Q. After 30 years of frequent and severe sinus infections, I was delighted when an allergist put me on Vancenase nasal spray. It afforded me great relief, and I've been using it since 1993.
Last year there was a recall and Vancenase was unavailable for months. Schering (the manufacturer) had a problem with the formulation. I lived on Sudafed and Afrin until it was available again.
Now it is on back order and I am desperate. Is there any other medicine similar to Vancenase?
A. Vancenase nasal spray contains the cortisone-like compound beclomethasone. This same ingredient is found in the prescription spray, Beconase AQ. Your physician could prescribe this instead of Vancenase, or might select a different steroid nasal spray. There are now many to choose from, including Flonase (fluticosone), Nasacort (triamcinolone), Nasarel (flunisolide), Nasonex (mometasone) and Rhinocort Aqua (budesonide).
