Second-generation nonsedating drug vs allergy launched
A new nonsedating prescription drug that promises to fight allergic rhinitis and urticaria more effectively and safely is now available in the country.
Pharmaceutical company A. Menarini Philippines launched last April 8 Bilastine, a second-generation antihistamine for allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, and urticaria, or hives.
The once-a-day Bilastine provides rapid relief from allergic rhinitis and urticaria, “enabling patients to enjoy better quality of life,” said Prof. Ralph Mösges, an otorhinolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat specialist) and allergologist (allergy specialist) who is also a professor of medical informatics and chair of the Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology at the University of Cologne in Germany.
Fear of side effects
Speaking during the launch, Mösges pointed out that the public can’t just brush off these diseases, saying that everyone may develop them “if exposure is high enough.” He lamented that many patients don’t take the appropriate drugs since they fear the side effects, especially the sleepiness, associated with the current antihistamines in the market.
Caused by outdoor or indoor allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander, allergic rhinitis can lead to runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure (stuffy sensation in the nose, pain across the face and headaches). On the other hand, urticaria is a skin reaction that causes red or white itchy welts that vary in size, and appear and fade repeatedly.
Affecting 600 million people worldwide—including two out of 10 Filipino adults, as reported by the 2008 National Nutrition and Health Survey—allergic rhinitis can impact negatively on both work and school productivity. The World Health Organization even considered it a major chronic respiratory disease because of its prevalence, impact on the quality of life, effect on work or school performance and productivity, the economic burden it places on the patient, and its links with asthma, sinusitis and sleep disorders.
On the other hand, acute urticaria, which affects 25 percent of all people at least once in their lifetime, can be highly debilitating, negatively impacting sleep, mobility and energy, as well as a person’s work and social life.
But despite the substantial impact on patient health and quality of life, allergic rhinitis is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated, while urticaria is often inappropriately managed. “There are still unmet needs in the treatment of allergic rhinitis,” said Dr. Jovilia Abong, past president of the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Thus, the introduction of this new antihistamine “is welcome news to the substantial number of Filipinos who suffer from allergic rhinitis and urticaria,” said Abong. Ninia Torres, A. Menarini Philippines general manager, meanwhile, said through Bilastine and in partnership with local physicians, they aim to empower Filipinos to win the battle against allergies.
