What Is Dymista?

Dymista is a prescription nasal spray that contains the drugs azelastine and fluticasone.
It's used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
Azelastine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the effects of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body.
Fluticasone is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the nasal passages.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Dymista in 2012. It's manufactured by Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Dymista Warnings

Before using Dymista, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma or cataracts (eye conditions)
  • Herpes simplex virus of the eyes
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Any kind of infection
  • Sores or ulcers inside the nose
  • A nose injury
  • Surgery on your nose
  • Allergies to medications
Dymista can lower the number of blood cells in your body that help fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who have infections or other illnesses while using this medicine.
Let your doctor know if you're exposed to measles or chicken pox while taking Dymista.
It could take several days for your symptoms to improve when you start on Dymista. Tell your doctor if you don't notice any improvement after a week of treatment.
Dymista shouldn't be used by children under 12 without first talking to a doctor. Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern.
Don't share this medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Dymista should only be sprayed in the nose. Avoid getting the medicine in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse the area with water for 10 minutes.

Pregnancy and Dymista

It's not known whether Dymista can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant, before using this medicine.
It's also not known whether the drug passes into breast milk or could hurt a breastfeeding baby. Talk to your doctor about this issue if you're breastfeeding.

Dymista Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Dymista

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
  • Headache
  • Nosebleeds
  • Unusual taste in your mouth

Serious Side Effects of Dymista

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
  • Severe or ongoing nosebleeds
  • Blurred vision or eye pain
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Wounds that won't heal
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss
  • Sores, redness, or white patches in the mouth or throat
  • Symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or body aches
  • Noisy breathing, a runny nose, or crusting around the nostrils
  • Slowed or delayed growth in children
  • Signs of an allergic reaction (may include hives, rash, itching, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

Dymista Interactions

Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:
  • Medications for anxiety, depression, or seizures
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Narcotic (opiate) pain pills
  • Norvir or Kaletra (ritonavir and lopinavir)
  • Sleeping pills
  • Antifungal medicines, such as Diflucan (fluconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole), or Nizoral (ketoconazole)

Dymista and Other Interactions

Dymista may cause drowsiness or sleepiness. Don't drive or perform any activity that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Dymista and Alcohol

Alcohol can raise your risk of developing certain side effects of Dymista. Don't drink alcohol while using this medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Dymista Dosage

Dymista is usually sprayed once in each nostril, twice a day.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Don't take more or less Dymista than is recommended.
You may have to prime your bottle of Dymista if you're using it for the first time, or if you haven't used it in a while. Follow the directions provided.
Blow your nose gently before using Dymista. Shake the container before each use.
To take Dymista, insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril while your head is upright. Press your other nostril closed, and breathe in while you softly spray the medicine. Repeat this in your other nostril.
Don't blow your nose for at least a few minutes after taking Dymista.
Be sure to clean your applicator properly.

Dymista Overdose

Symptoms of a Dymista overdose may include:
  • Easy bruising
  • Thinning skin
  • Changes in the shape or location of body fat
  • Increased facial hair or acne
  • Menstrual problems
  • Loss of interest in sex
If you suspect an overdose, or if you accidentally swallow Dymista, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.

Missed Dose of Dymista

If you miss a dose of Dymista, take it as soon as you remember.
But if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.