Efficacy and safety of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate nasal spray in treating allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: MP-AzeFlu (Dymista; Meda Pharma GmbH & Co., KG), a formulation combining azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in a single spray, is superior to fluticasone propionate alone in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated whether the effect of AzeFlu, a generic drug manufactured from China, is equivalent to that of MP-AzeFlu. Methods: In total, 679 patients were recruited for a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, original drug-controlled, and parallel-group clinical trial. Overall, 339 and 340 patients were administered with AzeFlu and MP-AzeFlu, respectively. Efficacy was assessed by changes in the reflective total nasal symptom score, the area under the curve of reflective total nasal symptom score changes over time, changes from baseline in individual nasal symptom scores, and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. In addition, a safety evaluation was simultaneously performed. Results: AzeFlu and MP-AzeFlu reduced the reflective total nasal symptom score from baseline (AzeFlu −6.7 [standard deviation, 2.59]; MP-AzeFlu −6.7 [standard deviation, 2.76]; P = 0.905) and improved nasal symptoms and quality of life (AzeFlu −62.3 [standard deviation, 33.59]; MP-AzeFlu −64.7 [standard deviation, 33.73]; P = 0.394) in patients with allergic rhinitis. Significant differences were not observed between groups. Conclusion: AzeFlu showed effects equivalent to those of MP-AzeFlu in this clinical trial and may benefit Chinese patients with allergic rhinitis. Registration number: CTR20190189 (chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html)