New York– The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety alert regarding a rare but potentially severe side effect associated with long-term use of popular allergy medications, including cetirizine and levocetirizine, sold under brand names such as Zyrtec and Xyzal.
According to a safety communication released earlier this month, the FDA has identified reports of patients developing intense itching—medically referred to as pruritus—after discontinuing these medications following prolonged use. The affected individuals had typically taken the drugs daily for several months or even years.
The warning applies to both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions of these medications. While cases of severe itching are rare, some have been significant enough to require medical treatment, the agency noted.
As a result, the FDA has updated the prescribing information for cetirizine and levocetirizine to include a warning about this possible side effect. The agency also announced plans to request that drug manufacturers add a similar warning to the Drug Facts labels on OTC versions of the medications.
Cetirizine and levocetirizine are antihistamines commonly used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round allergies), and chronic idiopathic urticaria (chronic hives). These drugs work by blocking histamine, a chemical released by the body during allergic reactions.
Cetirizine was first approved for prescription use in 1995 under the brand name Zyrtec and later became available over the counter in 2007. Levocetirizine followed in 2007 as a prescription drug under the name Xyzal and was approved for OTC use in 2017.
The FDA advises patients and healthcare providers to be aware of this potential side effect, especially in those using these medications long-term. Anyone experiencing severe itching after stopping cetirizine or levocetirizine should consult a healthcare professional. (Source: IANS)
