Overview
- Using sprays for longer than a week can trigger rebound congestion, known as rhinitis medicamentosa, which can worsen blockage and create reliance.
- An RPS survey of 300 pharmacists found 59% believe most people are unaware of the seven‑day limit.
- Seventy‑four percent of pharmacists want clearer, more prominent packaging about the limit, and 63% say they have intervened in suspected overuse cases.
- People with symptoms lasting beyond a week are advised to follow label instructions and consult a pharmacist for alternative options.
- Hospital data show rising winter virus pressure, including a 9% weekly increase to an average of 2,924 flu patients per day in the week ending 4 January.