Archive for December, 2007

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Saturday, December 29th, 2007

Provide the following information to patients and parents/caregivers of pediatric patients taking ALLEGRA tablets, ALLEGRA ODT or ALLEGRA oral suspension:

  • ALLEGRA tablets, ALLEGRA ODT or ALLEGRA oral suspension are prescribed for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis or for the relief of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). Instruct patients to take ALLEGRA only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If any untoward effects occur while taking ALLEGRA, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
  • Patients who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients should not use these products.
  • Patients who are pregnant or nursing should use these products only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or nursing infant.
  • Advise patients and parents/caregivers of pediatric patients to store the medication in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, away from small children.
  • Advise patients and parents/caregivers not to take ALLEGRA with fruit juices.

For ALLEGRA tablets: Advise patients to take the ALLEGRA tablets with water.

For ALLEGRA ODT: Advise patients to take their dose on an empty stomach. Allow ALLEGRA ODT to disintegrate on the tongue before swallowing, with or without water. ALLEGRA ODT is not intended to be chewed. Store ALLEGRA ODT in its original blister package. Do not remove ALLEGRA ODT from the original blister package until the time of administration.

Phenylketonurics: ALLEGRA ODT contains phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Each 30-mg ALLEGRA ODT contains 5.3 mg phenylalanine. ALLEGRA products other than ALLEGRA ODT do not contain phenylalanine.

For ALLEGRA oral suspension: Advise patients and parents/caregivers of pediatric patients to shake the ALLEGRA oral suspension bottle well, before each use.

FEXOFENADINE-ORAL

Friday, December 21st, 2007

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, St. John’s wort. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain additional antihistamines that could increase your risk for side effects. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual drowsiness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: The manufacturer of U.S. products recommends storage at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). The manufacturer of Canadian products recommends storage at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.

Who Should Not Take Allegra

Monday, December 10th, 2007
  • Individuals who are allergic to fexofenadine or any of its ingredients
  • Individuals who are pregnant, think they may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant
  • Individuals who are breastfeeding

ALLEGRA PRECAUTIONS

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

taking fexofenadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart problems (QT prolongation). Limit alcoholic beverages, as it may intensify drug side effects. (See also Side Effects.) Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.