FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Over-the-counter Astepro Allergy is the same strength as the prescription product. It is the maximum strength of azelastine HCl available as a prescription or over the counter. Astepro Allergy is the same as prescription Astepro (azelastine HCl) 0.15% Nasal Spray, 205.5 mcg (Rx approval in 2009).^1-3

Astepro Allergy is different from both Astelin^® (azelastine HCl) 0.10% Nasal Spray 137 mcg (Rx approval in 1996), and Astepro (azelastine HCl) 0.10% Nasal Spray 137 mcg (Rx approval in 2008). Astepro Allergy has a 50% higher concentration of azelastine HCl but has the same improved taste profile as prescription Astepro.^1-5

Astepro Allergy and INS sprays both relieve nasal allergy symptoms. Astepro and INS sprays have different mechanisms of action.⁶ As an intranasal antihistamine, Astepro blocks histamine receptors.² INS sprays work by reducing inflammatory gene products through a multistep process.⁶ Each product has a unique dosing regimen.^1,7-9

Flonase^®, Nasacort^®, and Rhinocort^® are trademarks of their respective owners.

Astepro Allergy includes the taste-masking agent sucralose and sorbitol and has the same improved taste profile as prescription Astepro. In clinical trials, 94% of patients receiving Astepro reported no bitter taste.^1,2,5

In patients with indoor or outdoor allergies, Astepro Allergy relieves nasal symptoms including congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing for up to 24 hours when used either once or twice a day.¹

In clinical trials, Astepro Allergy significantly improved Total Nasal Symptom Scores (TNSS) compared with placebo: nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing.^5,10

Astepro Allergy has a drowsiness warning. In clinical trials, drowsiness was observed in less than 4% of patients taking Astepro Allergy. Instruct patients to read the Drug Facts Label for relevant information for the use of the product.^2,11

For adults and children 12 years and older, Astepro Allergy can be used once daily (2 sprays in each nostril) OR twice daily (1 or 2 sprays in each nostril every 12 hours). Patients should not use more than 4 sprays per nostril in a 24 hour period. For children 6 to 11 years old, dosing is 1 spray in each nostril every 12 hours. These patients should not use more than 2 sprays in each nostril in a 24 hour period. Children under the age of 6 years should not use Astepro.¹

Astepro Allergy is approved for use in children ages 6 to 11 years and in children and adults ages 12 years and older.¹ Children ages 6 to 11 years should use 1 spray in each nostril every 12 hours and should not use more than 2 sprays per nostril in a 24 hour period.¹

Astepro is not considered to be habit forming.¹

Astepro Allergy does not have a warning regarding pediatric growth suppression in its Drug Facts Label.¹