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In this age of the ability to record your favorite television shows for later viewing, we have a tendency to fast-forward through those often annoying and unwanted commercials; the majority of these are purely the latest sales pitch for an energy beverage or cereal. Some, however, contain significant information which we may be missing in our attempts to garner a bit more time in our lives.
Current commercials for Nasonex, a medication used to combat allergies, state that this medication can increase the risk of viral infections. They specifically state that contact with anyone having measles or chickenpox should be avoided but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Measles and chickenpox are used merely as examples of such viruses.
According to the U.S.Food and Drug Administration, this medication has been responsible for such dramatic consequences with respect to these viruses as to have been fatal.
The “Warnings and Precautions” section for this medication states:
“Potential worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex. More serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles in susceptible patients. Use caution in patients with the above because of the potential for worsening of these infections.”
Nasonex is a corticosteroid which, like any other steroid, reduces the activity of the body’s immune system, our internal defense system for fighting off infection and disease. Steroids and corticosteroids are typically used to reduce inflammation but as with any medication there are risks and benefits that must be weighed by your doctor before prescribing them.
While specifics regarding measles, chickenpox and tuberculosis would be more detectable given the significant number of individuals who still contract these conditions, its effects on the human papillomavirus (HPV) is unlikely to have been included in any study related to this medication.
While HPV has been around for over a century, it has only recently begun to receive the attention it deserves within the medical community. However, as the known cause for over a half dozen cancers, it is a virus, and, like chickenpox is capable of becoming dormant and re-emerging at a later point in time.
Prescribing information also stated: “How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affect the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known." Given these “unknowns” it would be wise to discuss this with your doctor especially if you have previously been diagnosed with HPV. Since HPV diagnosis is usually addressed by gynecologists and not family practice doctors it would be prudent to advise all of your doctors that you have HPV.
sources:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/020762s038lbl.pdf
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/drugs/corticosteroids/hic_corticosteroids.aspx
Reviewed May 30, 2011
Edited by Alison Stanton
Add a Comment1 Comments
Thanks Bonnie for this important information.
As a serious allergy sufferer and daily user of Nasonex, this information is crucial.
My doctor or nurse practicioner never volunteered this information on my last visit.
Mc
May 30, 2011 - 1:34pmThis Comment