McNeil Consumer Healthcare received approval from FDA for the allergy treatment ZYRTEC (cetirizine HCl) to be used without a prescription for adults and children. ZYRTEC relieves symptoms due to perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as indoor and outdoor upper respiratory allergies. ZYRTEC also relieves itching due to hives.
The ZYRTEC approval comes one week after the FDA granted the company approval to market ZYRTEC-D 12 HOUR (cetirizine HCl 5 mg/pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg), which combines ZYRTEC with a decongestant. ZYRTEC-D and ZYRTEC, the number one prescribed allergy medication in the U.S., will be available in stores nationwide in late January 2008 without a prescription in its original-prescription strength.
"For a decade, ZYRTEC, as a prescription medication, has been alleviating people's symptoms from perennial and seasonal allergies," said Ashley McEvoy, President, McNeil Consumer Healthcare. "By providing ZYRTEC over-the-counter, we're offering allergy sufferers greater access to a convenient, effective and affordable treatment option that helps alleviate their specific allergy symptoms. In fact, for many allergy sufferers, ZYRTEC will cost up to one third less than prescription ZYRTEC."
ZYRTEC is a once-a-day medication for adults and children that relieves indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes for 24 hours. ZYRTEC-D 12 HOUR provides the added benefit of relieving nasal congestion. The FDA approved ZYRTEC in 5mg and 10mg tablets, 5mg and 10mg chewable tablets, and 1mg/mL syrup. ZYRTEC-D 12 HOUR is also approved as an extended release tablet. ZYRTEC also relieves itching due to hives.
"As a pharmacist, I often help my customers choose the appropriate medication to treat their indoor and outdoor allergies," said Anil Datwani, Phar. D., AR-EX Pharmacy, Fords, New Jersey. "The availability of over-the-counter ZYRTEC is good news for the millions of Americans who suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies and are looking for an easier way to obtain an effective allergy treatment. Now allergy sufferers can go to any convenient location where over-the-counter medications are sold to buy ZYRTEC, instead of having to visit their allergist or other healthcare provider."
ZYRTEC is an antihistamine that helps block the action of histamine to help relieve symptoms caused by allergy triggers such as dust, mold and pet dander, tree pollen, weeds and grasses. ZYRTEC has proven to be generally well-tolerated. In studies, ZYRTEC began working within one hour and showed continued symptom relief for a full-24 hours from a single dose. The most common side effects included drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth.
"I've suffered from allergies for many years, and have relied on my doctor for a prescription to relieve my worst symptoms," said allergy patient, Jill Attas. "I tried other medicines, but ZYRTEC is the only one that truly helped both my indoor and outdoor allergies. It's great news that ZYRTEC will be available in local stores in January so I can easily get the medicine I need."
About Allergies
Millions of Americans suffer from allergies, including indoor and outdoor. Allergies are caused when a person's body overreacts to normally harmless substances. These substances are often referred to as triggers. People can experience allergy triggers anytime throughout the year that can lead to both indoor and outdoor allergies. Indoor allergies can occur year round and are triggered by substances such as mold, dust, and pet dander. These allergens are often inhaled through the nose and mouth, putting the allergens in contact with the immune cells in the lining of the nose, mouth, throat, and airways of the lungs causing an allergic response. Similarly, outdoor allergies can occur when outdoor allergens such as pollens from grasses, weeds and trees are inhaled through the nose and mouth into the lungs causing an allergic response. Those who suffer from outdoor allergies are often affected by allergies in the spring and fall. Symptoms for both indoor and outdoor allergies can include itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose, or throat, sneezing and runny nose.
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