Astepro is Here!
Tuesday January 6, 2009
Yet another new allergy nasal spray has been recently FDA approved. Astepro (azelastine), is a prescription anthistamine nasal spray indicated for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in people 12 years of age and older. This medication is really just a re-formulated version of Astelin, which is still available and also indicated for the treatment of non-allergic rhinitis.
Compared to Astelin, Astepro has less side effects. Astepro caused less of a bitter taste and less nasal irritation compared to Astelin -- these side effects are common reasons why people don't like to use Astelin. If you like how Astelin works, but don't like the side effects, then Astepro might be a better choice for you. Ask your doctor for more information.
Comments
What happened to Pyribenzamine spray? 50 years ago it was ubiquitous and now it has disappeared, along with the tablets (generic triplennamine). Nothing since then, at least for me, has worked as well.
My wife ask to to try Astepro (she is an Allergist) to see if it would be better suited to me. After a week of using a it I will be going back to Astelin. I had LESS side effects from the Astelin than the Astrepro. While it did not leave the somewhat bitter taste of Astelin (which dissipates in less than an hour), it did leave a coy taste (sort of like sweet vomit) in my mouth for hours! It certainly is no more effective than Astelin.