ASTEPRO FAQs
Here are some FAQs about ASTEPRO that are often asked by patients.
Q: What is ASTEPRO?
A: ASTEPRO is a nasal spray that provides powerful effectiveness and rapid relief, in as early as 30 minutes, from nasal allergy symptoms. In addition to containing a powerful antihistamine, ASTEPRO has been formulated with sucralose and sorbitol for improved tolerability. ASTEPRO is available by prescription only. It provides relief of bothersome nasal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy, runny nose and congestion.
Q: Is ASTEPRO a steroid?
A: No. Unlike some other prescription nasal sprays, ASTEPRO is steroid-free.
Q: What are the benefits of a nasal spray?
A: The benefit of using medicine in a nasal spray is that it is delivered immediately to the site of nasal allergy symptoms – inside the nose. Antihistamine pills (both over-the-counter and prescription) can take time to make their way through the body to the nasal area.
Q: How does ASTEPRO work?
A: ASTEPRO relieves symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine. Histamine is the primary cause of seasonal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy, runny nose and congestion. Seasonal allergens cause symptoms by activating the body's immune system. The immune system produces antibodies (proteins in the blood intended to protect the body from invaders) that cause the release of histamine from specialized cells called mast cells.
Q: How quickly does ASTEPRO work?
A: A Clinical study indicated that ASTEPRO can provide rapid relief, in as early as 30 minutes, from seasonal nasal allergy symptoms.
Q: Does ASTEPRO contain pseudoephedrine?
A: No. Some other antihistamines are used in combination with a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine, which can cause restlessness and sleep difficulties. Pseudoephedrine should be used with caution if you have certain conditions such as diabetes, enlarged prostate, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, or overactive thyroid.
Q: What is the recommended dosing for ASTEPRO?
A: The FDA-approved dose is 1 or 2 sprays into each nostril, twice a day, as prescribed by your doctor.
Q: Can kids take ASTEPRO?
A: ASTEPRO is indicated for patients 12 years of age and older.
Q: ASTEPRO is made by the same company that makes ASTELIN. Are the two products interchangeable?
A: ASTELIN and ASTEPRO are not interchangeable. They have different indications.
Q: Does ASTEPRO have side effects?
A: Common side effects with ASTEPRO generally are mild and include unusual taste (bitter or sweet), nosebleeds, headache, fatigue, and sleepiness.
Q: Does ASTEPRO have a bitter taste?
A: In a pivotal clinical trial, 93% of patients did not report bitter taste when taking ASTEPRO. In addition to containing a powerful antihistamine, ASTEPRO has been formulated with sucralose and sorbitol for improved tolerability.
Q: What is sucralose?
A: Sucralose is a non-caloric sweetener made from sugar. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and is used in more than 4,000 products worldwide. It is used in a wide variety of products, including beverages, baked goods and desserts. Sucralose has been approved by the FDA for use in ASTEPRO.
Q: What is sorbitol?
A: Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, has many uses in prescription products as well as in foods such as "sugarfree" mints, gum, etc .
Q: Has sucralose been studied for safety in people with diabetes?
A: Studies have shown that sucralose may be used in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Q: Who should not use ASTEPRO?
A: If you are allergic to Astepro, Astelin, azelastine or any of its components do not use Astepro.
