Atlanta and Bridgewater, N.J., September 15, 2008 − As fall allergy season goes into full swing, Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) player Jill McGill and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) are teaming up with UCB and sanofi-aventis to encourage the 40 million people with indoor and outdoor allergies to visit their physician and examine the way they currently manage their symptoms. This call-to-action is part of the national Challenge Your Course campaign.
Ive lived with indoor and outdoor allergies almost all my life. As a professional golfer, being outside around grass so often and constantly traveling, I know how debilitating the symptoms can be, especially in the fall, says Jill McGill, LPGA golfer and a long-time nasal allergy sufferer. I take managing my indoor and outdoor allergies very seriously, as my symptoms have made it such that Ive almost had to withdraw from tournaments in the past. That is why I am encouraging other nasal allergy sufferers to Challenge their own Course in managing their symptoms.
Challenge Your Course encourages people with indoor and outdoor allergies to visit their physician to review their current allergy management plan. The campaign Web site, www.ChallengeYourCourse.com, offers a variety of helpful information and tools such as an allergy treatment scorecard, tips for managing indoor and outdoor allergies, and additional background on Jill McGill.
As an allergist, I see how indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms can affect people every day, especially when they are not properly managed, said Beth Corn, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. I think its important for people to realize they can effectively manage their nasal allergies. The first step is to visit a physician to discuss treatment options and determine a program that works best for them so they can enjoy the many fun activities the fall season has to offer.
When speaking with their physician, nasal allergy sufferers can learn about available treatment options, including XYZAL® (levocetirizine dihydrochloride), a once-daily prescription medication indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with indoor and outdoor allergies, as well as the treatment of uncomplicated manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in adults and children 6 years and older.
Challenge Your Course provides nasal allergy sufferers with the following useful tips, especially helpful during fall allergy season:
• Keep windows closed to prevent pollen and mold spores from drifting into your home, especially during windy autumn days. Avoid being outside on windy days when pollen counts are higher.
• Much like mowing the lawn, raking leaves can stir up allergens so avoid this chore if you have severe allergy symptoms.
• Dont line-dry your clothes outside, as they can collect pollen and mold.
• When going out to enjoy the fall foliage, avoid the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
• If you have pets, keep them out of your bedroom to reduce exposure to dander and other allergens theyve collected from outside.
Challenge Your Course is supported by UCB and sanofi-aventis, the makers of XYZAL® (levocetirizine dihydrochloride).
About XYZAL®
Indications and Important Safety Information
XYZAL® is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) and the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
The use of XYZAL® is contraindicated in: patients with a known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine or any of the ingredients of XYZAL® or to cetirizine (observed reactions range from urticaria to anaphylaxis); patients with end-stage renal impairment at less than 10 mL/min creatinine clearance or patients undergoing hemodialysis; and pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years with impaired renal function.
Patients should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, after ingestion of XYZAL®. Concurrent use of XYZAL® with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of CNS performance may occur.
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions in ≥2% of adult and adolescent patients (12 years of age and older) taking XYZAL® 2.5 mg, XYZAL® 5 mg, or placebo were somnolence (5%, 6%, 2%), nasopharyngitis (6%, 4%, 3%), fatigue (1%, 4%, 2%), dry mouth (3%, 2%, 1%), and pharyngitis (2%, 1%, 1%), respectively.
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions in ≥2% of pediatric patients (6-12 years of age) taking XYZAL® 5 mg included pyrexia (4% vs 2% placebo), cough (3% vs <1% placebo), somnolence (3% vs <1% placebo), and epistaxis (2% vs <1% placebo).
Please visit www.XYZAL.com for full prescribing information.
About Allergic Conditions
Many people suffer from the symptoms associated with common allergic conditions. The immune system of allergy sufferers over-reacts to something in the environment, leading to symptoms that affect their respiratory system, eyes or skin. Experts estimate indoor and outdoor allergies affect as many as 40 million people in the United States.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), commonly referred to as hay fever or outdoor allergies, is the most common form of allergic rhinitis. By definition, SAR includes allergies to seasonal pollens like grass, trees, and weeds, as well as mold. Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR) is sometimes referred to as year round or indoor allergies and is characterized by allergic symptoms that last longer than four weeks. Dust mites, animal dander, and mold most commonly trigger PAR. Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) is most commonly known as chronic hives of unknown origin and is defined as the occurrence of daily, or almost daily, wheals and itching for at least six weeks with no obvious causes.
About UCB
UCB is a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the fields of central nervous system disorders, allergy/respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders and oncology. Employing approximately 12,000 people in more than 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of $4.6 billion (3.5 billion euro) in 2006 on a pro forma basis. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels Exchange. Worldwide headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium; U.S. headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about UCB, visit www.ucb-group.com.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY).
About AAFA
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), www.aafa.org, is the leading non-profit patient organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free consumer information, patient education and funding for research to find cures.
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Lynn Duran UCB Mobile: 678-571-0116 Email: lynn.duran@ucb-group.com
Susan Brooks
sanofi-aventis
Phone: 908-981-6566
Email: Susan.Brooks@sanofi-aventis.com