Astelin Ready-Spray and Varilrix

• Generic Name: azelastine nasal
• Dosage Forms: nasal spray, metered
• Other Brand Names: Astelin, Astepro

Azelastine nasal spray is used to help relieve symptoms (eg, stuffy or runny nose, itching, sneezing) of seasonal (short-term) or perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and vasomotor rhinitis.

Azelastine is an antihistamine. It works by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: varicella virus vaccine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Varivax

Varicella virus live vaccine is an active immunizing agent that is given to protect against infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus.

Varicella (commonly known as chickenpox) is an infection that is easily spread from one person to another. Chickenpox is usually a mild infection but sometimes it can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and a rare disease called Reye's syndrome.

Immunization against chickenpox is recommended for anyone 12 months of age and older who has not had chickenpox. Immunization against chickenpox is not recommended for infants younger than 12 months of age.

You can be considered to be immune to chickenpox only if you have received 2 doses of the varicella vaccine. You also are considered to be immune if you have a doctor's diagnosis of a previous chickenpox infection or if you have had a blood test showing that you are immune to the varicella virus.

This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other authorized health care professional.