The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about a rare but severe itching side effect caused by some popular allergy medications. The affected medicines include cetirizine, sold under the brand name Zyrtec, and levocetirizine, sold as Xyzal.
According to the FDA, patients who have taken these oral allergy medicines for long periods of time may experience severe pruritus, or itching. While reported cases are rare, some have been serious enough to require medical intervention.
The FDA has revised the prescribing information for both Zyrtec and Xyzal to include a warning about this possible effect. Both medicines are available over-the-counter or through a prescription, and can cause the itching side effect when taken daily for extended periods.
It’s worth noting that pruritus is not just dry skin; it can also be caused by inflammation, swelling, underlying medical conditions, or nerve damage. The FDA’s warning aims to raise awareness about this potential risk, especially among patients who have been taking these medications for an extended period.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/05/22/fda-warning-allergy-drugs-zyrtec-itching/83787475007