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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has approved the reclassification of fluticasone propionate (Pirinase Allergy 0.05% w/w nasal spray), making it available as a Pharmacy medicine for adolescents aged 12 years and over.

Fluticasone propionate is used to prevent and relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including hay fever and other airborne allergies. Hay fever is very common: according to Allergy UK data, as of 2021 it affected 10-15 per cent of children and 26 per cent of adults in the UK. 

When sales begin in February 2026 it will become the first intranasal corticosteroid to be sold from pharmacies to those aged 12 years and over in Europe. Currently intranasal corticosteroids are only available over the counter for adults aged 18 years and over.

Dr Ravina Barrett, self-medication and reclassification team lead at the MHRA, said: “This pharmacy-only availability means that parents and carers can now access treatment for adolescents without the need for a prescription. By widening access, this reduces the reliance on GP appointments for allergy management, freeing up GPs to focus on primary care priorities.”

Dr Gary Stiefel, chair of the Allergy UK Health Advisory Board and a consultant in paediatric allergy, said: “Fluticasone proportionate 0.05% nasal spray is extremely safe and can be very effective if used alone or in conjunction with non-sedating antihistamines for the treatment of hay fever.

“Its use in children from 12 years of age will significantly help large numbers of children who suffer from hay fever, and we are supportive of this additional medicine. It is important to ensure that young people are shown how to use the device correctly.”

The product should not be used for more than three months continuously. If needed for longer than this, then patients are advised to see their doctor.