Hayfever sufferers have options to relieve symptoms but starting early makes a difference, advises Dr Glenis Scadding, Honorary Consultant Allergist and Rhinologist at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in London and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London. Dr Glenis Scadding does not endorse any medicinal brand or product.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Adverse events should also be reported to the Sanofi drug safety department on 0800 0902314. The MHRA firstly assessed the application against the POM criteria as stated in section 4 to ascertain whether the product could be supplied without a prescription in a pharmacy setting under the supervision of a pharmacist. 5.1 POM Criteria 1 5.1.1 Direct Danger In adults, the following undesirable effects have been reported in post-marketing surveillance. The frequency with which they occur is not known (cannot be estimated from available data):If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take fexofenadine while breastfeeding.

Allevia ® 120mg Film-coated tablets contains fexofenadine. For the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. SmPC: Allevia 120mg tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) ( medicines.org.uk)

1. About fexofenadine

Allevia should not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience any side effects that impair your concentration, such as dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel safe to do so. Can I drink alcohol while taking Allevia? Aventis Pharma Limited proposed to make Allevia 120mg Tablets available through general retail outlets with the following terms of reclassification:

Do not take more Allevia to make up for a missed dose. What should I do if I take more Allevia than I should? Speaking in an interview Dr Scadding said: “Across the world hayfever now affects over a billion people. Hayfever actually affects quality of life quite remarkably. People tend to dismiss it but in fact the symptoms are really difficult to live with, so it really needs treating seriously and properly.” If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking fexofenadine twice a day, you can give the dose if it's within 4 hours of when they should have had it.If you think that you need to take fexofenadine in pregnancy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist who will help you decide, or who may recommend other medicines for you. Fexofenadine and breastfeeding Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms, such as to stop hay fever during spring and summer. What if I forget to take it? Fexofenadine hydrochloride is a non-sedating H 1 antihistamine. Fexofenadine is a pharmacologically active metabolite of terfenadine.

Dr Scadding recommends hayfever sufferers are treated in line with an algorithm process devised by the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA). She said: “The EUFOREA treatment algorithm takes into account different levels of severity and different patient types, but it starts for everybody with education, avoidance of allergen and other triggers like pollutants, cigarette smoke, bonfire smoke and the use of nasal saline. Any indirect dangers associated with the above-mentioned excluded populations (e.g. individuals with a history of heart disease) from taking the product is considered to be low. As a P medicine, pharmacists would be able to advise these individuals that the product can only be taken on the advice of a doctor. 5.2 POM Criteria 2 5.2.1 Incorrect Use

There is limited data regarding the use of fexofenadine in pregnancy. Over 20 years, there have only been 13 serious cases reported which is considered to be low. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. serious allergic reactions which can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, flushing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing This has been considered under the POM criteria 2 (section 5.2). 7.3 Special precautions in handling This histamine causes symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itching and watery eyes due to inflammation.