What is generic beclometasone dipropionate nasal spray?

Generic beclometasone dipropionate is the unbranded version of Beconase.
It is a steroid nasal spray for adults that treats the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).

The spray contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate. This ingredient has anti-allergic and local anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it helps reduce irritation and swelling in the nose that hay fever causes.

What is the difference between Beconase and generic beclometasone?

Both Beconase and generic beclometasone contain the same active ingredient, beclometasone dipropionate. They provide the same strength and the same medical effect, so they are considered medically equivalent.

The main difference is price. Generic beclometasone nasal spray is usually available at a lower cost than the branded product.

Generic medicines:

• Contain the same active ingredient as the branded version

• Must meet strict regulatory standards

• Must show that they match the branded medicine for quality, strength, stability and effectiveness

Because of this, generic beclometasone spray works in the same way as Beconase, but often costs less.

How to use beclometasone nasal spray

Usual dose

The usual adult dose is:

• Two sprays (50 micrograms per spray) into each nostril twice a day

  • Total daily dose: 400 micrograms

Once your symptoms are under control, your doctor may advise you to reduce to:

• One spray into each nostril twice a day

  • Total daily dose: 200 micrograms

For the best results, use your nasal spray every day throughout your hay fever season.

When to start and how long to use

Steroid nasal sprays do not work immediately. It can take several days before you notice full benefit. Therefore, start beclometasone nasal spray 1–2 weeks before the hay fever season begins for maximum effect.

Do not use the spray for more than 3 months in one year without speaking to your doctor.

If you miss a dose

If you forget a dose:

• Take it as soon as you remember, within about an hour.

• If you remember later than this, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Priming the spray

Before you use the bottle for the first time, you need to prime it:

1. Gently shake the bottle.

2. Pump the spray 10 times into the air until you see a fine mist.

If you have not used the pump for 14 days or more, re-prime it with 2 sprays into the air until a uniform mist appears.

Do not pierce the nasal applicator.