Allernaze (Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

Pill Identifier Search

May 24, 2012

Allernaze

Allergy Treatment Begins At Home »

Introduction

Avoidance is always the best treatment for allergies regardless of which allergens are the triggers. Interestingly enough, the most effective, least expensive, and simplest options are not always followed. Many people choose medications or vaccinations instead, despite their drawbacks. Fortunately, there are lots of simple methods, both old and new, to help with avoidance. Remember, putting into practice any of these measures can only be helpful in managing your allergies.

The good news is that you really don't have to strip your house down to the bare bones to make it allergy proof. Thorough and regular cleaning generally makes a huge difference in keeping your house as mold and dust free as possible. Patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis that are due to dust mites, molds, or other indoor allergens can feel better by taking these simple measures:

Keep the home cool (between 68 and 72 degrees F);

Read the Allergy Treatment Begins At Home article »

Allernaze

10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Take the Quiz on Allergies

Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow Pictures

font size

AllerNaze™
(triamcinolone acetonide) Nasal Spray

PATIENT INFORMATION

These instructions provide a summary of important information about AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) . Please read it carefully before use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any additional questions.

What is AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) ?

AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) is a prescription medicine called a corticosteroid used to treat seasonal and year-round allergies in adults and children age 12 and older. When AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) is sprayed in your nose, this medicine helps lessen the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching associated with nasal allergies.

Do not use AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) if you

are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
are breast feeding.
have had a reaction to triamcinolone acetonide or to any other nasal spray.

How do I use AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) ?

Use AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) on a regular schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor
Do not use more AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) ™ or take it more often than your doctor tells you. It usually takes several days to one week of regular use to feel the medicine working.
Protect your eyes from the spray.
If your symptoms do not improve, or if they become worse, contact your doctor.
Do not stop taking AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) ™ without contacting your doctor.
AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) does not relieve the red and itchy eye symptoms that some people have with allergic rhinitis. Ask your doctor for advice on treatment.
Tell your doctor if you have irritation, burning or stinging inside your nose that does not go away when using AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) .
You may have nosebleeds after using AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) . If so, contact your doctor right away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Patient Instructions for Use

Read these instructions carefully before use. The following instructions tell you how to prepare your AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) spray pump so that it is ready for your use.

Open the foil pouch and remove the pump unit. See Figure A for a picture of the spray pump, the cap, and the safety clip.

Figure A

Spray Pump Unit

Priming the Pump:

The pump needs to be primed before using it for the first time and then again if you have not used the spray for 2 weeks. You will prime the pump the same way each time.

1. Remove the blue plastic cap and the blue safety clip from the nasal applicator of the spray pump unit. See Figure B.

Figure B

2. Prime the pump by holding the bottle with your thumb on the bottom and your index and middle fingers on top, on either side of the white nasal applicator See Figure C.

3. Point the bottle up and away from your eyes. Press down on either side of the white nasal applicator using your forefinger and middle finger, while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb.

4. Press down and release the pump several times until you get 3 sprays or until a fine mist is seen. A fine mist can only be made by a rapid and firm pumping action. See Figure C.

Figure C

Using the spray correctly:

1. Gently blow your nose to clear it before using the medication.

2. Remove the blue plastic cap and the blue safety clip from the nasal applicator. See Figure D.

Figure D

Using the spray correctly - illustration 1

3. Prime the pump. See Figures A, B, and C in the “Priming the Pump” section.

4. Tilt your head backward slightly. Breathe out slowly.

5. Use a finger on your other hand to close your nostril on the side not receiving the medication. See Figure E.

Figure E

Using the spray correctly - illustration 2

6. Insert spray tip into one nostril, as shown in the illustration. Do not insert too far back. Do not spray AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) directly onto the nasal tissue inside your nose; aim the spray to the back of your nose. See Figure F.

Figure F

Using the spray correctly - illustration 3

7. Breathe in through the nostril and while breathing in press the applicator once to release the spray. You will need to press firmly and rapidly. Breathe out through your mouth.

8. If the doctor has prescribed 2 sprays on each side, repeat Step 7 (above) in the same nostril and then switch to use the nasal spray in the other nostril.

9. Do not blow your nose for 15 minutes.

10. After use, wipe the spray bottle applicator off with a tissue and put the cap and safety clip back on to the bottle.

If your nasal passages are severely swollen, your doctor may recommend a decongestant nasal spray or nose drops for 3 or 4 days before using AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) .

CLEANING the nasal applicator:

If the nasal applicator becomes blocked, and does not spray, remove it and allow it to soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse the applicator with clean warm water, allow it to air dry dry and put it back on the bottle. Do not try to unblock the applicator by inserting a pin or other sharp object. This could change the amount of medicine you spray and cause an overdose.

STORING and discarding AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) :

Store between 68° to 77° F (20° to 25° C).
Do not freeze.
Use AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) within 2 months after opening the protective foil pouch or before the expiration date on the box or label, whichever comes first.
After using 120 sprays of AllerNaze (triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray) throw the bottle away – the dose may not be accurate.

Information about nasal symptoms of allergies (allergic rhinitis):

Allergic rhinitis is a condition that causes swelling and increased watery fluid in the nose and nasal passages. This can result in sneezing, runny nose, itching, and difficulty in breathing through the nose.

This response is caused by an allergy to pollen that comes from many types of plants including trees, grasses, and weeds. Allergic responses of this type may also be caused by mold spores, house dust mites, animal dander, and other substances.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/24/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.