Seasonal allergies: The basics
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, affects adults and children
and prevents them from living life, outdoors. It’s seasonal because it is caused
by different triggers at different times throughout the year.
Allergies are caused by substances called allergens. In the case of seasonal allergic
rhinitis, the allergens involved are different kinds of mold and pollen, which are
microscopic particles that are inhaled. They are mostly harmless unless you are
allergic to them. In this case, your immune system identifies the allergen as an
intruder, so it fights back. It does this by releasing chemicals, such as histamine.
When your immune system releases too much histamine in defense, it results in symptoms,
such as sneezing and nasal congestion.
The symptoms of seasonal allergies usually occur during specific times of the year.
If you think you may suffer from seasonal allergies, talk to your health care professional to find
out for sure.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Side effects with Allegra 180 mg for seasonal allergies are low and may include
headache, cold, or backache.
Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for seasonal allergies are low; less than 3% of
people experience cold or flu, nausea, menstrual pain, or drowsiness.
Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for hives are low and may include backache, sinusitis,
dizziness, or drowsiness.
Side effects with Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour were similar to Allegra
60 mg alone (headache, insomnia, or nausea) and Allegra 180 mg alone (headache,
cold, or backache) respectively. Due to the decongestant (pseudoephedrine) component
in both Allegra-D 12 Hour and Allegra-D 24 Hour, these products must not be used
if you: are taking an MAO inhibitor (a medication for depression) or have stopped
taking an MAO inhibitor within 14 days; retain urine; have narrow-angle glaucoma;
have severe high blood pressure or severe heart disease. Side effects with pseudoephedrine
may include nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, or insomnia. Headache, drowsiness,
increased heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, and abnormal heart
rhythms have been reported. You should also tell your doctor if you have high blood
pressure, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, impaired kidney function,
or symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as difficulty urinating.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for Allegra.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for Allegra-D 24 Hour.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for Allegra-D 12 Hour.
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Last Update:
March 2009