal Spray

Dymista is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of hay fever. It combines two active ingredients which provide fast relief and long-term control of symptoms.

Keep reading to discover how to use this medication, along with its benefits and potential side effects.

Dymista is an effective treatment for the relief of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, or hay fever symptoms.

This can be caused by outdoor allergens such as pollen (from grass, flowers, trees or weeds), or household allergens like dust mites, pets and mould.

It can be used to relieve:

• sneezing
• a runny nose
• a blocked nose
• nasal congestion
• itchy nose
• red eyes
• itchy eyes
• watery eyes

Dymista provides fast and long-lasting relief from these symptoms, helping to improve the overall quality of life for anyone with allergies.

Dymista Nasal Spray contains two active ingredients: azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate.

Azelastine hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. These work by blocking the effects of a chemical called histamine, which the body produces as part of an allergic reaction. Histamine causes symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. By blocking histamine receptors, these symptoms are reduced.

Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the nasal passages. Allergic reactions often cause swelling and irritation in the nose, leading to congestion and discomfort. Fluticasone decreases the body’s inflammatory response, which relieves nasal congestion and discomfort.

By combining these two actions, Dymista targets the cause of hay fever. It is especially effective for moderate to severe symptoms.

Dymista has many benefits, making it a convenient option for allergy relief.

• Targeted action: Unlike oral medications, it works directly in the nasal passages, offering faster symptom relief and helping to reduce mucus production.
• Dual action: Dymista contains two ingredients. This addresses both immediate symptoms like sneezing and itching, as well as underlying inflammation that causes nasal congestion.
• Fast acting: Dymista contains an antihistamine which works quickly to relieve symptoms, often within 30 minutes of the first dose.
• Long-lasting: It provides long-lasting effects as the steroid helps maintain control of your allergies throughout the day.
• Improves the quality of life: Dymista effectively manages multiple allergy symptoms, especially during hay fever season.

Dymista has been clinically proven to be more effective than Azelastine and Fluticasone alone for treating hay fever.

In one study, 49.1% of patients using Dymista experienced at least a 50% reduction in symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion by Day 14. In contrast, only 38.2% of patients using Fluticasone and 37.4% of patients using Azelastine alone experienced the same.

Dymista also delivered faster relief of hay fever symptoms, showing improvements at least 3 days faster than Azelastine and 6 days faster than Fluticasone nasal sprays alone.

This medication is often recommended for those with moderate to severe hay fever who have not achieved enough relief from over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays alone.

At HealthExpress, we currently offer Dymista for patients over the age of 18 after completing an online consultation.

Who cannot use it?

There are certain groups of people this medicine may not be suitable for. Do not use Dymista if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this nasal spray if you:

• Have had a recent operation on your nose
• Have an infection in your nose
• Have tuberculosis or an untreated infection
• Have a change in vision or a history of increased eye pressure, glaucoma and/or cataracts
• Have adrenal gland problems
• Have severe liver disease

Speak to a healthcare professional if any of the above apply to you as you will need to be closely monitored when using this medication. Alternatively, you may be recommended another treatment for allergic rhinitis.

Dosage

For adults, the recommended Dymista nasal spray dosage is one spray (137mg) into each nostril twice daily (in the morning and evening).

Components

This medication is simple to use. Below is an overview of the key components of the nasal spray:

Dymista components

Preparing the spray

Before you use this nasal spray, it is important to prepare your dose to ensure the medicine is effective. Do this by following these instructions:

1. Shake the bottle gently for 5 seconds, then remove the dust cap
2. If you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you must prime the pump
3. To do this, press down on the spray and release the pump 6 times until a fine mist appears

Now your pump is primed and ready to use. If you have not used this medicine for more than 7 days, reprime the spray by pressing down and releasing the pump until a fine mist is produced.

Administering your dose

To use the nasal spray correctly, our pharmacist recommends you do the following:

How to use Dymista

	Shake the bottle Gently shake the bottle for 5 seconds and remove the dust cap
	Prime your dose Prime the nasal spray by pressing and releasing the pump until a fine mist appears
	Clear your nose Clear your nose by gently blowing into a tissue
	Insert the nozzle Close one nostril and insert the tip of the nozzle into the other nostril. Then, tilt your head forwards towards your toes
	Spray your dose Spray your dose and sniff gently at the same time. Breath out, then repeat the process in your other nostril

After you have finished, make sure to wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue and replace the protective cap.

When do I take it?

The recommended dose is one spray into each nostril in the morning and evening. This medicine can be used regularly during allergy season to manage your symptoms.

For the best results, start using Dymista when you first notice hay fever symptoms, rather than waiting until they become severe.

Dr. Anup JethwaClinical Lead

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use your nasal spray as soon as you remember, then take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you have missed.

The effects of Dymista were observed as early as 30 minutes after the initial dose. However, one study showed that patients experienced relief of nasal symptoms from 5 minutes after their dose, and relief of eye-related symptoms from 10 minutes after their dose.

Dymista Nasal Spray is safe for long-term use. Do not use it for longer than 6 months unless your doctor has advised you to do so.

While taking this medicine, certain lifestyle changes can help improve the effectiveness and reduce your allergy symptoms. Consider doing the following:

1. Try to limit exposure to known allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould, especially during allergy season.
2. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, this will prevent allergens from entering your home.
3. Shower and change your clothes after spending time outdoors. This will remove pollen or other allergens from your body and clothing.
4. Consider using air purifiers or HEPA filters at home to minimise indoor allergens.
5. Regularly clean and vacuum your home, especially your bedding and carpets, to reduce the amount of dust and allergens.

These lifestyle changes can help enhance the effects of Dymista and reduce your allergy symptoms.

As with all medicines, Dymista may cause side effects in some people.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Nosebleed

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache
• A bitter taste in your mouth
• An unpleasant smell

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Irritation of the nose
• Sneezing
• Nasal dryness
• Cough
• Dry throat or throat irritation

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Dry mouth

Very rarely, some patients may experience an allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• A skin rash

If you experience any unusual side effects that do not resolve or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

Certain side effects may require medical attention however, you can manage some side effects at home. Here are some tips on how to manage the common side effects of this medicine:

Nosebleed

Gently insert the spray and avoid spraying it directly on the cartilage between your nostrils.

Headache

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Use over-the-counter pain relief if recommended by your doctor.

Bitter taste in your mouth

This usually occurs if you tilt your head backwards when using the nasal spray and should pass after a few minutes.

To avoid this, tilt your head slightly forward to prevent the medication from draining into your throat. Rinse your mouth after using the spray.

Cough, dry throat, or throat irritation

Drink water throughout the day to keep your throat moist. Use lozenges or throat sprays to soothe any irritation.

Before using Dymista, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including non-prescription medicines, supplements or natural health products. This is to avoid potential drug interactions which can affect the effectiveness of this nasal spray.

In particular, tell your doctor if you take:

• Medicines that slow down the central nervous system
• Ritonavir (an antiviral)
• Ketoconazole (an antifungal)
• Cimetidine (to stop stomach acid production)
• Cobicistat (HIV treatment)

These medicines may affect the way Dymista works or vice versa. For a full list of interactions, consult the patient information leaflet.

Store this medicine upright with the dust cap in place. Keep it at room temperature (20° - 25°C) and protect it from light. Do not refrigerate this medicine or store it in the freezer.

Make sure to keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal

Dispose of any unused medicine 6 months after you first open the nasal spray. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Instead, take any medicines you no longer use to your local pharmacy.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the bottle or packaging.

This medicine is not available to buy over the counter as it is prescription only. But don't worry, at HealthExpress we have registered prescribers who can prescribe Dymista for you if you meet the requirements.

Dymista is available to order online from HealthExpress. Simply complete our quick and easy online consultation. This will then be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If this treatment is approved for you, your order will be dispatched from our pharmacy and delivered straight to your door. We offer free next-day delivery service and deliver all our medications in discreet packaging.

Here at HealthExpress, our patients are at the forefront of our care. We are fully CQC approved, and our medical team is GMC registered. All our treatments are shipped from our licensed UK pharmacy.

You can also get your treatments delivered straight to your chosen location in discreet packaging.

All orders made with HealthExpress include free next-day delivery, a free online consultation, and a free prescription if approved by one of our UK-registered doctors.

If this medicine is not suitable for you, we have plenty of other options available:

If you prefer oral hay fever tablets, we also have Fexofenadine, Levocetirizine, Desloratadine, and mizolastine available.