What happens with permanent use?

A permanent application of nasal sprays containing corstisone is not necessary in case of hay fever. Hay fever occurs seasonally and is therefore limited in time. During this time, the nasal spray can be used continuously.

The rest of the year, however, the application would not make sense. However, people who also suffer from a house dust allergy may need to use the nasal spray several times a year. In principle, a permanent application is possible.

Opinions are often voiced which claim that nasal sprays containing cortisone are harmful, especially if used over a long period of time. However, this is not the case. Over-the-counter nasal sprays in particular contain very small amounts of active ingredients that are applied locally.

Hardly any of the active ingredient gets into the bloodstream, so side effects are very rare. The hormone balance is not affected, unlike with a permanent cortisone therapy with tablets. There is also no need to be afraid of withdrawal symptoms.

In rare cases, side effects such as nosebleeds, headaches, sneezing, irritation of the nose and throat, respiratory tract infections or nasal ulcers may occur. In case of side effects, it is best to contact your treating physician and discuss how to proceed. If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor.

Which nasal spray with cortisone is available without a prescription?

Nasal sprays with active ingredients similar to cortisone are often used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Some of these are available without prescription from pharmacies. Nevertheless, they should only be used if there is an actual need for them.

Hay fever should therefore have been diagnosed at least once by a doctor. There is a wide range of different nasal sprays. They are produced by different companies and some have the same composition.

The proportion of cortisone can also vary, however. In the following section you will find a selection of nasal sprays with cortisone-like additives, which you can obtain over the counter from pharmacies. However, this overview does not claim to be complete, as the range of medicines available also changes from time to time: 1.

RATIOALLERG Hay fever nasal spray: Contained active ingredient: Beclomethasone dipropionate. For short-term treatment of allergic hay fever. Company: Ratiopharm.

2. momETAHEXAL hay fever spray 50μg: Contained active ingredient: mometasone furoate. For the treatment of allergic hay fever in adults, provided the initial diagnosis has been made by a doctor. Company: Hexal AG.

3 RHINIVICT nasal 0.05 mg nasal dosing spray: Contained active ingredient: beclomethasone dipropionate; For short-term treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Company: Dermapharm AG. 4 OTRI-Allergy nasal spray Fluticasone: Active substance: fluticasone.

MOMEALLERG Nasal Spray 50 μg: Active substance: mometasone furoate. For use in allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Company: GALENpharma.