Following in the footsteps of Nasocort, the FDA has approved Flonase for OTC use.
It can be used for the temporary use of nasal and ocular allergy symptoms. It is estimated that there are 50 million allergy sufferers in the United States. It will be labeled as once daily usage and it is non-drowsy.
Flonase currently is the number one prescribed allergy medication. Many physicians were against approving this OTC, but once Nasocort was approved, it was inevitable that Flonase would follow. And now Rhinocort has been approved as well http://allergylosangeles.com/allergy-blog/rhinocort-otc-to-be-available/ In the eventual future, most of the nasal steroid sprays will probably all be OTC.
Many effective allergy medications are now OTC, including Loratadine, Fexofenadine and Cetirizine. Many patients are self medicating themselves before they see their doctor. Although it is important to seek help if these medications are not helpful in controlling your symptoms. Your allergy doctor or allergist can also be helpful in identifying triggers such as animal dander, pollen, dust mites etc.