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Dymista vs Flonase
Introduction
For individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis or other types of allergies, certain nasal sprays that contain specific compounds to counteract the effects of allergens can provide significant relief. Dymista and Flonase are two such medications often recommended for allergy management. Both have an impact on immune system responses in the nasal passages, yet their composition differs slightly.
Dymista is a dual-action medication combining an antihistamine (Azelastine) and a corticosteroid (Fluticasone). It works by reducing inflammatory reactions as well as blocking histamines - substances that cause allergy symptoms.
On the contrary, Flonase consists solely of fluticasone propionate, which falls under the category of corticosteroids. This component primarily focuses on reducing inflammation.
Although both medications are effective in managing various symptoms associated with allergies like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes or runny nose, Dymista's combination formula may provide quicker symptom relief compared to Flonase.
Dymista vs Flonase Side By Side
| Attribute | Dymista | Flonase |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Dymista | Flonase |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken if you are taking steroids orally or through injection; may worsen symptoms of nasal irritation. | Should not be taken if you are taking steroids orally or through injection; may worsen symptoms of nasal irritation. |
| Cost | Around $240 for 120 sprays | Around $22 for 120 sprays |
| Generic Name | azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate | fluticasone propionate |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat. Eye pain or vision changes. | Severe allergic reactions including skin rash; itching/swelling (especially on the face/tongue/throat); severe dizziness; trouble breathing. Vision problems. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Not specifically mentioned, but caution advised with other steroids. | Not specifically mentioned, but caution advised with other steroids. |
| Typical Dose | One spray per nostril twice daily | 50 mcg (2 sprays) in each nostril once daily, can be decreased to 25 mcg (1 spray) in each nostril once daily as symptoms improve |
What is Dymista?
Dymista (generic name: azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) is a novel class of nasal spray that combines an antihistamine with a steroid. This combination provides effective relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. Dymista was first approved by the FDA in 2012.
Flonase (generic name: fluticasone propionate), on the other hand, is a corticosteroid-only nasal spray which gained FDA approval in 1990. It works by reducing inflammation in the nostrils, thereby providing relief for many allergy symptoms including congestion.
Both are prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis but differ slightly in their mechanism of action due to different active ingredients; Dymista has both an antihistamine and a corticosteroid while Flonase only contains a corticosteroid. Consequently Dymista may offer broader symptom control than Flonase but this can vary based on individual reactions to these medications.
What conditions is Dymista approved to treat?
Dymista is approved for the treatment of various allergy-related conditions, including:
- Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), in patients 6 years of age and older
- Chronic sinusitis
- Nasal congestion caused by allergies
On the other hand, Flonase is also approved for similar conditions as Dymista but can be used in children as young as 4 years old.
How does Dymista help with these illnesses?
Dymista helps to manage symptoms of allergies by decreasing the amount of histamines and other inflammatory agents in the nasal passages. It does this through a two-pronged approach: azelastine, an antihistamine that blocks histamines from binding to their receptors, and fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. Histamines are chemicals your body produces during an allergic reaction, causing swelling, itching or mucus production. Likewise, other inflammatory agents can cause redness and congestion amongst other things. By reducing these substances with both azelastine and fluticasone propionate components, Dymista effectively manages allergy symptoms such as runny nose or sneezing.
Flonase on the other hand only contains fluticasone propionate; it lacks the antihistamine component found in Dymista (azelastine). Both medications work well for treating nasal allergy symptoms but due to its dual-action formula, Dymista may provide more comprehensive symptom relief for some individuals.
What is Flonase?
Flonase, also known by its generic name fluticasone propionate, is a corticosteroid nasal spray designed to alleviate common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and runny nose. Fluticasone works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. It was first approved by the FDA in 1990.
As fluticasone acts locally within the nasal passage rather than systemically throughout the body like oral antihistamines do, it may not cause typical side effects associated with systemic corticosteroids such as weight gain or mood changes. This means that most of its side-effects are localized to the nose and throat area; these can include dryness or stinging in your nose after use.
The effect of fluticasone on reducing inflammation can be beneficial for treating allergic rhinitis (both seasonal and perennial), especially for patients who don't respond well to traditional antihistamine medications.
What conditions is Flonase approved to treat?
Flonase is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of:
- Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, a nasal inflammation due to allergies.
- Nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, a chronic sneezing disorder not related to allergies.
How does Flonase help with these illnesses?
Fluticasone, the active ingredient in Flonase, is a type of corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. This action helps alleviate symptoms associated with allergies such as sneezing, stuffy, runny or itchy nose. Its localized effect on glucocorticoid receptors within the nasal passageways minimizes systemic side effects commonly seen with oral steroids. While Dymista combines both an antihistamine (Azelastine) and a steroid (Fluticasone), Flonase purely focuses on steroid-based treatment. As such, Flonase might be more suitable for those who primarily experience symptoms of nasal congestion or inflammation without other allergic reactions like itching or watering eyes where an antihistamine would be beneficial.
How effective are both Dymista and Flonase?
Both Dymista and Flonase have established histories of success in treating patients with allergic rhinitis, and were initially approved by the FDA a decade apart. Since they act on different physiological mechanisms, they may be prescribed under different circumstances. The effectiveness of Dymista (a combination of antihistamine azelastine and corticosteroid fluticasone) and Flonase (fluticasone alone) was directly studied in a double-blind clinical trial; the two drugs exhibited similar efficacy in managing symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching or runny nose.
A review demonstrated that Dymista is effective at alleviating symptoms from the first use, has a side effect profile which includes potential drowsiness due to its antihistamine component but overall is well-tolerated even in children over 12 years old. Further, as it was one of the first combinations developed for seasonal allergies treatment with both an antihistamine and steroid included together, there is significant study history on its effectiveness.
Flonase also has been shown to be more effective than placebo in relieving allergy symptoms but it's generally considered after trying oral antihistamines due to being slightly less convenient since it's a nasal spray. Although significant research involves using Flonase alongside oral antihistamines when needed for severe symptom control; data confirming its efficacy shows improvement within hours of initial dose but maximum relief can take several days. Nonetheless, because it lacks an antihistamine component unlike Dymista thus avoiding drowsiness side effects while still providing relief from inflammation caused by allergies makes it suitable for people needing long-term management or those sensitive to sedative effects.
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At what dose is Dymista typically prescribed?
Administering Dymista involves one spray per nostril twice daily, which is usually adequate for controlling moderate to severe allergic rhinitis symptoms in most people. Children and adolescents aged 6-11 may be started on one spray in each nostril once a day. If there's no significant improvement after a few weeks, the dosage can be increased under medical supervision. However, exceeding two sprays in each nostril twice daily should be avoided at all costs.
At what dose is Flonase typically prescribed?
Flonase nasal spray is typically started at a dosage of 50 mcg (2 sprays) in each nostril once daily. The dose can then be decreased to 25 mcg (1 spray) in each nostril once daily, as symptoms improve. For children aged between 4-11 years old, the recommended starting dosage is 25 mcg (1 spray) in each nostril once daily. If there's no response or if symptoms persist after a few weeks, your doctor may decide to adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Always remember not to exceed the maximum recommended dose and follow instructions carefully for optimal results.
What are the most common side effects for Dymista?
Common side effects of Dymista compared to Flonase may include:
- Changes in taste
- Headache
- Nosebleeds or blood when blowing the nose
- Cough, throat irritation, or hoarseness and voice changes
- Sinus pain, or sores inside the nose
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue (general weakness and tiredness) Remember to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any severe reactions.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Dymista?
While both Dymista and Flonase are nasal sprays used to treat symptoms associated with allergies, they're different in terms of their composition and potential side effects:
For Dymista, severe reactions can include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Eye pain or vision changes
- Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Mood swings, restlessness
On the other hand for Flonase:
- Severe allergic reactions including skin rash; itching/swelling (especially on the face/tongue/throat); severe dizziness; trouble breathing
- Vision problems such as blurred vision
- Wound that won't heal
Nosebleeds that happen often.
Both these medications can cause specific side-effects related to nasal usage like bloody nose and discomfort. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication regimen.
What are the most common side effects for Flonase?
Flonase, a popular nasal spray used to treat allergies, can cause some side effects including:
- Dryness or irritation in the nose and throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
It's also possible for Flonase to lead to more serious but less common side effects such as insomnia, tremors, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, confusion, agitation and muscle or joint pain. Some people may experience skin rashes with its use. Weight changes and increased urination aren't typically associated with Flonase usage. It's always important to discuss any concerns about potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication regimen.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Flonase?
Flonase, while typically safe and effective for relieving symptoms of nasal allergies, can sometimes cause unwanted side effects. These might include:
- Indications of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat
- A skin rash or severe itching
- Wounds that will not heal
- Vision problems like blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
- Fever with chills, body aches and/or flu-like symptoms
- Signs suggestive of hormonal imbalance which could manifest as extreme fatigue, weight gain/loss, muscle weakness etc.
If you experience any of these adverse reactions while using Flonase stop the medication immediately and consult with your healthcare provider.
Contraindications for Dymista and Flonase?
Both Dymista and Flonase, along with most other nasal spray medications, may worsen symptoms of nasal irritation in some people. If you notice your condition worsening, or an increase in nosebleeds, sores in the nose, or a white patch inside your nose or mouth please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Dymista nor Flonase should be taken if you are taking steroids orally or through injection; sudden withdrawal could lead to adrenal insufficiency. Always tell your physician which medications you are taking; steroid medication will require a period of tapering down under the guidance of healthcare professional to prevent dangerous interactions and side effects while using Dymista and Flonase.
How much do Dymista and Flonase cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 120 sprays of Dymista averages around $240, which works out to approximately $8/day, depending on your dose.
- The price of 120 sprays of Flonase is about $22, working out to roughly $0.73/day.
Thus, if you are a frequent user (i.e., using more than one spray per nostril daily), then brand-name Flonase would be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which drug is right for you.
In terms of generic versions, fluticasone propionate (the active ingredient in Flonase) has generic options available:
- Generic fluticasone propionate is priced between $10 and $20 for 120 sprays - approximately equating to between $0.33 and $0.66 per day based on standard dosages.
Dymista does not currently have a generic version available due to patent laws but it may become available once the patent expires in future years. Regardless of costs, choosing an allergy medication must always prioritize effectiveness and personal reactions over expense alone.
Popularity of Dymista and Flonase
Dymista and Flonase are both nasal sprays commonly prescribed to help relieve symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Fluticasone propionate is the active ingredient in Flonase. In 2020 alone, Flonase was estimated to be used by approximately 5 million people across the United States. Constituting a significant share of corticosteroid-based nasal sprays' prescriptions in America, Flonase has remained relatively steady in its usage over the past decade due to its effectiveness in alleviating allergy symptoms.
In contrast, Dymista is a combination medication that contains azelastine hydrochloride (an antihistamine) and fluticasone propionate (a corticosteroid). It was prescribed for about 1.2 million individuals throughout the United States during 2020. Despite having a smaller user base than Flonase overall due to being newer on the market and more expensive, Dymista offers dual-action symptom relief which may make it an attractive choice for patients suffering from severe allergies.
Conclusion
Both Dymista (a combination of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) are commonly used in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, with a plethora of clinical studies validating their effectiveness over placebo treatments. These two medications may be used together under careful medical supervision, even though they contain the same corticosteroid component - fluticasone propionate.
The difference lies in their additional ingredients: while Dymista combines an antihistamine (azelastine) with the corticosteroid (fluticasone), Flonase solely contains the corticosteroid. This makes them more suitable for different circumstances: Flonase may often serve as a first-line treatment due to its simplicity and lower cost, whereas Dymista might be chosen when additional symptom relief is needed or where other options have not been effective.
Both drugs are available in generic form which can mean significant cost savings for out-of-pocket patients. Both Dymista and Flonase require regular usage to achieve full effect; immediate results should not be expected.
As far as side effects go, both nasal sprays are usually well-tolerated. The most common side effects include headache, nosebleeds or sore throat but these tend to be mild in nature. However, as with any medication regimen, patients must closely monitor their responses when starting treatment – if you observe persistent discomfort or worsening symptoms after using either spray, seek medical attention promptly.
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Refrences
- Ridolo, E., Montagni, M., Melli, V., Bonzano, L., Incorvaia, C., & Canonica, G. W. (2015, April 27). A Role for the Intranasal Formulation of Azelastine hydrochloride/fluticasone Propionate in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis. Therapeutic Delivery. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.4155/tde.15.7
- Prenner, B. (2016, July). A review of the clinical efficacy and safety of MP-AzeFlu, a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate, in clinical studies conducted during different allergy seasons in the US. Journal of Asthma and Allergy. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.2147/jaa.s98172
- Berger, W., Bousquet, J., Fox, A. T., Just, J., Muraro, A., Nieto, A., … Wahn, U. (2016, June). <scp>MP</scp>‐AzeFlu is more effective than fluticasone propionate for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. Allergy. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1111/all.12903