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Nasal spray for allergies may soon be sold in stores
October 10, 1996
Web posted at: 11:30 p.m. EDT
From Correspondent Eugenia Halsey
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Scientific advisers to the U.S. government Thursday recommended approval of the first over-the-counter nasal spray to prevent allergies, clearing one more hurdle for people with hay fever to get a new treatment.
The news couldn't have come at a more appropriate time for many allergy sufferers, who are sneezing through clouds of autumn ragweed pollen. Almost 10 percent of Americans suffer from hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis.
Andrew Zimbler's symptoms are typical. "I get red, itchy eyes and a stuffy nose, and sometimes I get a sinus headache which occasionally gets very bad, and I need to go on antibiotics."
To alleviate their symptoms, many take over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines or decongestants. However, such products can only relieve symptoms -- not prevent them.
Nasalcrom, on the other hand, can actually keep the allergic reactions from starting in the first place.
"These drugs work by turning off the allergic process. In other words, they're doing more than just treating symptoms. These antihistamines and decongestants: The horse is already out of the barn," said Dr. Peter Creticos, a consultant for McNeil Consumer Products Company.
The advisory committee has recommended that the Food and Drug Administration approve Nasalcrom, which has been prescribed by doctors about 17 million times since it was introduced more than a decade ago. The drug would be licensed to McNeil if it is approved for over-the-counter sales.
The FDA panel told the federal agency that the drug is safe and works for a lot of people, although not everyone. And, unlike antihistamines available over the counter, it doesn't cause drowsiness or make it unsafe for patients to drive.
It can also help people with year-round allergies caused by dust, mold and cats. Patients are supposed to take Nasalcrom about a week before the allergy season begins, then take it continuously throughout the season, spraying the product once in each nostril every four to six hours.
Some allergists are concerned that if people can buy it without a prescription, they may not give it the extra week needed for its effects to kick in.
"People are going to wait until they start to have symptoms and by that time, it's not going to work. They're going to tell themselves: 'Why bother with this medicine, it's not going to work,'" said Dr. Harvey Schwartz of Alexandria Hospital.
Nasalcrom also won't help relieve colds or sinus infections. Still, the FDA usually follows the advisory panel's recommendations, and if Nasalcrom is approved, doctors say it could give millions of allergy sufferers welcome relief.
Related story:
- Fall cold or fall allergies? It could be either - September 23, 1996
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