FDA Approves OTC Flonase

Top prescribed allergy medication to become available over the counter in 2015

(RxWiki News) To ease the symptoms of allergies, many people turn to nasal sprays. These allergy patients will soon have a new over-the-counter option.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved nasal spray Flonase Allergy Relief for over-the-counter use.

Flonase, which was previously available through prescription only, is used to ease symptoms of hay fever or upper respiratory allergies. These symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes.

"Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter allergy medications."

Flonase Allergy Relief contains fluticasone propionate, which has been deemed safe and effective since it was first approved 10 years ago for use by prescription.

In a press statement, Dr. Vidhu Bansal-Dev, vice president of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Flonase Allergy Relief, said over-the-counter Flonase would have the same dosage strength as that of the prescription.

"For those with allergies, being able to find simple, effective relief over the counter may mean the difference between a day lost to allergies and a day enjoying their favorite activities," Dr. Bansal-Dev said.

Flonase Allergy Relief will be accessible to the public in early 2015, GSK reports.

Review Date: 
July 28, 2014