Allergies are the most common chronic health condition affecting New Zealanders. At least 1 in 5 people are affected, and this is likely to rise. Allergies are caused by the immune system overreacting to an irritant like pollen or animal hair that is otherwise harmless to most people.



Allergic rhinitis – commonly known as hayfever – is the most common symptom of allergies. It causes a recurrent runny, stuffy or itchy nose, and frequent sneezing. It can also affect eyes, sinuses, throat and ears.

Fortunately there are many products available to treat and prevent allergy symptoms:

• Nasal sprays like Flixonase and Dymista

• Antihistamine tablets like Levrix, Razene, Telfast and Lora-Tabs

• Eye drops

• Saline rinse for the sinuse

Resistant to hayfever tablets?
If you are a regular hayfever sufferer you have probably tried all of the brands and active ingredients of antihistamines and are struggling to find the perfect match.

With so many different ingredients, and options on the market it can hard to know what to choose, or if you take the same product for a long time, you may start to find it does not work as well as it used to.

The action of antihistamines
Antihistamines are used for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergies including sneezing, itching and watery eyes. They are also used to treat insect bites and inflammatory conditions of the skin.

Antihistamines are more effective when taken regularly as a prevention, before symptoms occur, rather than only when you have symptoms.

Usually, antihistamine tablets start to work within 30 minutes after being taken and tend to be most effective within 1-2 hours after being taken.

Some hayfever tablets can make you drowsy and should not be taken if you are driving or working.

The newer non-sedating antihistamines are the most popular treatment for hayfever as they are safe to take in the morning – before you go outside. Taking the medication regularly will help keep your symptoms under control.

If you are unsure of which antihistamine would suit your needs come in and talk to us.

LEVRIX TABLETS
Levrix contains Levocetirizine, a second generation antihistamine treatment that may help to provide relief from seasonal allergic rhinitis as well as persistent allergic rhinitis and urticaria or hives.

What makes Levrix different from other antihistamine brands?

• Is fast-acting and easily absorbed

• Initial action after 20 minutes

• Full action after about an hour

• One tablet can provide 24 hours of relief!

Precautions – before taking antihistaminesSedating antihistamines, in particular, may not be suitable for some people. If you have any of the following problems, let your doctor or pharmacist know before you start taking any antihistamines:

• glaucoma

• problems with your liver or kidneys

• epilepsy

• acute porphyria (a rare metabolic disorder)

• men with prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding check with your doctor before taking antihistamines.

Where can I get more information?For starters, it’s always a good idea to speak to your local pharmacist or your GP.For more information on antihistamines, try:

http://www.allergy.org.nz/A-Z+Allergies/allergic+rhinitis+hay+fever.html