Ryaltris nasal spray

Ryaltris is a medicine used to treat moderate to severe hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) symptoms, including:

• a blocked or runny nose
• sneezing
• an itchy nose
• a cough
• the roof of your mouth being itchy

For many hay fever sufferers, these symptoms can affect daily life by making it difficult to sleep or concentrate throughout the day.

Ryaltris comes in the form of a nasal spray and provides quick relief for these symptoms. It can be taken daily throughout the summer months, or when hay fever symptoms become challenging.

Ryaltris nasal spray contains two active ingredients which work together to combat symptoms.

The first active ingredient is a type of steroid (or corticosteroid) called mometasone furoate. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages that’s commonly associated with hay fever symptoms.

The second active ingredient is an antihistamine called olopatadine. Antihistamines work to treat hay fever symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine in the body.

Histamine is released by the body when it senses that something is wrong (or when the body is triggered by an irritant such as pollen). It causes your cells to swell and expand as a means of protection, which unfortunately also leads to inflammation.

Ryaltris is safe for the majority of hay fever sufferers who have moderate to severe symptoms.

However, it is not safe to take Ryaltris if:

• you are allergic to either of the active ingredients
• you have an untreated infection in your nose
• you’ve recently had an operation on your nose
• you’ve recently suffered from a nose injury (the nasal spray should only be used once your nose is completely healed)

Your doctor will decide if this medication is safe to take during your consultation. However, you might not be suitable for Ryaltris if:

• you have or have ever had tuberculosis
• you are currently fighting another kind of infection
• you are taking another type of steroid (either by mouth or injection)

If you experience any of the following while taking Ryaltris, you must talk to your doctor:

• blurred vision, or vision disturbances
• persisting irritation in your nose and/or throat
• a nose or throat infection
• your immune system feels off and you find it more difficult to fight off illness

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this medication is not recommended for continued use. However, if the pros outweigh the risks, your doctor may prescribe it to you under special circumstances.

It is more likely that your doctor will prescribe you a suitable alternative based on your symptoms and condition. You can also improve your symptoms naturally by avoiding exposure to pollen, changing your clothes when you come inside and eating a diet that’s low in histamine.

Always take prescription medication as per your doctor’s instructions. However, a general guide on using Ryaltris is written below.

Before taking Ryaltris, make sure to prepare your nasal spray. To do this, please follow these instructions.

Shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds, then remove the protective cap. If using for the first time, the bottle must be ‘primed’ with air. To do this, put your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle. Put your thumb underneath the bottle. Point the nozzle away from you and press down with your fingers 6 times, or until you see a fine mist appearing. This means that the spray is now ready to use. Please note: If you have not used the spray for 2 weeks or more, you may have to ‘prime’ the bottle again. You only need to pump the spray until a fine mist appears.

Now that your nasal spray has been prepared, it’s ready to use.

Shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before each use. Gently blow your nose to ensure that your nostrils are clear. Carefully insert the tip of the spray into one nostril while using your other hand to close the other nostril. Make sure to point the tip slightly towards the outside of your nose, not straight up. Tilt your head forward slightly, press down on the pump and gently inhale at the same time. Breathe out through your mouth. Repeat with the other nostril.

How to clean your nasal spray

After using your nasal spray, make sure to wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean wipe or tissue.

If your nasal spray gets blocked:

• remove the safety cap and pull off the nozzle
• wash the nozzle in warm water and then rinse it under the tap
• avoid trying to unblock the nozzle by inserting a needle or other sharp object - this can damage the applicator and cause you to ingest too much medicine
• let the nozzle dry off before putting it back on the bottle. You should hear a ‘click’, confirming it’s been safely put into place

Like all medicines, there’s a chance that you’ll experience side effects while using Ryaltris. While it’s normal to experience them, not everyone does.

Common side effects from using a Ryaltris nasal spray include:

• a bitter taste in your mouth
• nosebleeds
• slight irritation on the inside of your nose

Other side effects include:

• dizziness
• headaches
• sleepiness
• nasal dryness
• dry mouth
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• fatigue

For a full list of potential side effects, please consult the patient information leaflet.

Is it safe to drive while taking Ryaltris?

Although rare, it is possible to experience dizziness, lethargy or drowsiness while taking Ryaltris.

If this happens, you must be responsible and avoid driving or operating machinery. Please be aware that drinking alcohol may worsen these effects.

Because Ryaltris can interact with some medicines, it’s important to tell your doctor about any other medication you are currently taking.

You may not be able to take Ryaltris if you are currently taking:

• other steroid medicines for allergies
• other nasal sprays or eye drops containing olopatadine (or other antihistamines)
• HIV treatments such as cobicistat and ritonavir

Yes, you can purchase a Ryaltris nasal spray online here at HealthExpress.

Simply fill out the answers to our online questionnaire to complete your consultation. This will then be reviewed by one of our registered doctors, who will provide a prescription if it is safe to do so.

Once approved, your treatment will be sent straight to your door in discreet packaging with free next-day delivery.