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Title: Study Shows Allergic Rhinitis Patients Are More Satisfied With Flonase
URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/EE8E.htm
Doctor's Guide
December 17, 1996


RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 17, 1996 -- Glaxo Wellcome Inc. (NYSE: GLX) announces that results from a recent clinical study show seasonal nasal allergy sufferers who received FLONASE(R) (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray were significantly more satisfied with their medication and perceived significantly greater symptom relief than those receiving Claritin(R) (loratadine) tablets. The data were recently presented at the 5lst Annual Meeting of the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.

"This study again illustrates that FLONASE works better than Claritin -- providing greater symptom relief from the most bothersome nasal symptoms including nasal stuffiness, sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose," said Dr. Kathy Rickard, director, Respiratory U.S. Medical Affairs for Glaxo Wellcome. "This further establishes FLONASE as a first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis and adds to previously published studies showing that FLONASE provides sufferers more days of nasal allergy relief than Claritin."

FLONASE, a water-based, once-a-day, anti-rhinitic(TM) prescription nasal spray, works by reducing the inflammation of the nasal passages, thereby relieving the accompanying nasal symptoms, including nasal stuffiness. Antihistamines, used by many allergy sufferers, relieve some allergic symptoms, but are generally not effective in treating one of the primary causes of patient discomfort -- inflammation.

The recent 14-day, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, parallel group study compared FLONASE 200 mcg once daily (QD) and Claritin 10 mg once daily for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). After two weeks, patients were significantly more satisfied with FLONASE and perceived greater effectiveness for their nasal symptoms than those using Claritin. Reporting was done by patients and doctors, providing both an objective and subjective rating.

Similarly, two previously conducted randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, multicenter studies compared FLONASE 200 mcg once daily (QD) and Claritin 10 mg once daily for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). In both these studies, patients treated with FLONASE reported more "nasal symptom-free," days than those who received Claritin, meaning they did not experience nasal blockage, runny nose or sneezing on those days.

Allergic rhinitis is the most prevalent chronic disease in the United States, affecting approximately 35 million people. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (more commonly referred to as hay fever) is triggered by the immune system's response to pollens (i.e., tree pollen in the spring, grasses in the spring and summer and weeds in the fall). Common nasal symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itching and nasal congestion (stuffy nose), which is the most frequent complaint.

FLONASE is indicated for the treatment of seasonal and perennial nasal allergies in patients 12 and older. It is not indicated for the treatment of nonallergic rhinitis. Patients should use FLONASE at regular intervals as directed since its effectiveness depends on its regular use. Drug-related side effects experienced by patients in initial clinical studies of FLONASE, including nasal burning and irritation, nosebleeds, sore throat and headaches, occurred in fewer than seven out of 100 people.

FLONASE is marketed by Glaxo Wellcome Inc., which is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and is the nation's leading research based pharmaceutical firm. A subsidiary of London-based Glaxo Wellcome Plc, the company is committed to fighting disease by bringing innovative medicines and services to patients and to the healthcare providers who serve them. For more information, allergy sufferers can call 1-800-6-FLONASE (1-800-635-6627).

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