Although several natural agents may cause sinus diseases, the sinus problems could be a common side effect of a number of drugs developed to treat other diseases. For instance, Tamiflu given for swine flu causes sinusitis. Asthma therapies and even tumor and gum treatment may infect the paranasal sinuses.

 

      Asthma treatment

Singulair, a prescription drug from Merck & Co., Inc., prevents asthma attacks. However, the drug may cause sinus infection, causing swollen sinuses and severe pain in the sinuses.

The synthetic corticosteroid Alvesco (ciclesonide) may lead to the infection of sinus, nasal congestion, back, leg and joint pain, and other problems. This prescription medicine, also referred to as inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), reduces lung inflammation.

Xopenex® (levalbuterol HCl), an inhalation solution, may lead to rhinitis and sinusitis. Xopenex® treats the airway constriction due to asthma. 

Inflammation of the sinus mucosa (sinusitis) is one of the common side effects of Symbicort. AstraZeneca Global manufactures Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dehydrate), an inhalation aerosol for asthma patients. 

Asmanex is an anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma. This inhalation powder containing mometasone furoate may lead to nausea, rhinitis, sinusitis and other problems.

Afinitor, an oral prescription treatment, is given to the patients suffering from brain tumor (subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA)) and tuberous sclerosis (TS). This is the first therapy developed for the patients who cannot undergo a surgery for tumor removal. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment has some serious adverse effects, such as breathing problems. Its common side effects include sinus infection, mouth ulcers, seizure and skin problems.

Tamiflu, administered to the patients suffering from swine flu, has several side effects, such as sinusitis, fever, muscle ache and earache.

The FDA approved GINTUIT is a cell-based treatment. The FDA approved the treatment in 2012. GINTUIT, a product from Organogenesis, Inc. based in the U.S., is made from bovine collagen and allogeneric human cells. The treatment is used for mucogingival (gum tissues and oral mucosa) problems. GINTUIT may treat your some gum problems, but it can lead to swollen sinuses and nasopharyngitis.

Actemra, a prescription drug, treats active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by working on cytokine found in the human immune system. Excess amount of cytokine leads to RA. The drug may cause diarrhea, headache and infections of the upper respiratory tract, including sinus infections and common cold.

Be careful while selecting a medicine for any medical condition. Consult the family physician about adverse effects of the medicine in advance.