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AAAAI MEETING: Astelin Packs Double Whammy Against Allergies CRANBURY, NJ -- June 21, 1999 -- Encouraged by the results of three large clinical trials published today in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, physicians are offering seasonal allergy patients a simplified treatment regimen that, in many cases, may reduce the need for steroid nasal sprays. For about half of the 20 to 40 million Americans with seasonal allergies, prescription oral antihistamines are not enough to relieve all their symptoms. For these patients, physicians sometimes prescribe an antihistamine plus an anti-inflammatory agent such as an intranasal corticosteroid. While such combination therapy for allergies is common, it may no longer be necessary in all cases, according to research released at a recent meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Three large clinical trials found that the seasonal allergy medication known as Astelin® (azelastine HCl, Wallace Laboratories) Nasal Spray, 137 mcg, does the job of an antihistamine and an intranasal corticosteroid. "We were pleasantly surprised at these results," said Dr. William Berger, clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the University of California at Irvine, and senior principal investigator in the clinical trials. In these double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted at 71 centers across the country, and involving more than 1,000 patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergies, Astelin was found to relieve symptoms as effectively as an oral antihistamine plus an intranasal corticosteroid in the majority of patients. The most common adverse events were bitter taste, somnolence, headache, and rhinitis. "These findings offer significant advantages for patients, especially those who may not want to take steroids," said Dr. Berger. "Because patients are taking one drug instead of two, the chance of adverse side effects is reduced. Treatment also will be more convenient for the patient and result in significant cost savings." E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version