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Side effects of steroid nasal sprays are usually minor, especially when compared to other forms of corticosteroid delivery. Potential side effects of steroid nasal sprays include:

• Burning sensation in the nose
• Unpleasant aftertaste
• Dryness in the nasal mucous membranes
• Nosebleeds
• Yeast infection
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat
• Cough and bronchospasm
• Growth suppression
• Osteoporosis (a disorder in which the bones lose mass and density)
• Thinning of the skin and increased bruising
• Impairment of the adrenal glands
• Increased risk of chickenpox or measles
• Metabolic changes (causing weight gain and increased blood glucose levels)
• Mood changes
• Insomnia
• Menstrual irregularities

Dryness, hoarseness and related side effects can usually be relieved by gargling and rinsing with water after each inhalation. More serious but much less common side effects include:

• Sores in the nose
  
• A hole (perforation) that forms in the wall (septum) that separates the nostrils

Patients must be very careful to use steroid nasal sprays exactly as directed by a physician. Using too much of the drug, or using it too often can cause the body’s adrenal glands to stop making its own steroids, which are needed when the body is under stress from infections, surgery or other conditions.

Tapering off from long-term steroid medicine usage can be a slow process. Patients frequently will feel dizzy, lightheaded, tired or have stomach pain during this process. This should be reported to a physician. Patients should not abruptly stop taking steroid medicines and should consult their physician about the best way to taper off. Suddenly discontinuing the use of steroid medications can be dangerous.

Patients experiencing any steroid nasal spray-related side effects should consult their physician. In addition, patients should immediately contact their physician if they suspect exposure to chickenpox or measles while using steroid nasal sprays. Using corticosteroids can lower the body’s resistance and cause unusually severe infections in those exposed to these diseases. It can also lead to a fatal course.