[Jen H]

Hi,
I need to take a nasal spray for allergies and was wondering if you have used any without getting glutened. I used Nasonex recently and believe I had a reaction. What do you use and do you know for sure that it's gluten-free?
Thanks,
Jen

[jerseyangel]

Funny you should mention Nasonex.. A couple of years ago, pre gluten free, I tried Nasonex and got a strange pain in my upper stomach area. At the time, I thought it was weird that a nasal spray would affect me that way, but didn't think much of it.. I mentioned it to my Dr. who prescribed Flonase instead--which I used with no problem. I haven't thought about that until now, but it made me think. Anyway, what kind of reaction did you have?

[Jen H]

I have had terrible stomach cramps and nausea all week. I just started using it last Tuesday and within 2 days or so I felt awful. It feels like a gluten reaction. I went on a few websites to verify whether Nasonex is gluten free and one website claims it is (as of 2004), two did not list it, and the Clan Thompson books say that it can't be guaranteed as gluten-free. Hmmm....I hate getting mixed messages. I think I'll ask my doctor about Flonase instead. That was listed as gluten-free on 2 websites. I'll try to call the company as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

[jerseyangel]

Jen, Sorry you are not feeling well. I don't know if Nasonex is gluten-free or not, but it sounds suspicious and since there are other sprays available, I agree--I'd try something else. I don't know what your nasal/sinus issues are, but I've also had some success with plain saline sprays. They can be used as often as you need them, as they are drug free.

[cornbread]

I got prescribed Nasarel. I don't see it on the gluten-free drug list... Does anyone know if it's safe?

[darlindeb25]

I cant tell you what is good, but I can say I was glutened by CVS brand of nasal spray last winter--Deb

[kabowman]

Thansks for bringing this up. I have two different nasal sprays for my allergies which I try to avoid using since I hate them. I only use them in the spring when I am at my worst (my youngest uses his in the late summer/fall). I will need to check mine - the one I keep at work is Astelin but I keep two at home. I never thought about those!!!

[laurelfla]

i use Flonase, and haven't noticed anything in the way of symptoms. i called GlaxoSmithKline and they wouldn't guarantee anything since the raw materials come from a variety of manufacturers, but "to their knowledge it doesn't contain gluten".

[Jen H]

Thanks for the feedback guys. It stinks that we have to be worried about nasal spray as well . This is probably a dumb question, but the saline sprays some people mentioned, are they for allergies? It sounds like they're over the counter? I guess I'm supposed to use mine each day for allergies and to prevent sinus infections. Is that why you guys use the saline spray?

Laurelfla and Jersey Angel, do you guys use Flonase each day? Still no reactions? Sorry, it's just that I'm paranoid now.
Thanks for your help!

[jerseyangel]

Saline sprays are sold over the counter--they are nothing but a saltwater solution that can be used to moisturize and temporarily make the nasal passage clearer. You can use them as often as you feel you need to because they do not contain any medicines. They don't treat or prevent allergies or sinus infections. I have personally found that they can be useful along with a prescription spray when needed or alone. Since I've been gluten-free, I haven't used Flonase because I haven't needed it. No matter what you deciede to use, I would still check ingred. to be safe.

[Jen H]

Thanks, Jerseyangel. I see my doctor on Wednesday and will call around to some nasal spray drug companies tomorrow. I'll let you guys know what I find out.