Alanase/Beconase

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 2:55 pm

Hi, has anyone here had any problems with long term use of these cortico-steroid nasal sprays? I've been using Alanase (Beconase) now for about 5 years. My rhinitis seems to be getting worse so I either have to go on using it or find an alternative to cortico-steroid nasal spray. I am concerned that being on it for so long might bring other problems I could do without.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks Ken

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:45 pm

I didn't get along very well with the sprays like Beconase -- but I have been taking Zyrtec daily since 2000 (I have been on antihistamines since I was a teen and am now in my 50's) with Singulair thrown in as the Zyrtec doesn't know my allergies clear down during prime allergy seasons.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:32 pm

Thanks Carol, Zyrtec is an antihistamine so its not quite the same - its the cortico-steroids that I am concered about.
Ken

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:58 pm

Kenv Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 9:32 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks Carol, Zyrtec is an antihistamine so its not quite the same - its the cortico-steroids that I am concered about.
Ken

I know that Zyrtec is an antihistamine and not the same thing. My point was that I have never been able to tolerate the steriod nasal sprays. EVERYTHING smelled like vinegar. I have tried several of the sprays since I have severe allergies and I applaud you if you have taken them for 5 years as about 6 months at a stretch was about the limit I was able to tolerate the sprays. I had other side affects as well as the smell issue with the sprays so have avoided them at all costs.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 7:17 pm

Thanks again Carol - I can understand you not being able to tolerate Cortico-Steroid sprays. However they are not all the same, whilst I have been able to tolerate Alanase/Beconase I had problems with Flonase which caused too much bleeding in the nasal passages. I do use an antihistame as well, Loratidine - I don't find it as effective as the spray but I take it in addition to the spray when I'm going through a bad patch.
Ken

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 8:12 pm

I think it is amazing how we are all so different -- yet the same

What works for me doesn't work for the next guy and what works for you doesn't work for me and so on.

It seems that medicine is such an individualized thing -- each of us have our own tolerance level and the effectiveness varies from person to person. For many people Benadryl puts them to sleep -- great for those that can use it as an antihistimine and sleep aide. I do use it on occasion for the antihistimine effect as you can take it with other antihistimines and they have told me to carry Benadryl with me in case I would have a bad reaction to some allergen (an Epi pen is such a hassle and I don't carry a purse as I loose them) but have found that I don't want to take them late afternoon or evening as they make me hyper and then I can't sleep no matter how much I want to.

I wish the nasal sprays worked for me as they have fewer side effects than some of the other meds I take. I have tried Flonase, Beconase, Nasacort, and some of the others and haven't had any luck with them. My friend uses them for her allergies and swears by them.

I haven't been of any help to you as I don't know the long term effects and such but it has been interesting reflecting on our different reactions.

Jere · Post by **Jere** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 8:24 pm

I switched to Nasonex AQ a few years back, which appear to be easier on the nose while retaining effectiveness.

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:03 am

sleepycarol wrote:I think it is amazing how we are all so different -- yet the same

What works for me doesn't work for the next guy and what works for you doesn't work for me and so on.

It seems that medicine is such an individualized thing -- each of us have our own tolerance level and the effectiveness varies from person to person. For many people Benadryl puts them to sleep -- great for those that can use it as an antihistimine and sleep aide. I do use it on occasion for the antihistimine effect as you can take it with other antihistimines and they have told me to carry Benadryl with me in case I would have a bad reaction to some allergen (an Epi pen is such a hassle and I don't carry a purse as I loose them) but have found that I don't want to take them late afternoon or evening as they make me hyper and then I can't sleep no matter how much I want to.

I wish the nasal sprays worked for me as they have fewer side effects than some of the other meds I take. I have tried Flonase, Beconase, Nasacort, and some of the others and haven't had any luck with them. My friend uses them for her allergies and swears by them.

I haven't been of any help to you as I don't know the long term effects and such but it has been interesting reflecting on our different reactions.

I have severe Allergic Rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. I also experienced the side effects and problems with the sprays you mentioned. My doctor put me on Astelin spray (antihistamine)and Nasacort AQ together..they have worked miracles! And I have no side effects.