Ryaltris vs. Nasonex for Allergic Rhinitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ryaltris

(olopatadine / mometasone)

mometasone nasal spray

Summary for Ryaltris

Prescription only

Ryaltris is a nasal spray used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies like runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. It contains two active ingredients: olopatadine (an antihistamine) and mometasone (a corticosteroid). This nasal spray is for adults and children ages 12 and older. You use 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day. Side effects aren't common but can include a bad taste in the mouth and nosebleeds.

Indications for Ryaltris

Symptoms of seasonal allergies in people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Ryaltris

Pros

Has two first-choice medications for allergies in a single nasal spray
Starts to work within 15 minutes
Few side effects

Cons

Need to use twice a day
Can cause nosebleeds and nasal irritation
Available by prescription only

Common Side Effects for Ryaltris

Change in taste in the mouth (3%)
Nosebleed (1%)
Nasal discomfort (1%)

Warnings for Ryaltris

Nose problems
Drowsiness
Eye and vision problems
Allergic reactions
Risk of infection
Altered stress hormone levels
Slowed growth in children

Summary for Nasonex

Prescription or over-the-counter

Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).

Indications for Nasonex

Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)

Pros and Cons for Nasonex

Pros

Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
Available OTC
Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription

Cons

Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people
Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Nasonex

Headache (26%)
Viral infection (14%)
Sore throat (12%)
Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
Coughing (7%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
Period cramps (5%)
Muscle pain (5%)
Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)