Prescription treatments like CLARINEX(R) (desloratadine) can help alleviate
symptoms caused by indoor allergies
KENILWORTH, N.J., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- With the holidays upon us, it's
also time to prepare for winter-the time to pull out some extra blankets and
curl up with a pet by the fireplace. But for millions of Americans, indoor
allergies may make a cozy evening at home uncomfortable. Indoor allergies
affect up to 80% of all allergic rhinitis sufferers(1), who experience
sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and runny noses because their attics, storage
areas, and pets harbor allergens like mold, dust mites, and dander. Allergy
sufferers need to be prepared to face the flurry of indoor allergens that can
turn a relaxing time at home into a battle for allergy relief.
Fortunately, allergy sufferers are finding relief by turning to their
physicians, according to a new nationwide omnibus survey, conducted in May
2003, by StrategyOne, about the impact of allergies on daily life. In this
telephone survey of 1,000 people, 330 identified themselves as allergy
sufferers. According to the responses of the allergy sufferers, three out of
four (74 percent) agreed that seeking medical attention has been "extremely
helpful" in treating their allergy symptoms.(2)
The survey also revealed that more than half of allergy sufferers (51
percent) said they experienced allergy symptoms for years before seeing a
physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Well over half (62 percent) of
these allergy sufferers learned about their current allergy medication from
their physicians.(2)
"Allergy sufferers don't need to suffer unnecessarily. Preventative
measures can help minimize allergens in the home, such as using air filters,
avoiding pets, and preventing mold," said Matthew Clarke, MD, family
practitioner, MDMD Inc. "By getting a proper diagnosis from a physician as
symptoms occur, medications such as CLARINEX(R) (desloratadine) can treat
indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness."
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology,
seasonal pollen sensitivity may contribute to the increase of allergy symptoms
in patients who suffer from indoor allergies.(3)
Available by prescription, CLARINEX(R) is the only once-daily, nonsedating
antihistamine that provides 24-hour relief in treating the symptoms of
allergies caused by indoor and outdoor allergens in adults and children 12
years of age and older. CLARINEX(R) is also indicated for the treatment of
chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), or ongoing hives of unknown cause.
Additional survey results
* Of the 330 survey participants who suffer from allergies, more than
half (53 percent) suffer solely from seasonal allergies triggered by
allergens such as pollen and ragweed; four in ten (40 percent) have
both outdoor and indoor allergies.
* Nearly half of all allergy sufferers surveyed (48 percent) said their
allergies affect their daily activities; the most cited activities are
work (61 percent), family activities (53 percent), exercise
(51 percent), and housework (51 percent).(2)
Tips to alleviate winter allergy symptoms
Experts agree that there are many precautions allergy sufferers can take
to help alleviate their symptoms. Top physicians from AAAAI offer tips to help
allergy sufferers manage their winter allergies:
* See your physician: It's not too late to find relief, even if allergy
symptoms are full-blown.
* Be prepared: Have medication on hand, such as CLARINEX(R) Tablets
and/or Reditabs(R) 5 mg, a once-daily, nonsedating antihistamine for
the treatment of outdoor allergies caused by pollen from grass and
ragweed, and indoor allergies caused by dust mites, molds, and pet
dander.
* Bust dust mites: In order to alleviate dust mites, keep humidity below
50% with a dehumidifier or central or window air conditioning. Wash
bedding weekly in hot water and dry in hot drier. If symptoms affect
quality of sleep, consider encasing mattress, box spring and pillow in
allergen proof fabric covers, to reduce the presence of dust mites.
* Keep your home clean and dry: To avoid mold and mildew, do not lay
carpeting directly on concrete floors and repair leaky faucets, pipes,
and roofs immediately. Clean bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
regularly with cleaning solution or bleach and again, keep humidity
low. Vacuum often.
* Familiarize yourself with the allergens that most affect you: When you
understand what triggers your allergy symptoms, you can make an extra
effort to avoid them. If animal dander is one of your triggers,
consider keeping pets outdoors or at least out of the bedroom and bathe
your pets regularly.(4)
About the Omnibus Survey
This nationwide omnibus survey of 1,000 people aged 18 and older
identified 330 people as allergy sufferers. The survey was conducted from May
16 through 20, 2003, by StrategyOne in collaboration with Opinion Research
Corporation, and was commissioned by Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP),
the makers of the nonsedating prescription antihistamine CLARINEX(R)
(desloratadine). The survey utilized a random-digit-dialing methodology to
help ensure that every American household with a telephone had an equal chance
of being contacted. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 5.4 percent, at
the 95 percent level of confidence.
About CLARINEX(R)
CLARINEX(R) is the only nonsedating, prescription antihistamine approved
for the treatment of indoor and outdoor allergies and CIU in adults and
children 12 years of age and older. The efficacy and safety of CLARINEX(R) in
treating indoor and outdoor allergies has been established in four double-
blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies involving more than 2,300
patients with seasonal allergies. CLARINEX(R) was also studied in two double-
blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies involving more than 1,300
patients with indoor allergies. A single 5-mg dose of CLARINEX(R) Tablets
taken once daily provides 24-hour nonsedating relief from nasal and non-nasal
symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies. The approval for CLARINEX(R) in CIU,
or hives of unknown cause, is based on two double-blind, randomized, placebo-
controlled studies involving more than 400 patients.
The most common side effects in allergic rhinitis (indoor and outdoor
allergies) were sore throat, dry mouth, and fatigue, with an incidence rate
similar to placebo. In CIU studies, the most common side effects were
headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information:
http://www.spfiles.com/piclarinex.pdf
About Schering-Plough
Schering-Plough is a research-based company engaged in the discovery,
development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical products
worldwide.
References:
(1) Skoner DP. Allergic rhinitis: definition, epidemiology,
pathophysiology, detection, and diagnosis. The Journal of Allergy and
Clinical Immunology. 2001;108:S2-S8.
(2) CLARINEX Allergy Omnibus Survey. Strategy One in collaboration with
Opinion Research Corporation. May 2003.
(3) The Allergy Report. Diseases of the Atopic Diathesis. Volume Two.
(4) American Academy for Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (AAAAI) Press
Release. Sneezing for every season: The AAAAI Offers Tips for
Perennial Allergy Sufferers. February 2003.
SOURCE Schering-Plough
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Related links:
http://www.spfiles.com/piclarinex.pdf
CONTACT:
Mary-Frances Faraji of Schering-Plough,
+1-908-298-7109; David Bashaw of Edelman, +1-212-642-7737, for
Schering-Plough
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