Nasacort nasal spray is a highly efficient allergy medicine developed and marketed by Sanofi pharmaceutical company. Based on triamcinolone acetonide as an active ingredient, Nasacort is classified as a corticosteroid. As such, this allergy treatment can be nought in the UK only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. Most commonly, Nasacort is applied once daily (two times into each nostril) in order to reduce inflammation that occurs as a result of an allergic reaction. Outside of the UK, Nasacort is sometimes marketed as Nasacort AQ or Nasacort Allergy 24HR.

What’s on this page?

This easily administered nasal spray is a highly effective at providing quick relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and is ideal for those who dislike taking pills. As such, Nasacort is very commonly prescribed and highly sought-after medicine – and it comes as no surprise when we keep in mind that roughly 20% of the UK’s population is affected by allergic rhinitis and associated conditions.

How does Nasacort work to reduce allergy symptoms?

Corticosteroids are commonly used for the treatment of more severe cases of allergic rhinitis and Nasacort falls into this category of drugs. Its active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide is highly adept at reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and providing quick relief from the common symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies in general.

Once administered, Nasacort spray is absorbed by the tissue cells within the nasal passages. There, the active ingredient will act as a kind of specialised inhibitor, preventing the chemicals responsible for the onset of allergy symptoms – most notably histamine – from reaching the relevant receptors and kick-starting the inflammatory processes responsible for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

It is important to keep in mind that while Nasacort is highly effective, it can take up to three days to reach its full potential, meaning that you should continue administering the medicine for as long as allergens are present, even if you don’t notice immediate improvements at first.

Can I buy Nasacort without prescription?

As all corticosteroids, Nasacort is available only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional and as such, it cannot be purchased over-the-counter. If you are looking to buy Nasacort in the UK, you will first have to consult with your doctor who will assess your condition and your suitability for this medicine. Only once the doctor agrees that everything is alright and that Nasacort is the right option for you, the prescription will be issued and you can use it to purchase the treatment.

Can I buy Nasacort online in the UK?

Yes, as long as you have a prescription, you can buy Nasacort online from one of many online clinics or online pharmacies operating within the United Kingdom. If you already have a prescription issued by a certified medical professional, then this process will be very easy – you will simply have to provide proof of you prescription in line with the company policy of the online clinic of your choice after which you will be free to order the medicine.

However, if it is your first time buying Nasacort, then you will first have to obtain a prescription. You can, of course, do this via the traditional route – making an appointment with a doctor, visiting him in person and going through consultations. However, if you want to avoid all the hassle of taking a day off work and spending hours in the waiting room, you can also use the service provided by most online clinics – online consultations with a doctor via a customised medical questionnaire or a kind of a chat app. In either case, the doctor will use the info you provided to assess your suitability for Nasacort and will issue the prescription if everything is in order.

Once the prescription is issued, you will be able to order the medicine and it will be delivered to the address you provided within the timespan specified by online clinic’s company policy and business model.

How is Nasacort used?

As is the case with all medicines, Nasacort should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. So, naturally, if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your doctor or pharmacist prior to commencing treatment. In addition to this, you will also be able to find additional relevant information and step-by-step instruction in the official patient information leaflet issued within every pack of the medicine.

Some of the most general guidelines include:

  • Only use in the nose
  • Prior to application, be sure to blow your nose in order to clear your nasal passages
  • Prepare the medicine for use by removing the blue cover and plastic clip
  • Shake the bottle gently
  • Hold the bottle upright, pointing away from you and start pumping the device
  • Once fine mist is being produced, the product is ready for use
  • Close one nostril with your finger and insert the nozzle in the other nostril
  • Close your mouth and breath in through your nose
  • Press the pump to release the spray at the same time
  • Breathe out through your mouth
  • Repeat the process (if instructed so by your doctor)
  • Clean the nozzle with a clean tissue
  • Replace the blue clip and cap

Please note that this is not intended to be used as a guide, but just as an illustration that will help you get the general idea of how Nasacort treatment might look like.

What are Nasacort side effects?

As is the case with all medicines, Nasacort too comes with an array of potential side effects. Of course, not everyone using this medicine will experience them, but it is still important to be aware of what might go wrong. Naturally, a potential allergic reaction to the medicine is the side effects that you should be most aware of, but luckily, it is rather rare.

More common side effects include:

  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Nosebleeds
  • Bronchitis
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion

Other rarer documented side effects include:

  • Sneezing
  • Blocked sinuses
  • Nausea
  • Irritated inner nose
  • Sleep problems
  • Dyspnoea
  • Cataract
  • Glaucoma

Please keep in mind that the side effects mentioned here are not all known side effects. For a more comprehensive list, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.