Fluticasone nasal spray approved for pharmacy sale to adolescents

Adolescents aged 12 and over will be able to access fluticasone propionate nasal spray without a prescription from February 2026, following approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The reclassification means Pirinase allergy 0.05% w/w nasal spray will be available directly from behind pharmacy counters for the first time in the UK and Europe for this age group.

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Fluticasone propionate is used to prevent and relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including hay fever and other airborne allergies.

Previously, intranasal corticosteroids were only available over the counter for adults aged 18 and over.

Dr Ravina Barrett, self medication and reclassification team lead at the MHRA, said the decision – made following advice from the Commission on Human Medicines – would improve access to treatment for young people and reduce pressure on general practice.

'This pharmacy-only availability means that parents and carers can now access treatment for adolescents without the need for a prescription,' she said.

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'By widening access, this reduces the reliance on GP appointments for allergy management, freeing up GPs to focus on primary care priorities, aligning with the NHS long term plan by delivering more care in the community and improving overall patient access.'

Dr Gary Stiefel, chair of the Allergy UK Health Advisory Board and consultant in paediatric allergy, said the treatment was extremely safe and could be very effective, but emphasised the importance of ensuring young people are shown how to use it correctly.

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‘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,’ he added.

The MHRA said patients should not use the product for more than three months continuously without consulting a doctor. The safety and effectiveness of the product will continue to be monitored.