The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert about two common allergy medications, cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal), which can cause severe itching in some people who stop using them after long-term use. According to the agency, 209 cases of this condition, known as pruritus, were reported worldwide between April 2017 and July 2023.
Pruritus was most commonly reported among patients who had used these medications daily for months or years before stopping them. In most cases, restarting the medication resolved the severe itching, with 90% of reports showing improvement. However, some patients experienced persistent symptoms that significantly impacted their quality of life.
The FDA will update the medications’ prescribing information to include a warning about this risk and ask manufacturers to add it to the drug facts label for over-the-counter versions. Cetirizine and levocetirizine are widely used antihistamines approved to treat seasonal allergies in adults and children, as well as year-round allergies and chronic hives.
Healthcare professionals advise patients who experience severe itching after stopping these medications to seek medical attention. Individuals planning long-term use should discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice.
While some side effects of cetirizine and levocetirizine are common, such as fatigue and drowsiness, this rare reaction highlights the importance of careful monitoring and consulting with a healthcare professional before stopping any medication.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/popular-allergy-medications-linked-severe-withdrawal-symptoms-fda-warns