(RxWiki News) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new nasal spray to treat hay fever. The new spray is eco-friendly and could be an alternative to currently available hay fever treatments.
The FDA has approved QNASL, a “dry” nasal spray, manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., that is the first of its kind on the market to treat hay fever. Currently available nasal spray treatments for hay fever are in a liquid solution, which could be uncomfortable to take. This new medication would be easier to take for some individuals and also be safe for the environment.
"Ask your doctor about hay fever treatments."
Hay fever, caused by seasonal allergies, and perennial allergic rhinitis, caused by indoor allergies, affects 10 to 30 percent of the entire American population. Some sufferers have symptoms during pollen seasons, some have symptoms caused by indoor allergens like dust mites and other sufferers have a combination of the two.
Hay fever symptoms can cause more than just discomfort. According to Teva, hay fever led to 2 million days of missed school, 3.5 million lost work days and 12 million doctor visits.
QNASAL is a corticosteroid nasal spray that can be used by children and adults aged 12 and up. The nasal spray is used once daily and features a dosage counter. The counter lets hay fever sufferers know how many doses are left which can lead to more people using the correct dosage of medicine.
Current nasal spray treatments for hay fever are in a liquid form because previous propellants used to deliver the medicine were banned because they damaged the environment. The liquid form could be unpleasant to take with a “running down the back of the throat” sensation. QNASAL features a new propellant, hydrofluoroalkane (HFA), which does not damage the environment.
QNASAL can be used to treat stuffy and runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. QNASAL should not be used by people who have a healing sore in their nose or recently had nose surgery. Corticosteroids may cause an allergic reaction in some people and make people more vulnerable to infections. The most common side effects of QNASL were nosebleeds, headache and nasal discomfort.
QNASL is expected to be available by prescription as early as April 2012. No price has been set yet.
