Nasal Spray for Allergies Now Available Without a Prescription

July 12, 2022 – A bit over a 12 months after its FDA approval, Bayer has introduced that its prescription-strength nasal spray for indoor and out of doors allergic reactions (model title Astepro) is now accessible over-the-counter nationwide.

Astepro, which is made up of 0.15% power of the antihistamine azelastine and may take simply half-hour to kick in, is the primary and solely steroid-free antihistamine nasal spray for allergic reactions that may be bought with no prescription. The spray is made to alleviate congestion and signs of hay fever for these 6 years outdated and up.

Catherine Vennat, a vice chairman at Bayer’s advertising division, in a information launch known as the spray a “breakthrough” in allergy therapies. 

Users of the OTC spray can use Astepro as much as twice a day to offer 24-hour reduction, Bayer mentioned. According to the product’s web site, the treatment prices anyplace from $15.99 to $24.99 at main retail sstores throughout the nation and on-line by way of Walmart, Amazon, Walgreens and Target.

“In my expertise, azelastine nostril spray is protected and efficacious,” says David Rosenstreich, MD, professor of allergy and immunology on the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “It can be utilized by itself or together with a nasal corticosteroid like fluticasone for added symptom reduction.” 

Rosenstreich added that, along with drowsiness, sufferers must be conscious that some customers expertise a nasty style of their mouths after utilizing the spray. 

Drowsiness is a doable facet impact of Astepro, as it’s with different oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra).