Dymista General Drug Information

Overview

Dymista is a combination of two drugs used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms. It contains Azelastine – an antihistamine which blocks allergic symptoms – and Fluticasone, a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation. When combined, the two substances help to relieve symptoms such as itching, sneezing, stuffy nose, and post-nasal drip.

How to Use Dymista

Before using this product, patients should shake the container gently and clear their nose. In the event this is the first use of the product, it is important to prime the container by way of test spray in the air, until a fine mist appears. A test spray is also necessary if this medicine has not been used for more than two weeks. Precise directions about priming (test spraying) are available in the medicine leaflet.

The applicator should be cleaned regularly after use. Patients should also keep track of the number of sprays used and discard this product after it has reached the number of sprays mentioned on its packaging.

Patients are usually prescribed Dymista twice a day in both nostrils. It should be used regularly and as directed. Most people feel relief 30 minutes after a dose. It may take a few days for patients to experience the full benefit of this medication.

Avoid spraying Dymista in the eyes as this will cause irritation. Should this happen, patients need to quickly flush their eyes with cool water for 15 seconds.

More information on how to safely use this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet, provided by a patient’s pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using Dymista, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions with their doctor, as well as any pre-existing conditions such as recent nose injuries, surgery or ulcers. Patients should also mention current or past infections such as tuberculosis or herpetic eye infection, as well as glaucoma or cataracts.

Some patients may feel drowsy while using Dymista. Should this happen, they should avoid driving, operating machinery and other activities requiring alertness. Alcoholic drinks should also be avoided.

Patients should be careful to avoid contact with people infected by chickenpox, measles and other highly infectious diseases.

In some rare cases, patients who have used corticosteroids long-term find that their body has difficulty responding to physical stress. Patients who have used Dymista regularly need to tell their doctor or dentist before having surgery or emergency treatment, or in the event of serious illness or injury. The treating physician needs to be alerted even if the patient has stopped Dymista several months ago.

There is a slight chance that prolonged use of Dymista can stunt the growth of children. The effect on final adult height is not known.

Pregnant women should discuss using Dymista with their doctor who will evaluate the risks and benefits of using this medication. It is not known whether Dymista passes into breast milk.

Missed Dose

Patients who miss a dose should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. In such cases, there is no need to double up the dose in order to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Dymista can interact with a number of other substances and, before starting treatment, patients need to review all other prescription drugs and herbal supplements they are taking with their doctor. Starting, changing or stopping any medications should only happen with the doctor’s approval.

Some certain HIV medications like atazanavir (e.g. Reyataz), indinavir (e.g Crixivan), and ritonavir (e.g Norvir) may react adversely with Dymista.

Patients must be careful not to combine Dymista with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioid cough products, opioid pain relievers, codeine and hydrocodone. Other drugs with similar effects include some antihistamines and muscle relaxants.

Patients also need to tell their doctor or pharmacist if they are already taking alprazolam, a tranquilizer often sold under the brand name Xanax. Sleeping medications such as Ativan, and Zolpidem (Ambien) can also interact negatively with Dymista. Alcohol and marijuana also cause drowsiness and will interact negatively with Dymista.

Dymista Side Effects

Most people who use Dymista do not experience side effects. Still, it is possible to develop minor negative symptoms such as dryness or irritation of the nose, mild nosebleeds and a change in the sense of taste. Patients should contact their doctor in the event these symptoms worsen.

Serious side effects may include nose pain and severe nosebleeds, eye pain and a whistling sound when breathing. Patients should also watch for signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, chills, and white patches in the nose or at the back of the throat.

In some rare cases, the corticosteroids in this medicine can pass from the nose into the bloodstream. This is more likely to happen after long-term exposure or in children.

Symptoms include unusual tiredness, weight loss, headache and vision problems. Patients also need to pay attention in the event they have swollen ankles or feet, or if they feel unusually thirsty and produce unusually large amounts of urine.

Dymista is unlikely to produce serious allergic reactions. Symptoms of allergy include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Storage

Dymista should be stored upright. Avoid exposure to light or moisture. Keep away from children and pets.

Patients should check the expiration date before reusing medication as, in some cases, medicines need to be discarded six months after a container has been opened.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.