Using Avamys Nasal Spray for Hay Fever: Fluticasone Furoate Guide
How Avamys works, dosage, correct technique and side effects.
Part of the Access Doctor Allergy & Hay Fever guide.
Key fact: Avamys nasal spray (fluticasone furoate 27.5mcg) is a prescription-only intranasal corticosteroid considered one of the most effective treatments for hay fever in the UK. Unlike antihistamines which primarily address sneezing and itching, 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.
Get Avamys Prescribed Online
Access Doctor provides Avamys following a GPhC-regulated online consultation. Prescription issued by pharmacist independent prescribers.
Order Avamys →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.
Hay fever occurs when pollen particles come into contact with the nasal lining in a sensitised individual. The immune system releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, producing nasal inflammation. 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.
For a full overview of all hay fever treatment options, see our Hay Fever Treatment Guide.
How Avamys Works
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.
Because Avamys treats the root inflammation rather than individual symptoms, it is effective across all nasal symptoms of hay fever — congestion, runny nose, sneezing and nasal itching — whereas antihistamines alone are less effective for nasal congestion.
Dosage 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 |
Always use at the same time each day and at the minimum effective dose. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
How to Use Avamys: Step-by-Step
Prime the spray
Before first use, or if not used for 30+ days, prime by releasing 6 test sprays away from your face.
Blow your nose gently
Clear nasal passages before application.
Tilt head slightly forward
Do not tilt back — the spray should target the nasal mucosa, not the throat.
Insert the nozzle
Insert gently into one nostril, angling slightly away from the nasal septum.
Spray and breathe in gently
Press the canister down and breathe in gently through the nostril simultaneously.
Breathe out through your mouth
Breathe out through your mouth after spraying, then repeat for the other nostril.
Timing matters: For best results, start using Avamys 2–4 days before hay fever season begins or before expected allergen exposure. Using it only during severe symptoms reduces its effectiveness. Regular daily 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 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 (up to 1 in 10 users):
- 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 persistent bleeding from the nasal septum, stop using Avamys and consult a prescriber.
Children and growth monitoring: In children, intranasal corticosteroids should be used at the lowest effective dose. Regular height monitoring is recommended for children using them long-term, as a small risk of growth slowing exists with prolonged use.
Frequently 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 treats 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 patients. 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 per nostril once daily (55 micrograms total).
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 less than 1% systemic absorption — making them significantly safer than oral steroids. NICE considers them the most effective first-line treatment for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.
What is the difference between Avamys and other nasal sprays?
Avamys (fluticasone furoate) is a second-generation intranasal corticosteroid with high receptor selectivity and very low systemic bioavailability. Compared to older sprays like beclometasone, evidence shows better efficacy for total nasal symptom relief and a faster onset of action.
Other Hay Fever Treatments
Avamys treats nasal symptoms of hay fever. For eye symptoms or as an antihistamine alongside your nasal spray, Access Doctor also offers:
Nasal spray · Rx
Flixonase Nasal Spray
Fluticasone propionate 50mcg. Alternative intranasal corticosteroid for hay fever.
View product →Eye drops · Rx
Opatanol Eye Drops
Olopatadine 1mg/ml. For allergic conjunctivitis — itchy, watery hay fever eyes.
View product →Antihistamine · Rx
Fexofenadine
Non-drowsy antihistamine tablet. Often prescribed alongside a nasal corticosteroid spray.
View product →References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Allergic rhinitis: Clinical Knowledge Summary. Updated 2023. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/allergic-rhinitis
- 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: 32077450
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Avamys 27.5 micrograms/actuation nasal spray: Summary of Product Characteristics. medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5524
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999.