Steroid nasal spray deemed safe for nasal allergy

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Fluticasone furoate nasal spray (Veramyst) can be safely used as a long-term treatment for year-round nasal allergies, also known as perennial allergic rhinitis, according to a report in the journal Allergy.

Perennial allergic rhinitis is typically caused by allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Aside from the year-round duration, this disease is very similar to hayfever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Despite the apparent safety and tolerability of nasal steroids, the authors explain, concerns remain about their potential for adverse effects during long-term use.

Dr. Andres Rosenblut from Hospital Dr Sotero del Rio, Santiago, Chile, and colleagues investigated the safety and tolerability of daily fluticasone furoate for 12 months in adults and teens with perennial allergic rhinitis. Overall, 605 patients received fluticasone once daily and 201 received inactive placebo.

Apart from nosebleeds, which occurred more commonly with fluticasone, most adverse events occurred with similar frequency in the fluticasone and placebo groups. No serious side effects were seen with fluticasone use.

SOURCE: Allergy, September 2007.