Maybe this is a stupid question...?

Question

Are there any side effects from using a prescription corticosteroid nasal spray? I know that taking normal steroids can cause side effects like weight gain or mood changes, but can a sinus spray steroid do the same?

Answer 1

That's not a stupid question at all. The answer is "NO", corticosteroid nasal sprays do not have the same kind of side effects that oral steroids have. The actual dosing is very low and then on top of that the amount absorbed into the bloodstream is very very small. They work because they are administered directly to the problem area. The most common side effect are headache and burning in the nasal passages or throat. I had this same question when my son started using a nasal spray several years ago.

Answer 2

Even though there isn't a systemic effect like with the oral route, there is the potential for many of the side effects. More commonly though, would be masking the symptoms of illness such as a sinus infection. The mucosa of your nasal passages can change and opportunistic infections can take over. More commonly a fungal infection. NOt good. Use your medication as directed and for the shortest duration possible.Have a happy healthy year.

Answer 3

Headache, burning, etc. The most prominent adverse effect to using any nose spray is rebound symptoms. So basically the spray starts causing the problem it is supposed to be fixing and you end up needing to use it more and more. You should only use a nasal spray no more than 3 days at a time.

Answer 4

With any nasal spray there is a good chance for nose bleeds. I was using one for my allergies and after about 2 weeks I had to stop using it because I would get nose bleeds out of no where. Not cool.

Answer 5

I believe extended use of steroidal compounds can have an adverse effect on the membranes in the nose. Check with your doctorl.

Answer 6

You may want to speak to your pharmacist. Since they know the most about drugs.