azelastine hcl 0.15 Over the Counter? (allergy, prescription, ears, cause)

[leighland]

Is azelastine hcl 0.15 otc yet?

What the brand name?

Thanks!

[fluffythewondercat]

Not that I know of. I still get it by prescription.

[movinon]

Mine is still prescription. Wish there was an OTC version. Maybe some day.

[mike1003]

Nope, Rx only in the US

[mshultz]

The FDA has been aggressive about making allergy drugs available without a prescription, so that may change in the near future.

[movinon]

That's what I'm hoping. I wonder when the patent runs out? I'll have to see if I can dig that up.

[movinon]

Here's a link to patent expiration dates (and other info) for the various versions of azelastine. I'll have to read them to find my specific version - the eyedrops - but it doesn't look like any of them are expiring in the immediate future. I read on the FDA site that drug patents are issued for 20 years but extenuating circumstances can cause that period to be reduced to 10 years. I need to do more research, but it's a start.

https://www.pharmacompass.com/patent...azelastine-hcl

[leighland]

Originally Posted by movinon

Here's a link to patent expiration dates (and other info) for the various versions of azelastine. I'll have to read them to find my specific version - the eyedrops - but it doesn't look like any of them are expiring in the immediate future. I read on the FDA site that drug patents are issued for 20 years but extenuating circumstances can cause that period to be reduced to 10 years. I need to do more research, but it's a start.

[url]https://www.pharmacompass.com/patent-expiry-expiration/azelastine-hcl[/url]

Thank You!

[movinon]

You're welcome! If I learn anything else I'll post it. I see my immunologist next week so I'll ask if they have a clue.