Latest news with #Zyrtec
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The FDA Just Discovered A New Uncomfortable Side Effect For This Popular Allergy Med
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Allergy season is in full swing, and chances are, if you're one of the 25 percent of adults who suffer from seasonal sniffles, you're reaching for your trusty meds. Zyrtec is a super popular over-the-counter option because it's pretty darn reliable to treat your symptoms. But, as with any other drug, it's important to keep Zyrtec side effects in mind so you can get all the benefits while minimizing any potential downsides. Zyrtec is an antihistamine and it blocks histamines to stop allergic reactions, says Virginia Boomershine, an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Histamines are the culprits behind all those pesky allergy symptoms, like itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing. The good news is there are fewer side effects from Zyrtec compared to first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl (which you actually shouldn't be taking at all), and it's relatively safe even at higher than standard doses for most people, says Jennifer Toh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Below, docs share *all* the possible side effects you might experience on the med. Take note: most of the entries below include the word "rare." That's because side effects on Zyrtec are uncommon. Any side effects are typically mild, and a majority of people can take the medication with no issues, adds Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. Keep reading to find out whether this medication is right for you and what you can do about the potential side effects. Meet the experts: Jennifer Toh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. Virginia Boomershine is an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Maria Shtessel, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine, division of clinical immunology at Mount Sinai. Robert Eitches, MD, is an allergist at Tower Allergy. It's best to be aware of potential Zyrtec side effects—especially if you're planning on popping the stuff on the reg over the next few you've ever slept 14 hours after popping a Benadryl, you're well aware that some allergy meds can seriously knock you out. That's not as common with Zyrtec, but 11 to 14 percent of people do report feeling sleepy after taking it, making it the most common side effect reported, says Boomershine. Since the effects of Zyrtec last 24 hours, drowsiness can hit at any time. Avoid alcohol and be careful about driving if the med hits you with the sleepies, per the Zyrtec you have an allergic response, your tissue secretes more fluid (hello runny nose and watery eyes). Antihistamines, therefore, dry you up, which means that dry mouth is a possibility—but only a small one. Less than 10 percent of Zyrtec poppers will wind up with dry mouth, says Boomershine. Drinking water will help, she says, as will switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash, as that ingredient also dries you can be a rare potential side effect and may disappear after your body adjusts to the medication, per the Mayo Clinic. Give it time, but always check in with your doctor if you're concerned. And, just like with drowsiness, hold off on driving if you're feeling may cause insomnia because the medicine can block acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, says Dr. Parikh. Acetylcholine is involved in the initiation of REM sleep (i.e., the sleep stage most commonly associated with dreaming), so if those neurons are inhibited, you may have trouble falling and staying asleep. Luckily, this side effect is rare. It can also turn kids into little insomniacs, says Boomershine. Having them take the long-acting med earlier in the day won't help either since it lasts all day. Talk to their pediatrician about making a incredibly rare, according to the National Institutes of Health, but keep it on your radar anyway. While you may be taking Zyrtec to prevent allergy symptoms, it's possible to have a potentially deadly allergic reaction called anaphylaxis from the medication itself. (FYI: This is a risk with all medications, not just Zyrtec.) If you develop hives, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, call 911 immediately. (Psst: Looking for the best allergy med, according to allergy doctors? Get their verdict here.)If you experience a sore throat while taking Zyrtec, it's likely because your mucous membranes, the inner lining of your body and organs, become drier, causing the tissue in your mouth to also feel more parched and lead to a sore throat, says Dr. Eitches. And coughing can be an instinctive response to try to moisten the mouth. To combat this, stay hydrated. But if this side effect becomes too severe, Dr. Eitches suggests switching to a different is a very rare side effect that happens due to a drug's anticholinergic effect, which means the drug blocks neurotransmitters that affect how the body functions. In this case, certain receptors that help gut motility are blocked. This side effect was much more common with older, first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl, says Dr. Patel. It's not as common with Zyrtec, but if this does happen to you, Dr. Eitches recommends trying a different antihistamine, adding fiber to your diet, and staying well-hydrated to get things moving is another super rare side effect of Zyrtec, but it is possible, says Dr. Parikh. Remember acetylcholine? Turns out blocking it may also trigger anxiety and fast heart rate because acetylcholine regulates heart contractions and blood pressure as well. You should stop feeling antsy once you discontinue the medication, but if quitting it is not an option, talk with your doctor about other drugs that can help you manage your allergies, notes Dr. of May 2025, the FDA issued an alert that discontinuing Zyrtec after long-term use may result in severe pruritus (or, itchiness) within a few days. It's rare, but can sometimes require medical intervention. "I always counsel my patients who have been on Zyrtec for long periods of time to taper the medication off slowly," says Maria Shtessel, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Mount Sinai. "For example, [they can start by] taking it first every other day, and increasing the days between doses slowly before completely stopping."Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers. Still, it's probably worth holding off on medication that you don't need, says Dr. Patel. So if you aren't having allergy symptoms or they get milder during a certain time of the year, that's probably a good time to take a Zyrtec break. "We always want the least amount of medication to control symptoms. However, starting allergy medications two weeks prior to your symptomatic season is best to help prevent symptoms," Dr. Patel depends on whether you experience any side effects, says Robert Eitches, MD, an allergist at Tower Allergy. If your problems are only during the day time and you aren't really prone to side effects, then go ahead and take it during the day. But if you experience side effects like drowsiness, Dr. Eitches recommends taking your dose at night before bed. "That way you wake up in the morning relatively clearer too," he says. If it makes you sleepy, the side effect will have likely worn off by the time you wake up, and since the medication can provide relief for 24 hours, you'll still experience relief during the is safe for most people, but there are some individuals who should stay away. Children under 2, anyone with a history of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec or hydroxyzine/piperazine derivatives, and those with severe renal impairment shouldn't take Zyrtec, says Dr. Patel. If you are pregnant and breastfeeding, Dr. Patel recommends speaking to your doctor before using it. The medication is "primarily eliminated from your body through the kidneys," says Dr. Parikh. So, if your kidneys aren't functioning properly, the medication can accumulate and build up in your blood, which may cause additional damage to your kidneys and severe side effects. Additionally, if you take any medications that can cause sedation, such as benzodiazepines, you should talk with your doctor before taking Zyrtec, says Dr. Parikh, because combining the two may cause worsened side effects. Other antihistamines are typically okay to take with Zyrtec as long as they don't make you too sleepy, she adds. And it's always a good idea avoid alcohol when you're on Zyrtec. When in doubt, go to your doctor with any questions before you take Zyrtec to quell allergy symptoms. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The FDA Just Discovered A New Uncomfortable Side Effect For This Popular Allergy Med
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Allergy season is in full swing, and chances are, if you're one of the 25 percent of adults who suffer from seasonal sniffles, you're reaching for your trusty meds. Zyrtec is a super popular over-the-counter option because it's pretty darn reliable to treat your symptoms. But, as with any other drug, it's important to keep Zyrtec side effects in mind so you can get all the benefits while minimizing any potential downsides. Zyrtec is an antihistamine and it blocks histamines to stop allergic reactions, says Virginia Boomershine, an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Histamines are the culprits behind all those pesky allergy symptoms, like itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing. The good news is there are fewer side effects from Zyrtec compared to first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl (which you actually shouldn't be taking at all), and it's relatively safe even at higher than standard doses for most people, says Jennifer Toh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Below, docs share *all* the possible side effects you might experience on the med. Take note: most of the entries below include the word "rare." That's because side effects on Zyrtec are uncommon. Any side effects are typically mild, and a majority of people can take the medication with no issues, adds Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. Keep reading to find out whether this medication is right for you and what you can do about the potential side effects. Meet the experts: Jennifer Toh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. Virginia Boomershine is an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Maria Shtessel, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine, division of clinical immunology at Mount Sinai. Robert Eitches, MD, is an allergist at Tower Allergy. It's best to be aware of potential Zyrtec side effects—especially if you're planning on popping the stuff on the reg over the next few you've ever slept 14 hours after popping a Benadryl, you're well aware that some allergy meds can seriously knock you out. That's not as common with Zyrtec, but 11 to 14 percent of people do report feeling sleepy after taking it, making it the most common side effect reported, says Boomershine. Since the effects of Zyrtec last 24 hours, drowsiness can hit at any time. Avoid alcohol and be careful about driving if the med hits you with the sleepies, per the Zyrtec you have an allergic response, your tissue secretes more fluid (hello runny nose and watery eyes). Antihistamines, therefore, dry you up, which means that dry mouth is a possibility—but only a small one. Less than 10 percent of Zyrtec poppers will wind up with dry mouth, says Boomershine. Drinking water will help, she says, as will switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash, as that ingredient also dries you can be a rare potential side effect and may disappear after your body adjusts to the medication, per the Mayo Clinic. Give it time, but always check in with your doctor if you're concerned. And, just like with drowsiness, hold off on driving if you're feeling may cause insomnia because the medicine can block acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, says Dr. Parikh. Acetylcholine is involved in the initiation of REM sleep (i.e., the sleep stage most commonly associated with dreaming), so if those neurons are inhibited, you may have trouble falling and staying asleep. Luckily, this side effect is rare. It can also turn kids into little insomniacs, says Boomershine. Having them take the long-acting med earlier in the day won't help either since it lasts all day. Talk to their pediatrician about making a incredibly rare, according to the National Institutes of Health, but keep it on your radar anyway. While you may be taking Zyrtec to prevent allergy symptoms, it's possible to have a potentially deadly allergic reaction called anaphylaxis from the medication itself. (FYI: This is a risk with all medications, not just Zyrtec.) If you develop hives, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, call 911 immediately. (Psst: Looking for the best allergy med, according to allergy doctors? Get their verdict here.)If you experience a sore throat while taking Zyrtec, it's likely because your mucous membranes, the inner lining of your body and organs, become drier, causing the tissue in your mouth to also feel more parched and lead to a sore throat, says Dr. Eitches. And coughing can be an instinctive response to try to moisten the mouth. To combat this, stay hydrated. But if this side effect becomes too severe, Dr. Eitches suggests switching to a different is a very rare side effect that happens due to a drug's anticholinergic effect, which means the drug blocks neurotransmitters that affect how the body functions. In this case, certain receptors that help gut motility are blocked. This side effect was much more common with older, first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl, says Dr. Patel. It's not as common with Zyrtec, but if this does happen to you, Dr. Eitches recommends trying a different antihistamine, adding fiber to your diet, and staying well-hydrated to get things moving is another super rare side effect of Zyrtec, but it is possible, says Dr. Parikh. Remember acetylcholine? Turns out blocking it may also trigger anxiety and fast heart rate because acetylcholine regulates heart contractions and blood pressure as well. You should stop feeling antsy once you discontinue the medication, but if quitting it is not an option, talk with your doctor about other drugs that can help you manage your allergies, notes Dr. of May 2025, the FDA issued an alert that discontinuing Zyrtec after long-term use may result in severe pruritus (or, itchiness) within a few days. It's rare, but can sometimes require medical intervention. "I always counsel my patients who have been on Zyrtec for long periods of time to taper the medication off slowly," says Maria Shtessel, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Mount Sinai. "For example, [they can start by] taking it first every other day, and increasing the days between doses slowly before completely stopping."Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers. Still, it's probably worth holding off on medication that you don't need, says Dr. Patel. So if you aren't having allergy symptoms or they get milder during a certain time of the year, that's probably a good time to take a Zyrtec break. "We always want the least amount of medication to control symptoms. However, starting allergy medications two weeks prior to your symptomatic season is best to help prevent symptoms," Dr. Patel depends on whether you experience any side effects, says Robert Eitches, MD, an allergist at Tower Allergy. If your problems are only during the day time and you aren't really prone to side effects, then go ahead and take it during the day. But if you experience side effects like drowsiness, Dr. Eitches recommends taking your dose at night before bed. "That way you wake up in the morning relatively clearer too," he says. If it makes you sleepy, the side effect will have likely worn off by the time you wake up, and since the medication can provide relief for 24 hours, you'll still experience relief during the is safe for most people, but there are some individuals who should stay away. Children under 2, anyone with a history of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec or hydroxyzine/piperazine derivatives, and those with severe renal impairment shouldn't take Zyrtec, says Dr. Patel. If you are pregnant and breastfeeding, Dr. Patel recommends speaking to your doctor before using it. The medication is "primarily eliminated from your body through the kidneys," says Dr. Parikh. So, if your kidneys aren't functioning properly, the medication can accumulate and build up in your blood, which may cause additional damage to your kidneys and severe side effects. Additionally, if you take any medications that can cause sedation, such as benzodiazepines, you should talk with your doctor before taking Zyrtec, says Dr. Parikh, because combining the two may cause worsened side effects. Other antihistamines are typically okay to take with Zyrtec as long as they don't make you too sleepy, she adds. And it's always a good idea avoid alcohol when you're on Zyrtec. When in doubt, go to your doctor with any questions before you take Zyrtec to quell allergy symptoms. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Saharan dust and wildfire smoke lowering air quality, could cause respiratory issues
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – A mix of Saharan Dust, which is dust blown across the Atlantic by the trade winds, and smoke from wildfires in Canada, is leading to lower air quality across much of the eastern parts of the United States this weekend. This includes Acadiana, although air quality is expected to be lower further to the northeast. Nonetheless, you may be able to notice a haze in the sky and some prettier sunsets. This is due to the increase in atmospheric particles refracting blue light and kicking back more longwave colors like red, orange, and yellow. Lowering air quality does, however, increase the risk of health issues, especially for those with chronic respiratory illnesses. Doctor Shalini Choudhary with Oschner Lafayette General says this dust and smoke could even affect healthy people as well. 'Simple symptoms like it can cause irritation to your eyes, it can cause nasal stuffiness, hoarseness of voice, and scratchy throat,' says Dr. Choudhary. Those with chronic respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma are affecting more severely. 'It can aggravate allergy symptoms, it can cause allergy rhinitis, it can also affect lower/upper respiratory tract and cause wheezing,' adds Dr. Choudhary. If you are prone to allergies, however, there are preventive measures you can take. 'Keep up with your allergy medications at home, you can always have Zyrtec and Xyzal available over the counter,' explains Dr. Choudhary. Patients with asthma must take precautions as well as asthma flaring up could always lead to more serious issues. 'Try to take your inhaler as prescribed by PCP, talk to your PCP and they'll be able to help you out in prescribing some rescue inhalers,' says Dr. Choudhary. Dr. Choudhary says these preventive measures will help, but it's still important to monitor your symptoms, especially if they start getting more severe. 'Shortness of breath, and some chest tightness, those are ER symptoms, which you need to notify MD and head to ER because it could be an asthma attack, which could be deadly,' explains Dr. Choudhary. If you have severe asthma, Dr. Choudhary says you can always close your windows and stay indoors until air quality improves. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kenvue Leads S&P 500 Decliners as CEO Points to Seasonal Demand Challenges
Shares of Kenvue (KVUE) led S&P 500 decliners Tuesday after the consumer health giant's chief executive indicated the firm faces seasonal demand challenges. Speaking at Deutsche Bank's dbAccess Global Consumer Conference, Kenvue CEO Thibaut Mongon highlighted the importance of seasonality for its allergy products, like Benadryl and Zyrtec. "We saw a longer winter, so winter pushed spring into later in Q2," Mongon said, according to a transcript provided by AlphaSense. "So we see that on allergy where we saw a later start to the season, and so far, it's below last year." Mongon also noted similar seasonal troubles for its sun protection brands, like Neutrogena and Aveeno. "In sun, we see more or less the same. Late start to the season year-to-date behind last year, but the season has not really started for recreational sun, and Memorial Day weekend was just a few days ago," Mongon said. "It was not great, as you and I could see. But, again, we are just at the beginning of the season. So it's too early to read the season. It will certainly impact Q2." Kenvue shares were down more than 7% in recent trading. With today's sharp declines, the stock's year-to-date gains stand at less than 3%. Read the original article on Investopedia Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNET
03-06-2025
- General
- CNET
The FDA Warns of New Zyrtec and Xyzal Side Effect. What Is Pruritus?
According to the FDA, 62.7 million over-the-counter packages of Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine) were purchased in 2022. Since allergies are getting worse -- partly because of climate change creating longer, more intense pollen seasons -- these numbers have likely climbed in the last three years as more people purchase the antihistamines to cope with allergy symptoms like a stuffy nose, watery, red, itchy eyes and hives. For the millions of people who take these drugs, it's important to know that the FDA recently published a warning about a newly discovered side effect that may occur after taking both Zyrtec and Xyzal. If you stop taking Zyrtec or Xyzal after long-term use, you might experience "rare but severe" itching. Also called pruritus, this itching was experienced by patients who had been taking these allergy medicines every day for several months or years and then stopped. What is the FDA going to do? The FDA decided to issue this warning after identifying 209 cases worldwide -- 180 cases for cetirizine, 27 for levocetirizine and two for both -- of this particular side effect reported between April 2017 and July 2023. In the US, 197 cases were reported. However, there may be more, because these are only those that were reported to the FDA. Interestingly, even though most patients who experienced this severe itching had been taking these antihistamines for more than three months, some had this reaction after less than one month of use. Because of these findings, the FDA will now include a warning on the prescribing information for prescription cetirizine and levocetirizine. The administration is also asking that manufacturers add this warning to drug facts labels for OTC versions. When to contact your doctor If you stop taking OTC cetirizine or levocetirizine and develop severe itching within a few days after you've been using the medicine daily for several months to years, you should contact your doctor. If you plan to take these medicines for a prolonged period of time, you should also discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before starting. How to treat this new Zyrtec and Xyzal side effect According to the FDA, no effective treatments for pruritus have been found. However, most patients discovered that their symptoms resolved after they restarted cetirizine or levocetirizine or after they tapered off the antihistamine after restarting it. Before you try this, consult your doctor to make sure that's the best course of action if you think you're dealing with this Zyrtec or Xyzal complication. According to the FDA, the most common, already-known side effects of cetirizine and levocetirizine are fatigue, drowsiness, sore throat, cough, dry mouth, nosebleed, fever, diarrhea and vomiting. What is pruritus? Plus, additional symptoms to know The Cleveland Clinic reports that pruritus is the medical term for "itchiness." It can be painful or irritating and spread to multiple areas of the body. Other symptoms of pruritus can include a rash, blisters, large bumps, small pimple-like bumps and skin discoloration. Scratching the skin can cause additional symptoms, such as skin breaks and bleeds, scratch marks, dry or cracked skin, broken skin that leaks a yellow to white fluid (infection), localized pain where the skin itches and a thick, leathery patch. That is why it's important to do what you can to manage your itching under the care of a doctor. Dry skin, pregnancy, contact with an allergen and a reaction medication are common causes of pruritus. If it occurs for over six weeks, it can be considered chronic.
