New PATANASE® Nasal Spray Users

What you should know

Since seasonal allergies are triggered by normally harmless substances such as pollen and mold, rather than a virus, some seasonal allergy sufferers tend to downplay or discount their symptoms. But the truth is that the symptoms of seasonal allergies can be just as debilitating as a cold or similar illness — sometimes even more so. After all, a cold will run its course in a matter of days, while untreated seasonal allergies continue to take their toll for as long as the allergen is present.

In order to understand how treatments like PATANASE® Nasal Spray can help improve your quality of life as a seasonal allergy sufferer, it's helpful to know the symptoms and triggers involved. In this section, you can find detailed information on the following subjects:

  • Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

    Seasonal allergy symptoms go far beyond sniffling and sneezing. Learn more about these and other seasonal ailments that many allergy sufferers have in common.

  • What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

    For some, it's ragweed. For others, it's mold. With so many possible seasonal allergy triggers in the air, it's no wonder so many of us suffer from seasonal allergies.

  • Seasonal Allergy Symptom Poll

    Take our seasonal allergy symptom poll to find out how your answers compare with those of other respondents.

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.

Mfd for:
Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Fort Worth, TX 76134 USA

Mfd by:
Alcon Cusi, S.A.
08320 El Masnou-Barcelona
© 2008, Alcon, Inc.

Olopatadine is licensed from KYOWA HAKKO KOGYO 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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