Frequently Asked Questions

What is NASONEX®?
NASONEX® is the only once-daily prescription nasal inhaled steroid approved to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, including congestion, in adults and children 12 years of age and older and to treat nasal allergy symptoms in children as young as 2 years.1

How quickly will NASONEX® start to work?
Improvement in nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis has been shown to occur within 11 hours after the first dose of NASONEX® based on studies done in a park during pollen season and in a controlled pollen exposure room. Maximum benefit is usually achieved within 1 to 2 weeks. For adults and children 12 years of age and older, NASONEX® can be used to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms before they start when treatment is initiated 2 to 4 weeks prior to the beginning of allergy season.

How is NASONEX® different from over-the-counter allergy sprays sold in drug stores?
NASONEX® is safe when used as directed and is not addictive. Side effects with NASONEX® were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing. NASONEX® is a nasal inhaled steroid, which is only available by prescription, and can be used in adults and children 2 years of age and older to treat seasonal and perennial nasal allergy symptoms. Only NASONEX® is also indicated to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, including congestion, in patients 12 years and older. Patients with known seasonal allergies should begin treatment with NASONEX® 2 to 4 weeks prior to the anticipated start of the pollen season.¹

Nasal sprays available without a prescription are used to temporarily help relieve nasal congestion. It is recommended that these over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays not be taken for more than a few days, as they can aggravate high blood pressure or cause the body to become dependent on the treatment, resulting in "rebound" congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) once the treatment is stopped.²

Does NASONEX® cause a "rebound effect?"
Some over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays should not be used for more than 3 to 7 days, depending upon the medication, because they can actually cause symptoms to worsen when you stop using them. This "rebound effect" does not occur with NASONEX®. NASONEX® works differently than OTC decongestant nasal sprays, and is available only by prescription.³

What is the difference between nasal inhaled steroids and oral antihistamines?
Nasal inhaled steroids have an anti-inflammatory effect in the nasal passages, which reduces nasal congestion caused by allergies. Best when used on a consistent basis, they are the recommended first-line therapy when nasal congestion is the primary symptom of a patient's allergic rhinitis, according to the "Allergy Report" published by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) (www.theallergyreport.org).⁴

In an allergic reaction, a chemical called histamine causes allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, runny nose and hives. Nonsedating antihistamines are available. They work by blocking histamine receptors to help relieve these symptoms.

Unfortunately, in hay fever, antihistamines are not as effective for nasal congestion, which most allergy sufferers say is the most bothersome allergy symptom. Again, nasal inhaled steroids are recommended when congestion is the primary problem.

Are there safety issues related to nasal inhaled steroids?
Multiple studies have shown that nasal inhaled steroids are safe and effective for adults and children 2 years of age and older.5,6,7 NASONEX® is a nasal inhaled steroid related to cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the body, and when used as directed, is nonsedating and not addictive.1,4 Nasal inhaled steroids should not be confused with the effects associated with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes abused by athletes.

What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane as a result of allergies. AR is considered to encompass the outdoor symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and the indoor symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).

How many people are affected by allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects approximately 36 million people in the United States. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of people with allergies are believed to suffer from both SAR and PAR; 20 to 30 percent from SAR alone; and 15 to 30 percent from PAR alone, according to Decision Resources, Inc., a pharmaceutical research company. Seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, which classically include sneezing, itching, discharge and congestion, can have a significant impact on everyday activities at work, school and leisure time.

Who markets NASONEX®?
NASONEX® is marketed by Schering-Plough Corporation, headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey.

What other allergy products does Schering-Plough make?
Click here for a list of prescription and over-the-counter treatments in the Schering-Plough Allergy & Respiratory Care family.

References:
1. NASONEX® Product Information. Schering Corporation.
2. Mayo Clinic. 1 Oct. 2002. 8 Aug 2004.
3. NASONEX®. 24 Aug. 2004.
4. The Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Inc., The Allergy Report, 2000, Vol.1:p.92.
5. Suissa S., Ernst P., Benayoun S., Baltzan M., Cai B. Low-Dose Inhaled Corticosteroids and the Prevention of Death from Asthma. N Engl J Med 2000; 343:332-336.
6. Donahue JG, Weiss ST, Livingston JM, Goetsch MA, Greineder DK, Platt R. Inhaled steroids and the risk of hospitalization for asthma. JAMA 1997; 277:887-891.
7. Barnes PJ. Current issues for establishing inhaled corticosteroids as the antiinflammatory agents of choice in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998; 101:S427-S433.

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