Benacort 64 Micrograms Nasal Spray – 10ml

This nasal spray contains a medicine called budesonide. This belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids.

• Corticosteroids help to reduce and prevent inflammation.
• Benacort® is used to treat the symptoms of allergies to such things as pollen (hay fever) including sneezing, a runny, itchy or blocked-up nose.
• Regular use of this nasal spray can reduce inflammation in the nose and help prevent these symptoms.

Directions for use

• Blow your nose. Shake the bottle. Remove the protective cap.
• Hold the bottle as shown in the picture.
• Put the tip of the nozzle into your nostril, as shown. Direct the nozzle to the side of the nose, and away from the middle of the nose (the ‘nasal septum’). Spray once (or twice if using the nasal spray once a day). Use the spray in the other nostril in the same way. Note, you do not need to breathe in at the same time as you spray.
• Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the protective cap. Store the bottle in an upright position.

Cleaning the nozzle

It is best to clean the plastic nozzle of this nasal spray regularly. Also clean it if you notice that the spray is not coming out as it should. If this happens, first check the nozzle is primed with medicine (see “Priming the nozzle” above). If after priming the nozzle again the pump is still not working, clean the nozzle as follows:

• Remove the plastic nozzle with a clean tissue and wash it in warm (not hot) water.
• Rinse the nozzle thoroughly, dry it and then replace it on the top of the bottle. Never try to unblock the nozzle by using a pin or other sharp object.
• Prime the nozzle again (by filling it with medicine) before use.

Active Ingredient:

• Budesonide – 64 micrograms per spray (corticosteroid).

Other Ingredients:

• Disodium edetate
• Microcrystalline cellulose (E460)
• Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (E466)
• Glucose (anhydrous)
• Hydrochloric acid
• Polysorbate 80 (E433)
• Potassium sorbate (E202) (preservative)
• Purified water
• (Full excipient list per UK patient leaflet.) 

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Benacort® if:

• You have an infection of your nose or sinuses.
• You have had recent nose ulcers or nose surgery or you have a nose injury that hasn’t healed properly.
• You get heavy or frequent nose bleeds.
• You have TB (tuberculosis), a chest infection, chicken pox or measles or you have been in contact with somebody who has TB, chicken pox or measles.
• You have ever had glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), or cataracts.
• You have an eye infection.
• You have diabetes.
• You have liver problems.
• You are taking any corticosteroid medicines (including eczema creams, asthma inhalers, tablets, injections, nasal sprays, eye or nose drops).

If any of these apply to you, get advice from a doctor or pharmacist without taking Benacort®

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of the following while using Benacort®:

• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
• Any signs of an infection such as a persistent fever.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If any of the following happen to you, stop using this nasal spray and get medical advice straight away:

• Sudden signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, hives or redness of the skin, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty in swallowing or breathing or feeling faint.

Other effects which may occur include:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Nasal irritation (sneezing, dry nose, or stinging in your nose). These can happen straight after using this nasal spray.
• Nose bleeds.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Muscle cramps

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

• Corticosteroids can affect the normal production of steroid hormones in your body, particularly if you use high doses for a long time. This is much less likely to happen with inhaled corticosteroids than with corticosteroid tablets. ■ Perforation of the membrane separating the nostrils (the nasal septum).
• Nasal ulcers.
• Change in voice.
• Bruising.
• Blurred vision.

Other effects which may occur but it is unknown how often

• Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• Cataract