Cold-Like Symptoms Have Many Americans Guessing; Nearly Two-Thirds of Americans Consider a Cause Other Than a Cold Virus For Their Nasal Symptoms, Survey Shows.

Health/Medical Editors

PEAPACK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2000

Aside from the traditional hallmarks of fall -- sweaters, schoolbooks and falling leaves -- nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed wonder if the season's familiar cold-like sniffling and sneezing symptoms may be due to an allergy (62 percent).

According to results of a new Yankelovich Partners survey released today, about one out of five Americans say they have a cold every year at the same time of year (18 percent), a strong indicator that their cold-like symptoms may in fact be caused by an allergen in the air. The confusion that many Americans have over a cold vs. allergy symptoms is not surprising, since the start of the fall allergy and cold virus seasons coincide, making it difficult for those with mild seasonal allergy symptoms to know if they have a cold or an allergy.

"Many patients with allergies diagnose themselves as having colds," said Eli O. Meltzer, MD, clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego. "Allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing spasms and clear nasal mucus with congestion, tend to last longer than the seven to ten days of the common cold."

Other survey results showed that more than half of Americans take an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to treat their nasal symptoms (54 percent), and about 61 percent said they have experienced some side effects with an OTC cold and allergy medication.

"The fact is many of the over-the-counter allergy medications are very effective. However, patients need to consider not only their benefits, but also the risks, and many of these OTC products have side effects," said Dr. Meltzer. Indeed, according to Patient Care magazine, more than 600 OTC medications contain ingredients and dosages that required a prescription 20 years ago; within the last five years, about 20 drugs that once were available only by prescription can now be purchased over-the-counter.

One of the most recent products to switch from prescription status is NasalCrom(R) nasal spray, a nasal allergy medication known as a mast cell stabilizer that unlike antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness, steroids, which carry a growth retardation warning, and decongestants, which can cause sleeplessness or jitteriness, NasalCrom does not produce these side effects. NasalCrom, available OTC since 1997 for adults and children six and older, relieves nasal allergy symptoms and when used regularly, can prevent future attacks.

When an allergen such as pollen, dust or animal dander enters the nose, the tiny mast cells that line the nasal passages break down and release the chemical triggers that cause the symptoms that make allergy sufferers miserable - sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. NasalCrom helps prevent the mast cell from breaking down halting the response before the triggers are released.

"Cromolyn sodium, or NasalCrom, can be an effective agent for preventing and alleviating nasal allergic rhinitis symptoms," said Dr. Meltzer. "It also is one of the safest of the allergy medications." NasalCrom, a non-systemic, non-steroidal therapy, can be safely used in combination with other medications. It should be used one full week before coming into contact with allergens and should be taken three to four times a day.

Pharmacia Corporation (NYSE:PHA) is a leading global pharmaceutical company created through the merger of Pharmacia & Upjohn with Monsanto Company and its G.D. Searle unit. Pharmacia has a broad product portfolio, a robust pipeline of new medicines, and an annual investment of more than $2 billion in pharmaceutical research and development. In the U.S., the Consumer Healthcare division of Pharmacia markets a number of consumer pharmaceuticals, including NasalCrom for nasal allergy symptoms; Rogaine(R) Extra Strength for Men and Rogaine for Women for hair regrowth; PediaCare(R) cough and cold medicine; and Nicotrol(R) nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation.

For further information contact: David Patti at MCS, [phone], or Mary-Frances Faraji at Pharmacia, [phone].

Yankelovich Partners conducted an omnibus survey on behalf of Pharmacia's U.S. Consumer Healthcare division. A regionally representative sample of 1,022 Americans age 18 or older was interviewed by telephone between August 24 and August 27, 2000. Margin of error for the total sample is +/-3.1 percent.

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