:: What is Nasocort AQ?
Nasocort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide) is a FDA-approved anti-inflammatory nasal spray medication, in the class of intranasal corticosteroids, used for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms caused by seasonal outdoor and year-round indoor allergies.
Nasocort AQ is manufactured by Aventis Pharmaceuticals based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA.
See our comprehensive Allergies FAQ  to learn more about year-round indoor and seasonal outdoor allergens, including a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used decongestants, antihistamines, and intranasal corticosteroids for allergy relief .
You can buy Nasocort AQ by going to our Nasocort AQ price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Nasocort AQ prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Nasocort AQ online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should use Nasocort AQ?
Nasocort AQ should be used by adults and children over 6 years old for the relief of nasal allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose caused by outdoor seasonal allergies (hay fever) from tree and grass pollen, and indoor year-round allergies from dust mites and pet dander.
See our comprehensive Allergy guide to learn more about what allergies are, what causes them, how they are treated and how to reduce your exposure to allergens.
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:: Who should not use Nasocort AQ?
You should not take Nasocort AQ if you are allergic to Nasocort AQ, triamcinolone acetonide or any of its ingredients.
If you have or have had medical conditions, especially asthma or infections, nasal surgery or nasal injury, it's important to let your doctor know.
Nasocort AQ should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known if Nasocort AQ is secreted in human milk. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Nasocort AQ.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should take Nasocort AQ or not. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What are allergies?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page.
See our extensive Allergy Guide for information including a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used decongestants, antihistamines, and intranasal corticosteroids (including Nasocort AQ) for allergy-relief .
There, you will also find lists of steps you can take to help you avoid or decrease the risk of exposure to the common allergens or allergy triggers which are:
dust mites ,
mold ,
cockroach allergens ,
pet dander , and
pollen .
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:: How does Nasocort AQ work?
When you are exposed to a substance that your body has identified as an allergen (intruder) or irritant, your immune system releases chemicals that cause inflammation of the nasal passages leading to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and itchy, runny nose.
Although it is not known exactly how Nasocort AQ works, it acts to reduce these inflammatory reactions, thereby stopping nasal allergy symptoms from occurring.
See our extensive Allergies FAQ for more information on
the immune system response to allergens .
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:: How well does Nasocort AQ work?
For seasonal outdoor and indoor perennial (year-round) allergies:
Ten 2 to 4 week clinical studies of over 1200 adults and children 12 years and older have shown that Nasacort AQ is an effective treatment for seasonal and perennial allergies. In these studies, patients receiving Nasacort AQ had significantly reduced nasal symptoms (sneezing, congestion, and runny, itchy nose) compared to non-medicated spray.
Two studies of over 500 patients ages 6 to 12 years have shown that Nasacort AQ is an effective treatment for seasonal and perennial allergies. In these studies, patients receiving Nasacort AQ had significantly reduced severity of nasal symptoms (sneezing, congestion, and runny, itchy nose) compared to non-medicated spray.
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:: How safe is Nasocort AQ?
Nasocort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide) has been used as an anti-inflammatory nasal spray since 1996. Its safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Nasocort AQ has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat nasal allergy symptoms caused by seasonal outdoor and indoor (year-round) allergies. However, Nasocort AQ may not be for everyone. Be sure to read Who should not use Nasocort AQ? .
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:: What is the difference between Nasocort AQ and other allergy
drugs?
Here is a comparison table of the different classes of allergy medications including Nasocort AQ:
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Class
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Intranasal Cortico- steroid Sprays
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Antihistamines
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Decongestants
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Sedating
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Non-sedating
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Oral
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Spray
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Medications
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Flonase
Nasocort AQ
Nasonex
and others.
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Benadryl (diphen- hydramine)
Chlortri- meton (Chlorphe- niramine)
and others.
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Allegra
Zyrtec
Claritin
and others.
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Sudafed (pseudo- ephedrine)
and others.
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Neo- Synephrine (phenyl- ephrine)
Afrin (oxymeta- zoline)
and others.
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How they work
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Reduce inflammatory reactions caused by the immune system’s reaction to allergens, thereby stopping nasal allergy symptoms from occurring.
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Block histamine from binding to cells by taking its place on the cells thereby preventing histamine from causing allergy symptoms.
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Relieve nasal congestion (stuffy nose) by constricting blood vessels thereby decreasing swelling and opening nasal passages.
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Dosing schedule (adults)
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once a day
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every 4 to 6 hours
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1 to 2 times a day
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usually 4 to 6 times a day
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every 4 hours
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Causes drowsiness
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no
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very frequently
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rarely to occasion- ally
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no (may cause sleepless- ness)
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no
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Approved for indoor year-round allergies
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
|
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Approved for outdoor seasonal allergies
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yes
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yes
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yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
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Approved for non-allergic nasal symptoms
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yes
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no
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no
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yes
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yes
|
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Other remarks
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May take up to 2 weeks of use for maximum relief.
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Avoid use with other sedating medication.
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Use with caution with certain antifungals and antibiotics.
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Avoid use if you have hypertension or glaucoma.
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Short-term (3 days) use only, can cause rebound congestion.
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* In addition to the above table, see our comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used decongestants, antihistamines, and intranasal corticosteroids for allergy-relief
in our extensive Allergy FAQ .
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:: What does Nasocort AQ look like?
Nasocort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide) manufactured by Aventis Pharmaceuticals is available as a 16.5 gram nasal spray bottle.
Nasocort AQ Nasal Spray 55mcg (micrograms) is supplied in a white polyethylene bottle fitted with a meter-dose pump unit, white nasal adapter with a blue clip and cap, in a box with patient instructions for use.
Each bottle contains 16.5gm of product and will provide 120 sprays. Each spray delivers 55mcg of alcohol-free and fragrance-free triamcinolone acetonide (Nasocort AQ).
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:: How do I take Nasocort AQ?
(Also see the next question: How do I use the Nasocort AQ spray bottle? for administration instructions.)
You should use Nasocort AQ regularly every day for best results.
For seasonal outdoor, year-round indoor nasal allergy symptom relief:
- Usual Dose for Adults and Children 12 years and older:
Dosage form (Nasal spray): The usual starting dose is 2 sprays (55mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 220mcg. Once symptoms are under control the dose may be reduced to 1 spray (55 mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 110mcg.
- Usual Dose for Children 6 to 11 years of age:
Dosage form (Nasal Spray): The usual starting dose is 1 spray (55mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 110mcg. If adequate relief is not experienced, the dose may be increased to 2 sprays in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 220mcg. Then, once symptoms are under control the dose may be reduced to 1 spray (55mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 110mcg.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
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:: How do I use the Nasocort AQ spray bottle?
Preparing the Nasocort AQ spray:
- Shake the bottle well and remove the cap and clip.
- Prime the pump: this must be done the first time you use the spray and if the spray has not been used for two weeks or more. Hold the bottle with your index finger and middle finger on each side of the nasal applicator and your thumb under the bottle. Keep the bottle upright and, pointing it away from you, press down firmly and quickly release the pump five times before the first use until a fine spray is released. If the pump wasn’t used for 14 days or more, press down and release the pump one time until a fine spray is released..
Using the Nasocort AQ spray:
- Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
- Hold one nostril closed with a finger and tilt your head slightly forward.
- Holding the Nasocort AQ bottle with your index finger and middle finger on each side of the spray nozzle, and your thumb under the bottle, place the tip of the spray nozzle into your other nostril.
- Breathe in through your nose and firmly and quickly press down once on the spray nozzle at the same time. Breathe out through your mouth.
- Switch to the other nostril and repeat.
- If you are using 2 sprays per nostril, repeat the steps above.
- Don’t blow your nose for at least 10 to 15 minutes after using Nasocort AQ.
- After using the spray, wipe it with a tissue and replace the clip and cap.
Maximum Sprays per Nasocort AQ bottle:
- Each bottle of Nasocort AQ is designed to provide 120 full dose sprays. Do not use more than 120 sprays as dose may be partial after 120 sprays.
- Extra medication is added to each bottle for priming. Discard bottle after 120 sprays even if medication remains in the bottle.
- You should keep a checklist or calendar of the number of doses used so that you only use 120 sprays.
- Checklist: write the numbers 1 to 120 on a piece of paper, keep it next to your medication and cross off each number as you use take each dose.
- Calendar: if you use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, one bottle should be used for 30 days. Note the day that you start a new bottle, then write the date that it should be discarded (30 days from your starting date) on the bottle. If you use 1 spray in each nostril once daily, one bottle should be use for 60 days. Note the day that you start a new bottle then write the date that it should be discarded (60 days from your starting date) on the bottle.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Nasocort AQ?
If you miss a dose of Nasocort AQ, take it as soon as you remember it. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose of Nasocort AQ. Do not take more Nasocort AQ than your doctor prescribed.
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:: How long does it take Nasocort AQ to work?
Nasocort AQ can start to relieve nasal symptoms within 12 to 16 hours but maximum relief may take up to one week of regular use.
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:: Do I need to use Nasocort AQ regularly?
Yes. You should use Nasocort AQ regularly every day at the same time because its effectiveness depends on regular use.
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:: How do I clean the Nasocort AQ spray applicator?
1. Remove the cap and clip and carefully pull the spray nozzle upward to release it.
2. Soak the nozzle and cap in warm water for a few minutes then rinse with cold
tap water and set aside to dry at room temperature.
3. Put the nozzle back by pushing it onto the bottle.
4. Reprime the pump (see instructions above )
5. Replace the cap and clip.
Do not insert any sharp objects into the nozzle to unblock it.
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:: How should I store Nasocort AQ?
Keep Nasocort AQ and all medications out of children's reach.
Store the Nasocort AQ bottle at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Nasocort AQ?
The rate of side effects in patients taking Nasocort AQ is low. When side effects occur, they are generally mild and may include nosebleed, sore throat, or coughing.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur with Nasocort AQ. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome when taking Nasocort AQ.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Nasocort AQ?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Nasocort AQ, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Sporanox (itraconazole), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Biaxin (clarithromycin),
erythromycin - may increase Nasocort AQ blood levels.
- Norvir (ritonavir) - may significantly increase Nasocort AQ blood levels and lead to
adrenal suppression and Cushing’s syndrome.
- Systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone - may increase the risk of HPA
(hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal gland) suppression.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Nasocort AQ.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Nasocort AQ?
In addition to the possible side effects and drug intercations of Nasocort AQ, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Chicken Pox and Measles: Take great care to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles if you have not had them or been immunized against them. Patients taking corticosteroids such as Nasocort AQ may be more susceptible to these infections. If you are exposed to or get chicken pox or the measles, call your doctor immediately.
Oral Corticosteroid Medications: If you have been taking an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone for a long period of time and switch to an intranasal corticosteroid such as Nasocort AQ, your body may not heal as well after surgery, infection, or injury. In addition, other conditions you may have such as asthma or arthritis may get worse.
Infection: If you use Nasocort AQ for an extended period of time, there is a rare chance that you may develop a yeast infection in your nose and throat. Your doctor may periodically check you for signs of infection.
Nasal Septum Perforation and Increased Intraocular Pressure: If you use Nasocort AQ for an extended period of time, there is a rare chance that you may experience perforations of your nasal septum (tears in the central divider of your nose) or increased intraocular pressure (increase pressure in the eyes). Your doctor may periodically check you for signs of possible changes in the lining of your nose.
Suppression of HPA: The use of Nasocort AQ or other corticosteroids can rarely lead to the suppression of HPA, the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal gland. This is more likely to happen if higher than recommended doses are used. Your doctor may periodically check you for signs of these effects.
Growth of Children: The use of Nasocort AQ or other corticosteroids can cause a slowing of the rate of growth for children. It is not known if this will change the final adult height. The growth of children should be monitored regularly.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: Nasocort AQ should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known if Nasocort AQ is secreted in human milk. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Nasocort AQ.
Do NOT share your Nasocort AQ prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: Can I become dependent on Nasocort AQ?
No, Nasocort AQ is not habit forming. There is no information that shows that dependency occurs with Nasocort AQ.
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:: What should be done in the case of a possible overdose of
Nasocort AQ?
Overdose is unlikely because one bottle does not contain enough medication to cause an overdose. Regardless, if overdose is suspected, it is best to call your doctor, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Nasocort AQ available over the counter?
No. Nasocort AQ is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Nasocort AQ prescription online?
Go to our Nasocort AQ price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Nasocort AQ prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Nasocort AQ online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Nasocort AQ cost?
Some companies charge less per bottle but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Nasocort AQ prices before buying.
Usually, the more bottles you buy, the cheaper the price per bottle.
See our Nasocort AQ price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Nasocort AQ prices no prior prescription needed.
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:: What is generic Nasocort AQ and is it available?
The generic name for Nasocort AQ is triamcinolone acetonide. Only Nasocort AQ brand is currently available in the US.
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:: Is it safe to order Nasocort AQ or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Nasocort AQ from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Nasocort AQ, but not contain the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell FDA-approved Nasocort AQ, manufactured by Aventis Pharmaceuticals. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Nasocort AQ price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Nasocort AQ prices no prior prescription needed.
If this is your first time ordering Nasocort AQ online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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