Astepro

Astepro is a prescription medication used to treat allergy symptoms of the nose such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines. It works by preventing histamine release and by blocking histamine at receptors. Histamine is a chemical of the immune system that causes allergy symptoms.

Astepro comes in nasal spray form to be sprayed into your nose, usually twice a day.

Common side effects of azelastine include unusual taste and nose pain. Astepro can also cause you to feel tired. Do not operate machinery or drive until you know Astepro will affect you. 

Astepro is a prescription medication used to treat allergy symptoms of the nose such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Side effects of Astepro nasal spray include:

• fever
• unusual taste (bitter or sweet)
• nose pain or discomfort
• nosebleeds
• headache
• fatigue
• sleepiness
• sneezing

Talk to your doctor about any side effect that is bothersome or that does not go away. 

This is not a complete list of Astepro side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take medicines that make you drowsy including:

• medicines for anxiety
• antidepressants
• muscle relaxant medicines
• medicines for pain (narcotics)
• sleep medicines
• allergy medicines
• alcohol
• antipsychotic medicines

This is not a complete list of Astepro drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Do not take Astepro if you are allergic to any ingredient in it. 

Astepro can cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Alcohol can worsen drowsiness. Avoid alcohol use with Astepro nasal spray.

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Astepro there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Astepro.

Before receiving Astepro, tell your doctor:

• about all of your medical conditions
• if you are allergic to any ingredient in Astepro
• if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

This medication falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Astepro is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.

• Astepro nasal spray is to be sprayed into your nose, usually twice a day. Do not spray it into your eyes or mouth.
  • The Astepro bottle will need to be primed before you use it for the first time. You should see a fine mist after you do six priming sprays. This will indicate it is ready for use. (You will need to prime Astepro nasal spray if you have not used the spray for 3 or more days.)
  • Blow your nose first. Then while spraying the medicine, gently breathe in (inhale). To avoid experiencing a bitter taste after taking Astepro, avoid tilting your head back right after taking Astepro.
  • After using 200 sprays, throw away the bottle.

Use Astepro exactly as prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription bottle carefully.

Seasonal nasal allergies:

• 2 to 5 years: Astepro (azelastine) 0.1%: 1 spray per nostril twice daily
• 6 to 11 years: Astepro 0.1% or Astepro 0.15%: 1 spray per nostril twice daily
• Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older: Astepro 0.1% or Astepro 0.15%: 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice daily OR Astepro 0.15%: 2 sprays per nostril once daily 

Year-round (perennial) nasal allergies:

• 6 months to 5 years: Astepro 0.1%: 1 spray per nostril twice daily
•  6 to 11 years: Astepro 0.1% or Astepro 0.15%: 1 spray per nostril twice daily
•  Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older: Astepro 0.15%: 2 sprays per nostril twice daily 

If you use too much Astepro call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

• Store Astepro nasal spray at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).
• Do not use Astepro after the expiration date "EXP" on the medicine label and box.
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.