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 combination of two medications: olopatadine (an antihistamine) and mometasone (a corticosteroid). It's a nasal spray used to treat eye and nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes) in people ages 12 and older. The dosage is 2 sprays in each nostril twice per day. Ryaltris (olopatadine / mometasone) doesn't have a generic version since it's only available as a brand-name medication. Side effects aren't common, but include a bad taste in the mouth and nosebleeds.

Indications for Ryaltris

Eye and nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes)

Pros and Cons for Ryaltris

Pros

Combines two first-choice medications into a single spray
Starts to work within 15 minutes
Less side effects than antihistamines and steroids taken by mouth

Cons

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

Common Side Effects for Ryaltris

Altered taste (3%)
Nosebleed (1%)
Nasal discomfort (1%)

Warnings for Ryaltris

Nasal 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%)