Vancenase AQ : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Why is this medication prescribed?
Vancenase AQ (Beclomethasone nasal) spray is used to relieve symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, stuffy or itchy nose (rhinitis) caused by hay fever, other allergies, or vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis. It is also used to prevent nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose) after nasal polyps removal surgery. Vancenase AQ spray should not be used to treat symptoms (eg, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy nose) caused by the common cold. Vancenase AQ spray belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by blocking the release of certain natural substances that cause allergy symptoms.

How should this medicine be used?
Vancenase AQ (Beclomethasone nasal) comes as a suspension (liquid) to spray on the nose. It is usually sprayed into each nostril twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Vancenase AQ exactly as directed. Do not use more or less or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Children under the age of 12 should be helped by an adult to use Vancenase AQ spray. Children under 6 years of age should not use this medicine.

Vancenase AQ spray is for nose use only. Do not swallow the nasal spray and be careful not to spray it into your mouth or eyes.

Each Vancenase AQ spray bottle should only be used by one person. Do not share Vancenase AQ spray because this can spread germs.

Vancenase AQ spray controls the symptoms of hay fever or allergies, but does not cure these conditions. Your symptoms may start to improve a few days after using Vancenase AQ for the first time, but it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of Vancenase AQ. Vancenase AQ works best when used regularly. Use Vancenase AQ on a regular schedule unless your doctor has told you to use it as needed. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after using Vancenase AQ spray for 3 weeks. If you are using Vancenase AQ spray to prevent recurrence of nasal polyps after surgery, you may need to continue treatment for several weeks as directed by your doctor.

Vancenase AQ spray is designed to provide a certain amount of aerosols. After the marked number of sprays have been used, the remaining sprays in the bottle may not contain the correct amount of medication. You should keep track of the amount of aerosols you have used and throw away the bottle after you have used the marked amount of aerosols, even if it still contains some liquid.

Before you use Vancenase AQ spray for the first time, read the written directions that come with it. Follow these steps:

  1. Shake the bottle gently before each use.
  2. Remove the dust cover.
  3. If you are using the pump for the first time or have not used it for a week or more, you should prime it by following steps 4-5 below. If you used the pump in the past week, skip to step 6.
  4. Hold the spray with the applicator between your index finger and middle finger and the bottom of the bottle resting on your thumb.
  5. Point the applicator away from your face.
  6. If you are using the spray for the first time, press down and release the pump six times. If you have used the pump before, but not in the last week or just cleaned the nozzle, press down and release the spray until you see a fine spray.
  7. Gently blow your nose to clean the nostrils.
  8. Keep one nostril closed with your finger.
  9. Tilt your head slightly forward and carefully place the tip of the nasal applicator in the other nostril. Be sure to keep the bottle upright.
  10. Hold the pump with the applicator between the index finger and the middle finger and the bottom resting on the thumb.
  11. Start breathing through your nose.
  12. While breathing, use your index and middle fingers to firmly press down on the applicator and release a spray.
  13. Breathe gently through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
    If your doctor told you to use two sprays in that nostril, repeat steps 6 through 12.
  14. Repeat steps 6 through 13 on the other nostril.
  15. Wipe the applicator with a clean cloth and cover it with the dust cover.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using Vancenase AQ spray,

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Vancenase AQ, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Vancenase AQ spray. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you recently had surgery on your nose, or injured your nose in any way, or if you have sores on your nose, or if you have or have ever had cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye), glaucoma (an eye disease), asthma (sudden episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, and shortness of breath), any type of infection or a herpetic infection of the eye (an infection that causes a sore on the eyelid or the surface of the eye). Also tell your doctor if you have chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB; a type of lung infection), or if you have been around someone who has one of these conditions.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Vancenase AQ, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Vancenase AQ spray may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • headache
  • nasal irritation, stuffiness, or dryness
  • sneezing
  • nosebleed
  • joint or muscle pain
  • nausea
  • lightheadedness
  • unpleasant taste or smell
  • muscle weakness
  • bruise easily
  • menstrual period changes
  • acne
  • white patches in your throat, mouth, or nose

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Vancenase AQ spray or get emergency medical treatment:

  • wheezing
  • hives
  • rash
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • swollen face, lower legs, or ankles
  • vision changes

You should know that this medicine can make children grow more slowly. Talk to your child’s doctor to see how long your child needs to use this medication. Talk to your child’s doctor if you are concerned about your child’s growth while using this medicine.

Vancenase AQ spray may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medicine.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit an online report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medicine in its container, tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in a special way to ensure that pets, children and others cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to get rid of your medication is through a medication take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage / recycling department for information on return programs in your community. Consult the FDA’s Safe Drug Disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medications out of the sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as those for taking pills weekly and those used for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not resistant to children and children. young children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately put the medicine in a safe place, one that is up and away and out of your sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

What other information should I know?
Keep all your appointments with your doctor.

You should clean your nasal spray applicator regularly. You will need to remove the dust cap and then pull the applicator out of the bottle. Wash the dust cap and applicator in cold water and rinse them in cold water, let them dry at room temperature, and then put them back in the bottle.

If the spray tip is clogged, wash it with warm water and then rinse it with cold water and dry it. Do not use pins or other sharp objects to remove the blockage.

It is important to keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should carry this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Names

  • Beconase AQ
  • QNASL
  • Vancenase AQ

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *