GSK brings relief to allergic rhinitis patients in Sri Lanka

‘Avamys,’ an improved solution to allergic rhinitis with a remarkable record in combating this common condition associated with irritating symptoms mainly in the eyes and the nose, has been launched in Sri Lanka by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages that results in repetitive sneezing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), post-nasal drip, nasal congestion, pruritic (itchy) eyes, nose or throat, and generalised fatigue. Symptoms can also include wheezing, tearing, sore throat, and impaired smell.

This condition, which studies have shown to cause a substantial reduction in the quality of life of patients, can come about as a reaction to numerous allergens including dust mites, mould, animal dander, cockroaches and tree and grass pollens.

A new intranasal steroid containing fluticasone furoate, Avamys in the form of a nasal spray has successfully reduced both nasal and ocular allergic rhinitis symptoms in over 70 per cent of the cases in trials, a significant improvement from other medications available at present.

It has also been credited with significant improvements in health-related quality of life domains including sleep and daily activities of allergic rhinitis patients, GSK said.  

Avamys is available in patient-friendly containers holding 27.5 micrograms (μg) of fluticasone furoate, each with side actuation and short nozzles. A viewing window has been built on the container to enable patients to see how much of medication is left.

Avamys has no smell, leaves little or no aftertaste and the volume of liquid that drips down the throat in its case is negligible -- only half the volume of other intranasal steroids. Its other benefits include a favourable safety and tolerability profile.    

 “The launch of Avamys underlines GSK’s strong and continuing commitment to make available the latest products for the benefit of patients in Sri Lanka,” said Stuart Chapman, Managing Director of GSK Pharmaceuticals in Sri Lanka.

“In addition to being highly effective, this complete solution has proved extra beneficial by reducing the need for multiple medications which increase costs for patients.”

Strong results produced by Avamys have been attributed to its high affinity -- the highest among similar medications to the glucocorticoid receptor through which a greater inhibitory effect can be produced on the nasal-ocular reflex system, reducing significantly the release of mediators that cause symptoms.

Recommended for the use of allergic rhinitis patients from two years upwards, Avamys has a unique pharmacological profile compared with many other intranasal steroids available in the market.

GSK and its predecessors have been doing business in Sri Lanka since the late 1930s.

A world leading pharmaceuticals and vaccines company, GSK is the only pharmaceuticals company to tackle the three “priority” diseases identified by the World Health Organization (WHO): HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

GSK distributes 35 doses of vaccines every second; 1,100 prescriptions are written for GSK products every minute; every hour, the company spends ₤300,000 on the discovery of new medicines; and every day, more than 200 million people use a GSK brand.