Intranasal Corticosteroids Should Remain "Prescription Only"

Filed in archive Allergy Medications by ruth on May 17, 2006

The Joint Task Force for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has issued a position statement: steroid nasal sprays --often used to treat allergies and hay fever-- should not be made available over-the-counter.

The Joint Task Force reviewed published medical studies to assess the frequency and severity of adverse events related to the use of intranasal corticosteroids. They found the risks are significant, and include bone resorption, growth suppression and an increase in pressure in the eye, which could be a serious problem for people with glaucoma.

The severity of the side-effects is also magnified by patients' tendency to over-dose themselves with OTC drugs. Overdosing on nasal steroids is especially grave and the task force emphasizes that such medications should only be used under medical supervision. Therefore, they advise that these medication remain available only with prescriptions.

I agree. Do you?

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Vote for Intranasal Corticosteroids Should Remain "Prescription Only":

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Rating: 7.00 out of 3 vote(s) cast.

Response from: Trisha (05/18/06 10:48pm)

I definitely agree! I've suspected there could be long term side effects for a long time with steroids in nasal sprays. But my allergist just said flat out that there was no way they could cause any problems!

Response from: ruth (05/22/06 9:41am)

Hi Trisha! Thanks for leaving a comment.

Not all nasal sprays contain corticosteroids. What brand do you use? Even the manufacturers of corticosteroid-containing sprays (such as Flonase) admit there are side-effects and risks associated with its use. In certain cases, though, the benefits outweighs the risks.