Source: Oncology  |  Posted 5 years ago

Patients prefer scent-free nasal spray 3- to-1 over scented products

POINTE-CLAIRE, QUEBEC, CANADA -- October 20, 2006 -- Nasonex? (mometasone furoate monohydrate), the number one doctor-prescribed nasal spray in Canada for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial nasal allergies) and acute sinusitis as an adjunctive treatment to antibiotics is now scent-free.

Scent-free Nasonex was developed in direct response to the preferences of allergy patients. In an Internet survey conducted by Roper Public Affairs and Media of more than 2,000 allergic rhinitis sufferers, 76 per cent of patients said they would choose a scent-free product, when all other attributes, such as safety and efficacy, are equal.[i]

"Allergic rhinitis sufferers have told us that they want their nasal spray to be tasteless and scent-free," said Dr. Nabil Abadir, vice president of medical affairs, Schering Canada. "And physicians have been telling us that compliance and adherence are major issues for their allergic rhinitis patients. We needed to deliver a treatment that enables patients to maintain daily usage, which is crucial for alleviating symptoms. By removing phenylethyl alcohol, a non-medicinal ingredient, Nasonex is now scent-free. This allows us to provide a product that meets the needs of both consumers and physicians."

Allergic rhinitis (allergy symptoms that affect the nose, the eyes and the throat) is a common inflammation of the nasal membrane caused by an allergic reaction. Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 20 to 30 per cent of Canadians[ii] and can affect people seasonally or year round[iii]. Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, classically include sneezing, itching, discharge and congestion.

Often described as a permanent cold[iv], perennial allergic rhinitis appears year-round[v], can occur any time during the year[vi], and is usually triggered by indoor allergens such as house dust mites and pet skin flakes. Nasal congestion, the most bothersome symptom for patients with allergic rhinitis, particularly for children, is also the most difficult symptom to manage.[vii]

About Nasonex
Nasonex is a nasal-inhaled steroid related to cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the body and when used as directed, is safe, non-sedating and not addictive[viii]. Nasonex works by reducing nasal congestion and inflammation caused by allergies. In addition to providing relief for allergy sufferers, Nasonex contains glycerol, a soothing emollient or moisturizer.

Originally approved in Canada in 1998, Nasonex is approved for use in adults, adolescents, and children between the ages of three and 11 years to treat the symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis. Nasonex is also approved by Health Canada for the treatment of acute episodes of sinusitis, as adjunctive treatment to antibiotics, in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

REFERENCES:
[i] Roper Public Affairs and Media. Impact of nasal congestion among allergic rhinitis sufferers. An Internet survey of 2,355 people with allergic rhinitis, 2,002 of whom were adult allergic rhinitis sufferers with nasal congestion or parents of a child with allergic rhinitis with nasal congestion. 2004. Margin of error ? 2 percentage points.
[ii] http://www.parentscanada.com/497/Children%20and%20Allergies.htm
[iii] http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=22...
[iv] http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Perennial-Allergic-Rhinitis&id=155833
[v] http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=22...
[vi] http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/rt1486.asp
[vii] Roper Public Affairs and Media. Impact of nasal congestion among allergic rhinitis sufferers. An Internet survey of 2,355 people with allergic rhinitis, 2,002 of whom were adult allergic rhinitis sufferers with nasal congestion or parents of a child with allergic rhinitis with nasal congestion. 2004. Margin of error ? 2 percentage points.
[viii] Nasonex? Product Information. Schering Corporation.

SOURCE: Schering Canada Inc.