Avamys (Fluticasone Furoate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Cost in Canada

Avamys is a prescription steroid nasal spray for allergic rhinitis. Learn how to use it, how long it takes to work, its nosebleed and nasal side effects, and who should be careful.

allergyDoctor-reviewedPrescriptionAvailable in Canada
Illustration of a nasal spray bottle for Avamys (fluticasone furoate)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Overview

Avamys is a prescription nasal spray containing the corticosteroid fluticasone furoate. It is used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever and year-round nasal allergy): sneezing, itching, a runny nose and nasal congestion. In Canada it is made by GlaxoSmithKline and sold in bottles of 120 sprays.

Unlike antihistamine tablets, it treats the inflammation in the nose, so it is used every day during the allergy season. It controls allergy symptoms but does not cure the allergy. Over the counter, a different steroid nasal spray (Flonase, fluticasone propionate) is also available.

If allergy symptoms are not controlled by over-the-counter treatments, BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health about their symptoms and next steps. A prescription is not guaranteed.

In Canada, Avamys is authorized for:

  • Treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including seasonal (hay fever) and year-round nasal allergy: sneezing, itching, a runny nose and nasal congestion

Use in children is authorized within the age range set in the product monograph.

Generic name

Fluticasone furoate

Drug class

Intranasal corticosteroid

Category

allergy

Availability

Prescription required

In Canada

Available

How Avamys Works

Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid, a medicine that reduces inflammation. Sprayed into the nose, it calms the swelling and irritation caused by allergies, which eases sneezing, itching, a runny nose and congestion.

Very little reaches the bloodstream from the nose: less than 1% of the dose. The body breaks it down quickly in the liver, using the CYP3A4 enzyme. Unlike an antihistamine tablet, it works on the inflammation itself, so it is used every day and takes time to build its full effect.

Dosage Instructions of Avamys

Use Avamys exactly as your prescriber directs. It is sprayed into the nose only. Each spray delivers 27.5 micrograms of fluticasone furoate, and a bottle holds 120 sprays. The Canadian product monograph and other labels give this usual starting dose:

  • Adults and older children: 2 sprays in each nostril once a day (110 micrograms a day). Once symptoms are well controlled, the prescriber may lower this to 1 spray in each nostril once a day (55 micrograms a day).
  • Children: start with 1 spray in each nostril once a day. The authorized age range for children is set in the product monograph, so ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
  • How to use it: blow your nose, shake the bottle well, tilt your head slightly forward, spray into each nostril while breathing in gently (do not sniff hard), and wait about 15 minutes before blowing your nose. Wipe the nozzle clean afterwards.

Use it regularly, not only when symptoms are bad. It can take several days to feel the full effect. Do not use more, or more often, than prescribed.

Missed dose: use it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the next dose.

Storage Instructions

Store as directed on the carton and in the patient leaflet. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Side Effects of Avamys

The most common side effects are nosebleeds (epistaxis), nasal sores (ulceration) and headache. Nasal irritation can also occur. In studies lasting from 2 to 52 weeks, nosebleeds and nasal sores were seen more often than with placebo, and some nosebleeds were more severe.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also cause a yeast infection of the nose (Candida), slower wound healing and, rarely, a hole in the nasal septum (septal perforation).

Get medical help promptly if you have:

  • Nosebleeds that are heavy or do not stop
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or a severe rash, which can be an allergic reaction (rare)
  • Blurred vision or other changes in your eyesight
  • Pain, white patches or sores in the nose that do not heal

Important Safety Information About Avamys

  • Allergy: do not use Avamys if you are allergic to fluticasone furoate or any ingredient in the spray. The spray also contains benzalkonium chloride.
  • Nose: tell your prescriber about recent nasal surgery, an injury or sores in the nose. Steroid sprays can slow healing. If you use it for several months or longer, your nose should be checked from time to time.
  • Children: growth was on average 0.27 cm per year slower in a one-year study of children using 110 micrograms daily. The lowest dose that controls symptoms should be used, and growth is monitored.
  • Steroid effects on the body: very little reaches the blood at the recommended dose, and 110 micrograms once a day did not suppress the adrenal (HPA) axis in studies. High doses or use with other steroids can raise the chance of steroid effects, so tell your prescriber about all steroid medicines.
  • Eyes: nasal steroids have been linked to eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. Tell your prescriber if you have eye problems or notice changes in your vision.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: there is not enough data in pregnancy, so it should be used only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk. Talk to your prescriber.
  • Drug interactions: do not combine it with ritonavir, and use caution with other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole.

Drug Interactions

Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about everything you take, including vitamins, natural products and other steroid medicines. Points to know:

  • Ritonavir (an HIV medicine): not recommended with fluticasone, because it can raise the amount of steroid in the body
  • Other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole: use with caution, as they can raise steroid levels
  • Other steroid medicines (nose sprays, inhalers, creams or tablets): tell your prescriber so the total steroid exposure can be considered

Brands & DIN Number of Avamys

Brand Names

Avamys

Key Takeaways

  • 1Avamys (fluticasone furoate) is a prescription steroid nasal spray authorized in Canada for allergic rhinitis.
  • 2Adults and older children usually start with 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. The prescriber may lower this to 1 spray in each nostril once symptoms are controlled.
  • 3Use it every day. It can take several days to feel the full effect.
  • 4Nosebleeds are the most common side effect, along with nasal sores and headache.
  • 5If used for months, the nose should be checked from time to time for sores or yeast infection.
  • 6Children's growth is monitored, because a one-year study showed slower growth with the 110 microgram daily dose.
  • 7Do not combine it with ritonavir. Tell your prescriber about nasal surgery or injury and about other steroid medicines you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription for Avamys in Canada, and how do I get it in BC?
Yes. Avamys is a prescription medicine in Canada. BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health about their symptoms and whether a steroid nasal spray is appropriate. The doctor will ask about nosebleeds, nasal injury or surgery, and your other medicines. A prescription is not guaranteed.
How long does Avamys take to work?
It can take several days to feel the full effect, so use it every day as prescribed rather than only when symptoms flare. Stay in touch with your prescriber if symptoms do not improve.
How do I use the Avamys nasal spray correctly?
Blow your nose, shake the bottle, tilt your head slightly forward and spray into each nostril while breathing in gently. Do not sniff deeply, and wait about 15 minutes before blowing your nose. Wipe the nozzle clean after use.
Does Avamys cause nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds are the most common side effect, and nasal sores (ulceration) and headache also occur. In studies, nosebleeds and sores happened more often with Avamys than with placebo, and some nosebleeds were more severe. Stop using it and contact a doctor if bleeding is heavy or does not stop.
What is the difference between Avamys and Flonase?
Both are steroid nasal sprays. Avamys contains fluticasone furoate and needs a prescription in Canada. Flonase contains fluticasone propionate. A doctor or pharmacist can explain which suits you.
Can children use Avamys?
Avamys has been studied in children, and the monograph sets the authorized age range. In a one-year study of children using 110 micrograms a day, growth was on average 0.27 cm a year slower than with placebo, so children's growth is monitored. Use the lowest dose that controls symptoms.
Is it safe to use Avamys long term?
If you use it for several months or longer, your nose should be checked from time to time for sores, a yeast infection (Candida) and other changes in the lining of the nose. Do not use it for longer than your prescriber advises.
How much does Avamys cost in Canada?
The price depends on the number of bottles and the pharmacy. Coverage varies by plan, so check with your pharmacy or insurer.
Written By
Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial Team