Cetirizine Withdrawal: FDA Issues Safety Alert

Millions of allergy sufferers in India could face unexpected risks as the U.S. FDA issues a critical safety alert about widely used antihistamines cetirizine and levocetirizine. These popular medications, often bought over-the-counter to combat seasonal allergies and persistent itching, may cause severe withdrawal symptoms including intense, widespread itching if stopped abruptly after long-term use.

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Between 2017 and 2023, the FDA documented 209 global cases of patients experiencing debilitating itching upon discontinuation. While rare, the severity in some instances required urgent medical care. With over 60 million packages sold in the US alone in 2022, and millions more relying on these drugs in India amid rising pollution and allergy cases, the alert raises important questions about safe usage.

“Pruritus following prolonged daily use is rare but real, and can be severe,” warns the FDA. For millions managing allergy symptoms, this calls for increased awareness and careful consultation before stopping treatment.