Over-the-counter decongestants—are they convenient?
Picking up medicine for your allergies at the local pharmacy may seem like an easy
solution, but that's not always the case. For one thing, there are many products
to choose from, each one promising relief. But selecting one from among these many
products is only the beginning of the hassle you'll face.
Federal laws have placed restrictions on your ability to get certain over-the-counter
relief. Most products used to treat the nasal congestion of seasonal allergic rhinitis
contain an ingredient called pseudoephedrine. In some states, this ingredient is
now considered a controlled substance. Medicines containing pseudoephedrine are
kept behind the pharmacist's counter. When you purchase these medications, you are
required to show ID, and a record of the transaction is kept. Also, you are allowed
to buy only a limited amount of these medications each month.
You may think prescriptions will cost you more. But this isn't always true. After
your insurance copay and the Allegra-D® Rebate
Program, Allegra-D can end up saving you money versus
popular over-the-counter brands.
When all this is considered, it seems easier to get a prescription from your doctor
for Allegra-D, a medicine proven to work, saving you hassle and even money.
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