Generic Dymista is now available. Dymista consists of 2 ingredients that treat allergic rhinitis, fluticasone and azelastine. Apotex is a Canadian pharmacy who will be manufacturing this product.
Dymista is approved for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 6 years of age and older who require treatment with both azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate for symptomatic relief.
Dymista was originally produced by Meda Pharmaceuticals. They combined Flonase, which is currently an over the counter steroid nasal spray, with the generic form of Astelin, a nasal anthistamine, to make 1 medication, Dymista. Many patients have had great success with Dymista as it used the gold standard to treat allergic rhintis, a steroid nasal spray in addition to a nasal antihistamine which worked fast and treated the area directly affected, an allergic persons nose.
Many insurance companies balked at covering Dymista, as they wanted patients to purchase both ingredients separately. Most patients needed prior authorizations to get this covered, and even then it would be rejected. Generic Dymista is retailing for about $75, branded Dymista usually costs over $200 without insurance.
Another competitor is coming out soon that combines a nasal steroid and nasal antihistamine, Ryaltris. Insurance companies may not cover this medication as generic dymista would be available and its cheaper. The major side effect with Dymista is many patients get a bad taste in their mouth after using it. This is a result of the Azelastine in the medication, and its known that this occurs. If insurance does not cover generic Dymista, as discussed before, patients may buy the OTC version of Flonase and get a prescription of generic Astelin and use each one separately. It may be a hassle to use 2 different sprays, but the cost savings can be significant. As always speak to your allergy doctor to see what is best for you. In our latest post, we discussed how Vice President Joe Biden is currently taking Dymista for his allergic rhinitis.
Joe Biden’s Allergies (A summary)