Seasonal Allergies

If your doctor has recently diagnosed you with seasonal allergies, you aren't alone. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting 10% to 30% of adults and up to 40% of children in the United States.1 Seasonal allergies have also been linked to more serious chronic respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma.1 The good news is, simple changes to your daily routine, combined with prescription seasonal allergy treatments such as PATANASE® Nasal Spray, may make allergy season easier to bear.

Limit your exposure to allergens whenever possible

When seasonal allergens are at their peak, some degree of exposure is inevitable. But by observing as many of the following tips as possible, you may be able to avoid or reduce the intensity of your symptoms. Here are just a few guidelines to help you manage your seasonal allergies:

  • Keep an eye on local pollen forecasts.
  • Avoid or limit time outdoors when pollen counts are at their worst.
  • Wear a dust mask when working outdoors during allergy season.
  • Wash hands often and rinse eyes with cool water after coming indoors to remove pollen.
  • After extended outdoor exposure, take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes. Take care not to lay pollen-covered clothing on your bed or other furniture.
  • Use an air conditioner in your car and home to keep pollen out.
  • Use a clothes dryer rather than an outdoor clothesline during allergy season.

PATANASE® Nasal Spray for relief

While the suggestions listed above will likely reduce your exposure to bothersome seasonal allergens, your prescription of PATANASE® Nasal Spray is an important weapon in your fight against the symptoms of seasonal allergies. PATANASE® Nasal Spray is indicated for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 6 years of age and older.

Patients are encouraged to read the full prescribing information to learn more about benefits, dosing, and clinical studies

1American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/rhinitis.aspx, Accessed November 28, 2012

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

PATIENT INFORMATION

PATANASE® (PAT-uh-nase) (olopatadine hydrochloride) Nasal Spray

For Use in the nose (Intranasal) only.

Read the Patient Information that comes with PATANASE® Nasal Spray carefully before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your health care provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is PATANASE® Nasal Spray?

PATANASE® Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used to provide relief of seasonal allergy symptoms in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

PATANASE® Nasal Spray contains an antihistamine medicine that may help reduce nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking PATANASE® Nasal Spray?

Tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are:

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. PATANASE® Nasal Spray and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use PATANASE® Nasal Spray?

Follow the Patient Instructions for Use below.

What are the possible side effects of PATANASE® Nasal Spray?

Side effects of PATANASE® Nasal Spray include:

Tell your health care provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

These are not all of the possible side effects of PATANASE® Nasal Spray. For more information, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I avoid while using PATANASE® Nasal Spray?

PATANASE® Nasal Spray can make you sleepy.

Avoid the following while using PATANASE® Nasal Spray:

General information about PATANASE® Nasal Spray

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in the patient leaflet. Do not use PATANASE® Nasal Spray for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give PATANASE® Nasal Spray to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This patient information leaflet summarizes the most important information about PATANASE® Nasal Spray. If you would like more information about PATANASE® Nasal Spray talk with your health care provider. You can ask your health care provider or pharmacist for information about PATANASE® Nasal Spray that is written for health professionals. For more information go to www.PATANASE.com or call 1-800-757-9195.

What are the ingredients of PATANASE® Nasal Spray?

Active ingredient: olopatadine hydrochloride 665 micrograms per 100 microliter spray.

Inactive ingredients: 0.01% benzalkonium chloride, sodium phosphate, dibasic, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and water.

What should I know about seasonal allergic rhinitis?

"Rhinitis" means inflammation of the lining of the nose. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is sometimes called "hay fever". Seasonal allergic rhinitis can be caused by allergies to pollen. If you have allergic rhinitis, your nose becomes stuffy, runny and itchy. You may also sneeze a lot. You may also have red, itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat, or blocked itchy ears.

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Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Fort Worth, TX 76134 USA

Mfd by:
Alcon Cusi, S.A.
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© 2008, 2012 Novartis

Olopatadine is licensed from KYOWA HAKKO KIRIN CO., LTD. Japan. PATANASE® Nasal Spray (olopatadine hyrochloride nasal spray) is a registered mark of Alcon, Inc. PATANASE® Nasal Spray is available by prescription only.

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