A study published online in Pediatrics finds that children using a triamcinolone nasal spray for allergic rhinitis grew on average 0.44 cm/year less than children using a placebo nasal spray (5.65 cm/year compared to 6.09 cm/year). The year-long study was conducted according to the 2007 FDA guidance on Orally Inhaled and Intranasal Corticosteroids: Evaluation of the Effects on Growth in Children.
Lead author David P. Skoner, MD, Director of the Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at Allegheny Health Network commented, “While inhaled triamcinolone is an effective medication that can be used safely, we strongly believe, and the results of this trial confirm, that it should be used only under a doctor’s supervision. The effects can be insidious and not noticed for several years.”
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Executive VP Thomas Casale said, “The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology believes that this type of research is important for parents and their children to better understand the risk/benefit ratio of using intranasal corticosteroids for the treatment of a very common disorder, allergic rhinitis.”
Skoner testified on behalf of the AAAAI and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) against making Sanofi’s Nasacort triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray available over the counter. The FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee (NDAC) voted for approval of Nasacort AQ in July 2013, and Sanofi’s Chattem division launched the OTC product in February 2014.
The researchers screened almost 1100 children and randomized almost 300 to receive either a 110 μg dose of triamcinolone once daily or placebo. Of those, 216 children completed the study.
Read the Pediatrics abstract
Read the Allegheny Health Network press release.
