Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mould or fungal spores that causes inflammation of the inside of the nose. It’s a very common condition, estimated to affect around 1 in every 5 people in the UK.

Allergic rhinitis typically causes cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Side effects which may occur are headache, nose-bleed or blood-tinged mucus, burning or irritation inside the nose, sneezing or sore throat.

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

Beclometasone is the generic version of Beconase and is a steroid nasal spray indicated for use in adults to treat the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).

The spray contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate. It has anti-allergic effects and local anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the irritation and swelling in the nose caused by hay fever.

Beclometasone dipropionate is the active ingredient in Beconase and is available in a generic, unbranded nasal spray. They are medically equivalent but generic beclometasone spray is available at a much lower cost.

Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective and medically equivalent as the branded products but are available at a lower price. Generic manufacturers have to demonstrate that they are medically identical to the branded product - i.e. they offer the same quality, strength, stability and effectiveness.

The usual recommended dose is two sprays (50 micrograms/spray) into each nostril twice a day (total dose 400 micrograms). Once symptoms are controlled, the dose should be reduced to one spray twice a day in each nostril (total dose 200 micrograms) for maintenance. For the best results, use your nasal spray every day through your hay fever season.

As it can take between a number of days to gain benefit from using nasal steroid treatment, beclometasone nasal spray should be initiated 1-2 weeks before the hay fever season starts for maximum effectiveness. You should not use it for more than 3 months each year without speaking to your doctor.

If you miss taking your dose on time, do not worry; take a dose if you remember within an hour or so. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

When using the medication for the first time, you need to ‘prime’ the bottle. You should do this by gently shaking the bottle and pumping the spray 10 times in the air until a fine mist is seen. If the pump is not used for 14 days or longer, reprime the pump with 2 sprays until a uniform spray is observed, before next use. Do not pierce the nasal applicator.