Pharmacologic (Medicine) Treatment for Nasal Allergies

Antihistamines which are prescribed for the treatment of allergies fall into two categories, first generation and second generation. The first generation antihistamines are the oldest ones and date back several decades. Their chemical makeup is such that it gets into brain tissue very easily and, therefore, cause the most side effects. Almost all first generation antihistamines are over-the-counter. Examples are Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist, Allerest, etc.

The more recent advance in antihistamines, the so-called second generation antihistamines, are made up so that they do not get into brain tissue so easily and, therefore, cause less drowsiness. Examples are Claritin, Clarinex, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal, and even Astelin and Patanase which are unique in that they are the only nasal spray antihistamines.

Antihistamines can be combined with decongestants. Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine are examples of decongestants that can be combined with antihistamines. Their purpose is to alleviate nasal and sinus congestion which can be a significant part of allergic symptoms in many people. Allegra-D, Clarinex-D, Zyrtec-D and Claritin-D are examples.

Singulair (classified as anti-inflammatory) is another category of medication shown to be effective for both nasal allergies and asthma. If the leukotriene pathway of inflammation is involved in a person’s allergies, then Singulair can be highly effective.

Intranasal steroid sprays are probably the mainstay of treatment for nasal allergies. Examples include Nasonex, Nasacort AQ, Rhinocort AQ, Flonase, Veramyst, Nasarel, Beconase AQ, and Vancenase AQ, and the most recent Omnaris. These are corticosteroids and are true antiinflammatory medicines to combat allergic inflammation. They are universally considered the drug of choice for nasal allergies. They are topically active and, therefore, poorly absorbed, so there is very little risk of systemic steroid side effects from them.

Another category of medication is the anti-cholinergic Atrovent (ipratropium) which is basically a drying agent for people who have significant runny noses.

NasalCrom (Cromolyn Sodium) is an older medication which supposedly prevents histamine from coming out of the allergy cell. It is not a very effective treatment and can be purchased over-the-counter.

Important Recall Notice for AIRSUPRA Inhalation Aerosol

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, the maker of the inhalation medication AIRSUPRA® (albuterol and budesonide) aerosol, has initiated a voluntary recall for their product. This recall is effective immediately and involves multiple product lots. The recalled inhalers might not work properly.

Reason for Recall:

A defect in the delivery system of these inhalers has been identified, which may hinder the proper administration of the medication needed for effective asthma control.

Product Details:

Product Name: AIRSUPRA (albuterol and budesonide) inhalation aerosol

Strength: 90 mcg/80 mcg per inhalation

Packaging Types:

120-inhalation canister (NDC 0310-9080-12)

28-inhalation canister (NDC 0310-9080-28)

Recall Number: D-0444-2025

Affected Lot Numbers:

For 120-inhalation canisters: Lots: 6270044C00, 6270040D00, 6270034E00, Exp Date 10/2026; 6270053C00, 6270045C00, 6270047C00, 6270056C00, 6270052C00, 6270063E00 Exp 11/30/2026; 6270064C00, 6270071D00, 6270075D00, 6270075F00 Exp Date 12/31/2026; 6270107C00, Exp Date 9/30/2027

For 28-inhalation canisters: Lot 6270019E00, Exp Date 7/31/2025; 6270021D00, Exp 8/31/2025; 6270095C00, Exp 2/28/2026

Rx only, Manufactured for: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE 19850, By: AstraZeneca Dunkerque Production (AZDP), Dunkerque, France, Product of France

What You Should Do:

Patients and users are advised not to use the inhalers associated with the affected lots. Please contact your pharmacy or healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss alternative treatment options. Contact the dispensing pharmacy or AstraZeneca for return processing information.

If you are a current patient of the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic affected by this recall, please give us a call at 405-235-0040.

Recall Contact Information:

For product questions, to report an adverse event or side effect, or to report a product quality issue, you can contact the AstraZeneca Information Center by phone at:

1-800-236-9933 (M-F, 8AM-6PM ET, excluding holidays)

Or you can report a product quality issue online: https://contactazmedical.astrazeneca.com/content/astrazeneca-champion/global/en/amp-form.html

For more information on this recall, please visit: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=96857

The post Important Recall Notice for AIRSUPRA Inhalation Aerosol appeared first on Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

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Pharmacologic (Medicine) Treatment for Nasal Allergies

Pharmacologic (Medicine) Treatment for Nasal Allergies

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Important Recall Notice for AIRSUPRA Inhalation Aerosol

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