Has Veramyst been discontinued? What you need to know about the allergy spray's status

Yes, the prescription nasal spray Veramyst was officially discontinued in the United States, with the FDA approving its over-the-counter successor in 2016. The good news for allergy sufferers is that the active ingredient, fluticasone furoate, remains widely accessible in a non-prescription formulation.

Quick Summary

The prescription allergy medication Veramyst has been discontinued in the U.S. and replaced by the over-the-counter version Flonase Sensimist, which contains the identical active ingredient. Alternatives and international availability differ.

Key Points

• Veramyst is Discontinued: The prescription nasal spray Veramyst is no longer available in the United States, having been removed from the market following a regulatory change.

• Replaced by Flonase Sensimist: The identical active ingredient, fluticasone furoate, is now sold over-the-counter (OTC) under the brand name Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief.

• Same Active Ingredient, Same Strength: Flonase Sensimist offers the same medication at the same strength as the original prescription Veramyst.

• Features an Improved Delivery System: The new OTC version uses MistPro™ technology to deliver a fine, gentle, scent-free, and alcohol-free mist.

• Alternatives are Available: Other OTC and prescription options for allergic rhinitis include Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate), Nasacort, and oral antihistamines.

• International Availability Differs: In some countries, like Canada and the UK, Veramyst's equivalent (Avamys) may still be available by prescription.

The Discontinuation of Veramyst

Originally approved by the FDA in 2007 for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) was a prescription-only nasal spray manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Its discontinuation in the U.S. market followed a strategic move by the manufacturer and a regulatory shift, not due to safety concerns. On August 2, 2016, GSK announced that the FDA had approved Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief (fluticasone furoate, 27.5 mcg spray) as an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. This marked the successful Rx-to-OTC switch for the product, rendering the prescription brand Veramyst obsolete in the US.

The Impact of the Rx-to-OTC Switch

This shift from a prescription medication to an OTC product had several key implications for consumers. Primarily, it meant that patients no longer needed a doctor's visit or a prescription to purchase the medication, increasing its accessibility. The transition also led to changes in branding and packaging, though the core medicinal component remained the same. While the prescription-strength Veramyst was taken off the market, its active ingredient was repackaged and made available under a new brand name.

The Active Ingredient: Fluticasone Furoate

Fluticasone furoate is an intranasal corticosteroid (nasal steroid) that works by reducing inflammation caused by allergic reactions in the nasal passages. This helps to relieve a wide range of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itchy or runny nose, and nasal congestion. Unlike oral antihistamines that target only one chemical (histamine), nasal corticosteroids act on multiple inflammatory substances, often providing more comprehensive relief.

The Replacement: Flonase Sensimist

For those who previously used Veramyst, the direct replacement is Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief. This OTC product contains the exact same active ingredient (fluticasone furoate) at the same strength (27.5 mcg per spray) as the original prescription Veramyst. However, Flonase Sensimist features a different delivery system, known as MistPro™ technology, which creates a fine, gentle, and alcohol-free mist that is scent-free and less prone to dripping. This was a key marketing feature differentiating it from other products.

Veramyst vs. Flonase Sensimist: A Comparison

To clarify the differences and similarities, here is a comparison table:

Feature	Discontinued Veramyst (Prescription)	Current Flonase Sensimist (OTC)
Availability	No longer available in the U.S. market.	Widely available over-the-counter at drugstores and pharmacies.
Active Ingredient	Fluticasone furoate.	Fluticasone furoate.
Strength	27.5 mcg per spray.	27.5 mcg per spray.
Administration	Side-actuated spray button.	MistPro™ technology for a fine, gentle mist.
Delivery	Delivered a consistent dose.	Scent-free, alcohol-free, and minimal drip.
Age Range	Adults and children 2 years and older.	Adults and children 2 years and older (eye symptoms for ages 12+).
Need for Prescription	Yes, required a doctor's prescription.	No, available without a prescription.

Alternative Medications for Allergy Symptoms

For those seeking alternatives to Veramyst or Flonase Sensimist, several other options exist:

• Other Fluticasone Nasal Sprays: Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate) is another popular choice. While its active ingredient is a different salt form (propionate vs. furoate), it is also available OTC and very effective.
• Other Intranasal Corticosteroids: Products like Nasacort (triamcinolone) or Rhinocort (budesonide) are also available OTC and offer similar anti-inflammatory benefits for treating allergic rhinitis.
• Antihistamine Nasal Sprays: For fast-acting relief of nasal itching and sneezing, prescription sprays like Astelin (azelastine) or Patanase (olopatadine) can be used. These work differently by blocking histamine.
• Oral Antihistamines: OTC oral medications such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), or Allegra (fexofenadine) can help with broader allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes, but may not be as effective for nasal congestion as nasal sprays.

International Availability of Veramyst's Equivalent

While the branded Veramyst is no longer sold in the U.S., its international equivalent, Avamys (also containing fluticasone furoate), may still be available in other countries. In Canada, for instance, a prescription may still be required to obtain fluticasone furoate under the Avamys brand. This is a common practice in the pharmaceutical industry where brand names and marketing strategies differ by region.

Why consult a doctor?

Even with the switch to an OTC product, it's beneficial to speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new medication. They can confirm the correct diagnosis for your symptoms and help you select the most appropriate treatment. For children, a doctor's guidance is particularly important, even with OTC options, as some formulations and dosages have age restrictions.

Conclusion

In summary, the prescription nasal spray Veramyst has been discontinued in the United States and has been replaced by the identical over-the-counter product, Flonase Sensimist. This change simplifies access for many allergy sufferers, removing the need for a doctor's prescription. For those accustomed to Veramyst, Flonase Sensimist is the direct continuation of the same therapy. For individuals exploring other options, a variety of effective alternatives, both OTC and prescription, are available on the market to manage allergic rhinitis and its associated symptoms. As with any medication, consulting a healthcare provider can help ensure you select the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

You can find more detailed information on Fluticasone Furoate and its use on MedlinePlus

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Veramyst discontinued?

Veramyst was discontinued in the U.S. after its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, obtained FDA approval to switch its active ingredient, fluticasone furoate, from a prescription-only drug to an over-the-counter product under the new name, Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief.

Is Flonase Sensimist the same as Veramyst?

Yes, Flonase Sensimist contains the exact same active ingredient (fluticasone furoate) and is the same strength as the discontinued prescription Veramyst. The primary differences are the brand name, delivery system, and its new over-the-counter status.

What is the active ingredient in Veramyst?

The active ingredient in Veramyst is fluticasone furoate, which is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages caused by allergies.

What are some good alternatives to Veramyst?

Good alternatives include the OTC version Flonase Sensimist, other nasal corticosteroids like Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate), or prescription antihistamine nasal sprays such as azelastine. Oral antihistamines can also be used, though they may not be as effective for congestion.

Can I still get Veramyst in other countries?

Yes, the equivalent product, Avamys (containing fluticasone furoate), may still be available by prescription in other countries, such as Canada and the UK. Availability and status differ based on local regulations.

Is there a generic version of Veramyst?

No, there is no generic version of Veramyst available in the US because the branded prescription product has been discontinued. However, the active ingredient is available in the OTC product Flonase Sensimist.

Is it safe to switch from Veramyst to Flonase Sensimist?

For most people, it is safe to switch from the prescription Veramyst to the OTC Flonase Sensimist, as they contain the same active ingredient at the same strength. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or specific health concerns.