FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

 

 

 

 

HOW IT WORKS

    How does Astepro® Allergy work?

    Astepro® Allergy works by blocking a chemical called “histamine” — the substance actually responsible for nasal allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose, and itchy nose. Since Astepro is a spray, it can be administered through the nose, right at the source.

    How is Astepro® Allergy different than Prescription Astelin®?

    Astepro® Allergy and Astelin® both contain Azelastine HCl, but they differ in concentration, taste and dosing. Astepro Allergy has a 50% higher concentration of azelastine HCl than prescription Astelin. Astepro Allergy also has the improved taste profile and includes artificial sweetener ingredients sucralose and sorbitol, as found in prescription Astepro. Lastly, Astepro Allergy has flexible dosing, up to 24 hours and Astelin only has 12 hour dosing.

    Does Astepro® cause drowsiness?

    Astepro® may cause drowsiness. In clinical trials, drowsiness was observed in less than 4% of those who took Astepro. For more information on side effects, please review the Astepro Allergy product label.

    How is Astepro® different from antihistamine pills?

    Both are antihistamines. However, pills take time to travel through the body to be fully effective while Astepro® can be sprayed directly into the nose to help relieve symptoms associated with allergens faster. Astepro is also the only single-ingredient nasal antihistamine indicated to provide congestion relief.

    HOW TO USE

      How do I use Astepro®?

      Step 1: Remove the blue cap and blue clip before using.

      Step 2: Prime the bottle.

      • Aim bottle away from face.
      • Hold bottle upright between fingers and pump until a fine mist appears.
      • If a fine mist does not appear after six sprays, your nozzle may be clogged. (See directions below for cleaning a clogged nozzle.)

      Step 3: Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.

      Step 4: Tilt your head downward toward your toes.

      Step 5: Hold bottle with thumb under bottle and spray nozzle between fingers.

      Step 6: Close one nostril.

      Step 7: Put the spray tip about 1/4 to 1/2 inch into the other nostril. Hold bottle upright and aim the spray tip toward the back of the nasal passage.

      Step 8: While sniffing gently, press the pump once or twice (according to dosing directions).

      • Repeat steps 6, 7 and 8 into the other nostril.

      Step 9: Do not tilt your head back immediately after using Astepro Allergy. This will help to keep the medicine from going into your throat, which may cause a bitter taste.

      Step 10: When you finish using your Astepro Allergy, wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue or cloth. Put the clip and cap back on the bottle.

      Cleaning a clogged nozzle

      • Don’t try to unclog the nozzle with a pin or sharp object. That can damage it.
      • Unscrew the spray pump unit from the bottle by turning it to the left (counter-clockwise).
      • Keep open bottle out of reach of children.
      • Fill a bowl or container with warm water. Soak only the spray pump unit in the warm water. Pump the nozzle several times while holding it under the water to clear the clog.
      • Let the spray pump unit air dry before putting it back on.
      • Tightly screw pump unit back on the open bottle by turning clockwise (to the right).
      • After cleaning, follow the instructions for priming.

      How often can I take Astepro®?

      For complete directions, refer to the product labeling. Adults and children (12 years and older) can use Astepro® once or twice a day.

      • For once-a-day use, spray twice in each nostril. For twice-a-day use, spray once or twice in each nostril every 12 hours. Do not spray more than four times per nostril within a 24-hour period.
      • Children age 6 to 11 years: Spray once in each nostril every 12 hours and do not use more than two sprays in each nostril within a 24-hour period.
      • Children under 6 years of age: Do not use Astepro.

      Why do I need to prime?

      Priming allows for an easier, more even spray, ensuring the right amount of medicine per nostril. Before initial use, prime the Astepro® bottle by releasing six sprays or until a fine mist appears. If not used for several days, re-prime the Astepro bottle with two sprays or until a fine mist appears.

      What if nothing comes out?

      If you can’t get a fine mist from your bottle of Astepro® Allergy, it may be clogged.

      Don’t use a pin or sharp object to unclog it, as that can damage the pump. Instead, unscrew (turn left) the spray pump unit and soak in warm water while pumping the nozzle several times until the passage has cleared.

      Let the spray pump air dry before screwing (turn right) tightly back onto bottle.

      GENERAL

        Can I use an HSA or FSA to buy Astepro®?

        Yes; if you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can now use those funds for several over-the-counter drugs, including Astepro®.

        Can I use Astepro® to treat colds?

        Astepro® is only meant to treat symptoms associated with allergies, not viruses. Always consult a health professional if unsure whether you’re experiencing allergies or an infection.

        Will Astepro® affect the growth of children?

        Unlike allergy sprays like Flonase® and Nasacort® that contain steroids, Astepro® is an intranasal antihistamine, not a steroid spray, and does not contain a label warning about potential pediatric growth suppression.

        Is Astepro® the same strength that is available by prescription?

        Yes; Astepro® contains the same exact strength as the version that previously required a prescription. In fact, there were two strengths of Astepro available with a prescription: 0.1% and 0.15%. The Astepro Allergy product now available over the counter is the higher strength 0.15% formulation.