Popular allergy medications related to severe abstinence symptoms, FDA warns
Two common allergies could cause a severe reaction in some people who stop using it.
The United States Food and Medicines Administration (FDA) issued an alert related to cetirizin (Zyrtec) or levocethyrizin (Xyzal), warning that patients who stop taking it after long -term use may experience “rare but serious”, a condition called pruritus.
The itching was informed by people who used medications every day for months or years, and then stopped using them.
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In total, 209 cases were reported worldwide (197 in the United States) between April 25, 2017 and July 6, 2023.
“This number includes only reports sent to the FDA, so there may be additional cases of which we do not know,” said the agency in the statement.
Two common allergies could cause a severe reaction in some people who stop using it, the FDA warned. (Istock)
“The reported cases were rare but sometimes serious, and the patients experienced generalized and severe itching that required medical intervention.”
Many reports described a “significant and persistent impact on the quality of life and the ability to function,” said the FDA.
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In most cases (90%), the restart of medicine resolved severe itching. Some (38%) were successful with the gradual decrease after restarting.
Medications are available in prescribed and free sales versions.
“I suspect that this could be due to the accelerated histamine release once the blocker stops.”
The FDA said that it will update the prescription information of the medicines to include a warning of the risk of itching, and will also ask manufacturers to add the information to the drug tag for free sales versions.
Cetirizine and levocethyrizin are antihistamines that are approved to treat seasonal allergies in adults and children of 2 and more, according to FDA.
Patients who stop taking medications after long -term use may experience “weird but serious”, a condition called pruritus. (Istock)
Medications are also approved as allergies treatment throughout the year and chronic hives in patients of 6 months or more.
People who experience severe itching after the cessation of these medications should contact a health professional, the FDA advised.
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“People who plan long -term use of cetirizine or levocethyrizin, especially for more than a few months, must discuss the benefits and risks with their health professional, who can provide advice based on their personal needs,” said the agency.
Other common side effects of cetirizine and levocethyrizin include fatigue, drowsiness, cough, dry mouth, fever, throat pain, nasal hemorrhage, diarrhea and vomiting, according to FDA.
Cetirizine and levocethyrizin are antihistamines that are approved to treat seasonal allergies in adults and children of 2 and more, according to FDA. (Istock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Nyu Langone Health and Senior Medical Analyst of News, said that these medications are “very effective” to relieve allergy symptoms.
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“The FDA notes that in extremely rare circumstances after the long -term use, stopping them can cause severe itching, which is relieved after restarting them,” he reiterated News Digital.
“I suspect that this could be due to the accelerated histamine release once the blocker stops.”
“People who plan long -term use of cetirizine or levocethyrizin, especially for more than a few months, must discuss the benefits and risks with their health professional, which can provide advice based on their personal needs,” said the FDA. (Istock)
A spokesman for the Association of Consumer Health Products provided the following statement to News Digital.
“Consumer safety is the main priority for Chpa and our manufacturer members. The OTC industry supports the continuous commitment of the FDA to notify the public about security signals, even when it is extremely rare, as in this case.”
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“ChPa members will continue to comply with the FDA guidelines, including the necessary updates for drug data labels, while evaluating and monitoring the latest science and products profiles. Consumers who use these medications daily for a prolonged period (months) should not stop taking their medicine abruptly without the first consultation with their medical care provider.”
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Opella, the Xyzal manufacturer, shared the following statement with News Digital.
“Xyzal has a solid security and efficiency history supported by scientific research and user satisfaction. This is a rare reaction, and Opella defends Xyzal’s security when used as indicated.”
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle in News Digital. The advice of history can be sent to melissa.rudy@News.com.