Alcon has announced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the U.S. over the counter (OTC) sale of two eye allergy medications: Pataday Once Daily Relief® (olopatadine solution 0.2%) and Pataday Twice Daily Relief® (olopatadine solution 0.1%).
Pataday Once Daily Relief (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.2%) and Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%) are indicated for the temporary relief of itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander for ages 2 and older. Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.1%) is also indicated for the temporary relief of red eyes. Since 2008, over 40 million prescriptions have been written for olopatadine, the active ingredient in Pataday.
The rights to the Rx-to-OTC switch were secured by Alcon as part of its separation from Novartis in April 2019. Alcon will market both Patanol Solution (olopatadine 0.1%) and Pataday Solution (olopatadine 0.2%) under the Pataday brand name as Pataday Twice Daily Relief and Pataday Once Daily Relief, respectively. Both strengths provide long-lasting, itchy eye relief that works in minutes.
Approximately 66 million Americans (1 in 5) suffer from ocular allergies, but only 7 million use an over-the-counter allergy eye drop to relieve their symptoms. By making Pataday (0.1% and 0.2%) available over the counter, more Americans will have access to long-lasting, prescription-strength relief from the itching associated with eye allergies.
U.S. commercial availability of Pataday Once Daily Relief and Pataday Twice Daily Relief will begin March 2 in time for the start of spring allergy season, and will be available in all major drug, food and mass market retailers – more than 40,000 stores – as well as through online retailers. The launch is supported by a multimillion-dollar media plan including a national TV advertising campaign and strong online presence to reach eye allergy sufferers.
Full news release: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200217005063/en/4709989/Alcon-Launch-Pataday-Eye-Allergy-Drop-1