Remedial option for AR patients
ALLERGIC rhinitis (AR) is a chronic respiratory disease often caused by allergens such as pollen, dust and animal/ pet dander, which often triggers nasal AR symptoms such as blocked nose, nasal itching, running nose, sneezing, as well as ocular AR symptoms like itching, watering and redness of the eye.
Mylan, a global pharmaceutical company, launched Dymista, a new class of treatment for AR in Malaysia.
The breakthrough product contains two main active ingredients: Azelastine Hydrochloride and Fluticasone propionate, which provide significant relief to AR patients with moderate to severe symptoms.
Present at the product launch were Malaysian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists Head & Neck Surgeons (MSOHNS) president Dr Kong Min Han, consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, and Prof David Price from the Primary Care Respiratory Medicine at the University of Aberdeen. All three shared insights on AR, current treatment available, and the latest remedial options in controlling the symptoms of AR.
“The launch of Dymista is a major milestone for Mylan in providing AR patients access to this novel drug to effectively control the chronic disease and is in line with our mission to provide the world’s seven billion people access to high quality medicine,” said Mylan Malaysia country manager Shaun Lau.
“About 43.3% of AR patients suffer from sleep disturbance, causing them to experience fatigue, irritability and in more serious conditions, cognitive impairment. The symptom burden of AR is high in Malaysia and as such, a prescription to tackle these symptoms is necessary,” Kong added.
Kuljit, however, stated that while most patients have resorted to multiple therapies to achieve better and faster nasal and ocular symptom relief, they continue to experience AR symptoms like runny noses, sneezing, congestion and itching of the eyes.
“Recommended in the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines – Dymista is suitable for individuals suffering from AR due to its fast onset of action,” said Price. “AR patients with moderate to severe symptoms can also experience immediate relief in as fast as five minutes, which is twice as effective as the current available treatment (i.e. intranasal steroid spray),” Price concluded.
The Dymista nasal spray is indicated for adults and children aged 12 years and above who suffer from AR. It is suitable for long-term use and can be obtained upon consultation from specialists or general practitioners.