Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ASTEPRO(R) (azelastine HCl) Nasal Spray 0.15%, for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (SAR and PAR). New ASTEPRO Nasal Spray 0.15% is the first nasal antihistamine to offer convenient once-daily dosing for patients who suffer from seasonal allergies. ASTEPRO Nasal Spray 0.15% relieves rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion, without an added decongestant such as pseudoephedrine and is formulated with azelastine, a leading nasal antihistamine in the treatment of seasonal rhinitis in the U.S. The product will be available in pharmacies in early October.
Approximately 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs during a specific season, commonly in the fall and spring, and is caused by outdoor allergy triggers such as tree, grass or ragweed pollen. Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs throughout the year and is typically caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold and animal dander. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, frequently include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, nose and itching.