Generic Astelin

At this time, you can buy Astelin in brand-name and generic form. The generic version is made by Apotex Corporation and is considered equivalent to the brand-name version of the drug.

Is There a Generic Version of Astelin?

Astelin® (azelastine hydrochloride) is a prescription nasal spray used to treat nasal allergies (known medically as allergic rhinitis), as well as nasal symptoms caused by irritants (known as vasomotor rhinitis). It belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines.
 
Brand-name Astelin is manufactured by Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. However, the medication is also available in generic form.
 

Availability of Generic Astelin

In June 2010, the first generic version of Astelin became available. At this time, this product (azelastine nasal spray) is made by one generic manufacturer, Apotex Corporation.
 

Is Azelastine Nasal Spray as Good as Astelin?

Generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications.
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one.
 
An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. Generic azelastine nasal spray was given an "AB" rating, meaning it should be equivalent to Astelin.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
 
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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