Hay Fever · Avamys · Prescription Nasal Spray
Using Avamys Nasal Spray for Hay Fever: Fluticasone Furoate Guide
Medically authored & reviewed by
Dr Abdishakur M Ali
General Practitioner · Telehealth Expert · Clinical Director
Last reviewed: March 2026
GPhC Registered Pharmacy
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Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Avamys is a prescription-only medicine. Our prescribers are GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers.
Avamys nasal spray (fluticasone furoate 27.5mcg) is a prescription-only intranasal corticosteroid that is considered one of the most effective treatments for hay fever (allergic rhinitis) in the UK. Unlike antihistamines which primarily address sneezing, itching, and runny nose, Avamys treats the underlying nasal inflammation that causes all hay fever nasal symptoms — making it the first-line recommendation for persistent or moderate-to-severe hay fever according to NICE guidelines.
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Order Avamys →✓ GPhC-registered pharmacy #9011198 ✓ Pharmacist independent prescribers ✓ Discreet next-day deliveryHay Fever and Why Nasal Inflammation Matters
When you inhale pollen during hay fever season (typically late February to September in the UK), your immune system misidentifies it as a threat. This triggers an allergic response in the nasal lining, causing the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. The result is nasal inflammation — producing the classic hay fever symptoms of runny nose, nasal blockage, sneezing, and itching.
Tree pollen triggers symptoms from late March to May, grass pollen (the most common trigger) from mid-May to July, and weed pollen from late June to September. Grass pollen has two peaks — early June and mid-July. One in five people in the UK suffers from hay fever, making it one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the country.
For comprehensive information on all hay fever treatments available, see our overview guide: Hay Fever: Is Treatment Needed?
What Is Avamys? Fluticasone Furoate Explained
Avamys contains fluticasone furoate — a second-generation intranasal corticosteroid with high receptor binding selectivity and very low systemic bioavailability (less than 1% of the dose is absorbed into the bloodstream). This means it delivers powerful anti-inflammatory action directly in the nasal passages with minimal risk of systemic side effects.
Corticosteroids work by suppressing the inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa — reducing the release of histamine, prostaglandins, and other mediators that produce hay fever symptoms. Unlike antihistamines, which only block the effects of histamine after it is released, Avamys works upstream by preventing the inflammatory cascade from occurring in the first place.
How to Use Avamys: Full Dosage and Application Guide
| Patient Group | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and adolescents 12+ | 2 sprays per nostril once daily (110mcg total) | 1 spray per nostril once daily once controlled |
| Children aged 6–11 | 1 spray per nostril once daily (55mcg total) | Adjust with prescriber guidance |
1
Prime the spray if new: Before first use, or if not used for 30+ days, prime by releasing 6 test sprays away from your face.
2
Blow your nose gently: Clear nasal passages before application.
3
Tilt head slightly forward: Do not tilt back — the spray should target the nasal mucosa, not the throat.
4
Insert the nozzle: Insert the nozzle gently into one nostril, angling it slightly away from the nasal septum (the wall in the middle).
5
Spray and breathe in gently: Press the canister down and breathe in gently through the nostril simultaneously.
6
Breathe out through your mouth: Breathe out through your mouth after spraying.
7
Repeat for the other nostril: Repeat steps 3–6 for the other nostril.
8
Same time each day: Use at the same time each day for consistent benefit. Takes 8 hours for initial onset; maximum benefit builds over several days.
Timing matters: For best results, start using Avamys 2–4 days before hay fever season begins or before expected allergen exposure. Using it only reactively during severe symptoms reduces its effectiveness. Regular use throughout the season maintains consistent anti-inflammatory protection.
How Long Does Avamys Take to Work?
| Timeframe | Expected Effect |
|---|---|
| 8 hours after first dose | Some initial improvement in nasal symptoms for some patients |
| 2–3 days | Increasing benefit as the medication builds up in the nasal mucosa |
| 1–2 weeks | Full therapeutic benefit established with regular daily use |
| After stopping | Symptoms return as pollen exposure continues |
Side Effects of Avamys Nasal Spray
Avamys is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 users, include:
- Nose bleeds (epistaxis) — usually minor and self-limiting
- Headache
- Nasal burning or stinging after application
- Dry or irritated nasal passages
Rare but important: nasal septum perforation has been reported with intranasal corticosteroids, particularly with prolonged use or improper technique (spraying directly onto the septum). If you experience pain, crusting, or bleeding from the nasal septum, stop using Avamys and consult a prescriber.
Children and growth monitoring: In children, intranasal corticosteroids including Avamys should be used at the lowest effective dose. Regular height monitoring is recommended for children using intranasal corticosteroids long-term, as a small risk of growth slowing exists with prolonged use.
How to Get Avamys from Access Doctor
Access Doctor provides Avamys nasal spray following a quick, confidential online consultation reviewed by our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. Once approved, your prescription is dispensed by our registered pharmacy and dispatched in discreet packaging — typically arriving next working day.
For more hay fever eye symptom relief, see our guide to Opatanol eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis.
More Hay Fever & Allergy Guides from Access Doctor
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Get Avamys →✓ GPhC-registered pharmacy #9011198 ✓ Pharmacist independent prescribers ✓ Discreet next-day deliveryFrequently Asked Questions
What is Avamys nasal spray and what does it treat?
Avamys is a prescription-only intranasal corticosteroid spray containing fluticasone furoate 27.5 micrograms per spray. It is used to treat the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), including runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, and nasal itching in adults, adolescents (12+), and children (6–11 years).
How quickly does Avamys work?
Avamys starts working within 8 hours of the first dose for some symptoms. However, maximum benefit builds up over several days of regular use. For best results, start using Avamys a few days before pollen season begins, or at the first sign of hay fever symptoms.
What is the correct dose of Avamys?
For adults and children aged 12 and over: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily (total 110 micrograms). Once symptoms are controlled, this can be reduced to 1 spray per nostril once daily. For children aged 6–11: 1 spray in each nostril once daily. Always use the minimum effective dose.
Is Avamys a steroid? Is it safe?
Avamys contains fluticasone furoate, which is a corticosteroid. However, intranasal corticosteroids like Avamys deliver very small doses directly to the nasal mucosa with minimal systemic absorption — making them significantly safer than oral steroids. They are considered the most effective first-line treatment for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis by NICE.
Can I use Avamys long-term?
Avamys should only be used during the hay fever season and for as long as you are exposed to the relevant allergen. It is not recommended for indefinite year-round use without prescriber review. If you have perennial allergic rhinitis, discuss ongoing management with your prescriber.
What is the difference between Avamys and other nasal sprays?
Avamys (fluticasone furoate) is a second-generation intranasal corticosteroid with high receptor selectivity and low systemic bioavailability. Compared to older sprays like beclometasone, it tends to have a faster onset and evidence shows better efficacy for total nasal symptom relief. Your prescriber will advise on the most suitable choice for you.
References
- NICE. Allergic rhinitis. CKS 2023. cks.nice.org.uk
- NHS. Hay fever — treatment. nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/treatment
- Fokkens WJ et al. EPOS 2020: European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Rhinology. 2020. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- GPhC. Standards for registered pharmacies. pharmacyregulation.org
Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (registration number 9011198). All prescriptions are issued by GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. Medicines are MHRA-compliant UK-licensed products.