Volume 6, Issue 7

A New Over-the-Counter Alternative for Allergy Suffers
Contributed by: Evan Riordan, Pharm.D. Candidate
                      KU School of Pharmacy

January 2008

If you are one of the many that suffers from the frustrating symptoms of allergies, good news is just around the corner.  Zyrtec one of the most commonly prescribed allergy medications will soon no longer require a prescription and will be available over-the-counter.  To help you understand why this is important and how it could help you save money on your monthly prescription bill, here is the what, why, when, and how about Zyrtec to help you make an informed decision.

What is Zyrtec?

• When you are exposed to something you are allergic to, your body releases something called histamine.  Zyrtec is an antihistamine that helps block the action of histamine to help relieve you of those frustrating allergy symptoms.
  
• Zyrtec helps relieve the following symptoms:
  
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
  
• Sneezing and runny, itchy nose
  
• Postnasal drip
  
• Itching from hives
  
• The most common side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth.
  

• Zyrtec has been proven to relieve the above symptoms within one hour after taking the medication
  

• It has been shown to provide symptom relief for up to 24 hours
  

• Should be release to pharmacy shelves in late January 2008
  
• Will be available in the following formulations:
  
• 5mg and 10mg tablets
  
• 5mg and 10mg chewable tablets
  
• Syrup
  

• This will lead to a significant decrease in cost of obtaining the medication
  
• Price before as a prescription = approx. $50 for 30 days supply
  
• Price as an over-the-counter product = up to 1/3 less
  

Co-edited by:
Sarah Hare, Pharm.D.
Miranda Wilhelm, Pharm.D.
Kristian Olsen, Pharm.D.

Inside this issue: