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Allergy-Proofing Your Home

Whether you have indoor or outdoor allergies, chances are there are allergens inside your home. Indoor allergens such as dust, pet dander, and mold can be found throughout the house. Outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold can come in through windows and get tracked in on your shoes, clothes, and pets.

No matter what you're allergic to, taking steps to allergy-proof your home can help relieve your nasal allergy symptoms and help you and your family breathe a little easier.

To reduce allergens throughout your home

  • Keep outdoor allergens out! Take off your shoes before you come inside the house, and keep windows closed, especially during the night and morning hours and on windy days
  • Control humidity. Dust mites need humidity to survive; mold and mildew thrive in it. Run an air conditioner with a HEPA filter and dehumidifiers in warm, humid weather
  • Keep your home dust-free. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to control dust and the allergens it contains; and consider keeping a HEPA air cleaner running (avoid air "purifiers" that may emit high levels of ozone, a pollutant that can irritate sensitive airways)
  • Skip the harsh chemicals. Many cleaning products contain chemical irritants that can aggravate allergy symptoms. Look for environmentally-friendly cleaning products, or make your own with lemon, vinegar, or baking soda

Kitchen

  • Make sure your kitchen is well ventilated and cleaned regularly
  • Clean up thoroughly after meals and snacks (and don’t forget hidden areas like under appliances and the toaster tray)
  • Keep food storage areas like produce drawers and breadbaskets clean. Store food in sealed containers
  • Use lidded garbage cans, and take out trash and recyclables frequently
  • Remove pet food dishes after pets are finished eating
  • Check refrigerator seals and drip trays for moisture and mold
  • Repair leaks (check under the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator for moisture)
  • Get rid of mold with water, detergent, and if necessary, a mild bleach solution

Living room

  • Minimize the amount of wall-to-wall carpeting. Bare floors are best, or use washable area rugs and wash them frequently
  • Avoid fabric upholstery, or use washable fabric slipcovers over sofas and chairs. Leather, plastic, wood, and metal are good choices
  • Potted plants can harbor mold and dust. Keep the soil clear of dead or low-hanging leaves, don't over-water, and gently wipe foliage regularly with a damp cloth
  • Avoid straw baskets, dried flowers, and hard to clean knick-knacks
  • Replace heavy drapes and Venetian blinds with washable curtains or window shades

Bathrooms

  • Keep the bathroom as dry as possible. Repair leaky faucets and pipes immediately — check underneath the sink and around the base of the toilet for leaks
  • Make sure the bathroom is well ventilated. Run an exhaust fan whenever bathing or showering
  • Hang up used towels, washcloths, and bath mats after use and wash them frequently
  • Pull shower curtain closed after use so it can dry thoroughly
  • Clean the bathroom regularly. Get rid of mold with water, detergent, and if necessary, a mild bleach solution

Bedrooms

  • Minimize the amount of wall-to-wall carpeting. Bare floors are best, or use washable area rugs and wash them frequently
  • Avoid down, feather, and foam-rubber bedding
  • Use allergy-protective pillow and mattress covers
  • Wash bedding at least once a week in hot water (130 degrees or above)
  • Limit the number of stuffed animals in a child's bedroom (especially on the bed). Choose washable "friends" when possible, and store them in lidded containers
  • Be sure to clean under beds and other hidden places where dust can collect
  • If you or your child has a pet allergy, keep pets out of the bedroom (not easy, but very important!)

Basement and other storage areas

  • Keep the basement neat! Don't let disorganized piles of stuff accumulate — install off-the-ground shelving for storage, and get rid of things you don't really need
  • Keep storage areas well lit and ventilated
  • Run a dehumidifier in humid weather. Empty the water tray frequently, or set it up to drain automatically
  • Insulate cold surfaces that can collect condensation, like cold water pipes, air conditioner ducts, and well tanks
  • Make sure you have proper drainage around the outside of your home to keep water from getting in. If you're not sure, consult a building or landscape professional
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What is a HEPA Filter?

A HEPA filter is a special filter that can trap very small particles, including pollen and dust mites (HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air"). A true HEPA filter can trap more than 99% of particles smaller than .3 microns (the standard for testing) — it will always be printed with a serial number and its actual test results.

A true HEPA filter can be expensive, but for nasal allergy sufferers, it may be well worth the extra cost — less expensive "HEPA-type" filters do not have to meet the same standards, and may not capture allergens as well.

For additional information about combating specific allergens, see the following:

Indication and Dosing

OMNARIS® (ciclesonide) Nasal Spray is for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms associated with seasonal allergies in adults and children 6 years of age and older, and with year-round allergies in adults and adolescents 12 and older. It is for use in the nose only. OMNARIS is used 1 time each day, 2 sprays per nostril.

Important Safety Information

Do not spray OMNARIS Nasal Spray in your eyes or directly onto your nasal septum (the wall inside your nose between your two nostrils).

OMNARIS Nasal Spray may cause serious side effects, including:

  • nose bleeds and nasal ulcers. Call your healthcare provider right away if you start to have more nose bleeds or nasal ulcers.
  • hole in the cartilage in the nose (nasal septal perforation). Stop using OMNARIS Nasal Spray and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a nasal perforation. Symptoms of nasal perforation may include: crusting in the nose, nosebleeds, runny nose, and a whistling sound when you breathe.
  • thrush (Candida), a fungal infection in your nose, mouth, or throat. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any redness or white colored patches in your mouth or throat.
  • slow wound healing. You should not use OMNARIS Nasal Spray until your nose has healed, if you have a sore in your nose, if you have had surgery in your nose, or if your nose has been injured.
  • eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. If you have a history of glaucoma or cataracts or have a family history of eye problems, you should have regular eye exams while you use OMNARIS Nasal Spray.
  • immune system problems that may increase your risk of infections. You are more likely to get infections if you take medicines that may weaken your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people who have contagious diseases such as chicken pox or measles while you use OMNARIS Nasal Spray. Symptoms of an infection may include: fever, pain, aches, chills, feeling tired, nausea, and vomiting.
  • adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough steroid hormones. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency: tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
  • slowed or delayed growth in children. A child's growth should be checked regularly while using OMNARIS Nasal Spray.
  • allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

The most common side effects that may occur with OMNARIS Nasal Spray are headache, nosebleed, sore throat and ear pain.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of OMNARIS Nasal Spray.

For more information, please see the OMNARIS Full Prescribing Information and the OMNARIS Patient Information. You may also call 1-888-394-7377.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call
1-800-FDA-1088.

OMNARIS® (ciclesonide) Nasal Spray is available by prescription. Ask your healthcare professional if OMNARIS Nasal Spray is right for you.

The health information contained on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare professional. This site is intended for U.S. residents 18 years of age and older. The product discussed on this site may have different product labeling in different countries. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

OMNARIS is the registered trademark of Takeda GmbH, used under license. Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a U.S. subsidiary of Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd., is a registered trademark of Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd.

© 2013 Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. All rights reserved. 01/13 OMNV070-12.

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