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Azep Nasal Spray

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Generic Name: azelastine hydrochloride
Product Name: Azep Nasal Spray

Indication: What Azep is used for

Azep Nasal Spray is used to relieve runny nose, sneezing, itching or blocked nose caused by allergies, such as to pollen (hay fever), house dust mites or pet hair.

Azep Nasal Spray is not addictive.

Action: How Azep works

Azep Nasal Spray belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine and other substances produced by the body, which are causing your allergies.

It contains the active ingredients azelastine hydrochloride, 0.1% w/v.One spray contains 125 mcg azelastine (as the hydrochloride). It also contains the inactive ingredients hypromellose, disodium edetate, citric acid , sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dodecahydrate, and purified water.

Azep Nasal Spray does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Dose advice: How to use Azep

Before you use Azep Nasal Spray

When you must not use it

Do not use Azep Nasal Spray if you have an allergy to Azep Nasal Spray or any of the ingredients listed here.


Do not give Azep Nasal Spray to a child under 5 years, unless directed by the child’s doctor. The safety and effectiveness of Azep Nasal Spray in children under 5 years have not been established.

Do not use Azep Nasal Spray after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.

Do not use Azep Nasal Spray if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you are not sure whether you should start using Azep Nasal Spray contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you start to use it

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

  • Kidney disease.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor or pharmacist will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Azep Nasal Spray during pregnancy and breastfeeding.


If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you start using Azep Nasal Spray.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and Azep Nasal Spray may interfere with each other if a significant amount of the nasal spray is absorbed in your body. These include:

  • Cimetidine, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers and some other stomach conditions.

These medicines may be affected by Azep Nasal Spray or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you.

Your doctor and pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using Azep Nasal Spray.

How to use Azep Nasal Spray

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained here.

If you do not understand the instructions on the box or bottle, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.


How much to use

Use one spray of Azep Nasal Spray in each nostril, every 12 hours as necessary.

How to use it

Blow your nose gently, to clear away any mucus.

  • Remove the protective cap;
  • Before first use, press the pump 2-3 times until an even spray emerges;
  • Tilt your head forwards (look at your toes). Spray once into each nostril, closing the other nostril with one finger. Sniff slowly and gently.
  • Wipe the nozzle and replace the protective cap.

Prime the pump again if you have not used the spray for 3 or more days.

How long to use it

Azep Nasal Spray can be used for up to 6 months for seasonal and non-seasonal allergies.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms have not cleared up after 6 months.

If you forget to use it

Azep Nasal Spray should be taken only when necessary.

Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you use too much (overdose)

Telephone your doctor or pharmacist or the Poisons Information Centre (phone 131126), if you think that you or anyone else may have used too much Azep Nasal Spray, or if anyone accidentally drinks Azep Nasal Spray. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If Azep Nasal Spray is accidentally sprayed into the eyes, bathe them with plenty of water. They may sting for a while.

While you are using Azep Nasal Spray

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are using Azep Nasal Spray.

Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Azep Nasal Spray.

If you become pregnant while using Azep Nasal Spray tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Things you must not do

Do not use Azep Nasal Spray to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.

Do not give Azep Nasal Spray to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Things to be careful of

Make sure you know how you react to Azep Nasal Spray before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are tired, drowsy, dizzy or lightheaded. Azep Nasal Spray is unlikely to make you feel drowsy. However, if you are drowsy, do not drive a car or operate machinery.

Be careful drinking alcohol while using Azep Nasal Spray. If you drink alcohol, any drowsiness may be worse.

After using Azep Nasal Spray

Storage

Keep your Azep Nasal Spray in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not put Azep Nasal Spray in the fridge.

Do not leave it in the car on hot days or on windowsills. Heat can destroy some medicines.

Keep it where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Do not use Azep Nasal Spray for longer than 6 months after the bottle was first opened.

Disposal

If your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop using Azep Nasal Spray or the bottle has passed the expiry date, or the bottle has been open for longer than 6 months, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that is left over.

Schedule of Azep Nasal Spray

Azep Nasal Spray is a Schedule 2 medicine.

Side effects of Azep

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Azep Nasal Spray. Like other medicines, Azep Nasal Spray may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • Bleeding nose;
  • Stinging or itching in nose;
  • Sneezing;
  • Bitter taste in mouth;
  • Nausea;
  • Headache.

These side effects are usually mild and short-lived.

Drinking a flavoured drink a few minutes after using Azep Nasal Spray may help remove any bitter taste.

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

For further information talk to your doctor.

References

  1. Azep Nasal Spray Consumer Medicine Information (CMI). Millers Point, NSW: Mylan Health Pty Ltd. March 2018. [PDF]
  2. Azep Product Information (PI). Millers Point, NSW: Mylan Health Pty Ltd. March 2018. [PDF]

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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 10 April, 2018
Reviewed On: 10 April, 2018

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