Warnings Issued Over Skin Irritation Associated with Zyrtec, a Common Allergy Treatment
In a recent development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about the potential risk of intense itching (pruritus) that can occur after stopping long-term use of the antihistamines cetirizine and levocetirizine. These drugs, which have been around for several decades, are widely used to treat hay fever and other allergy symptoms, and are now also available over-the-counter.
The FDA identified 209 cases worldwide (197 in the U.S.) of new-onset pruritus after cetirizine/levocetirizine withdrawal between April 2017 and July 2023. The itching typically emerges within a few days of discontinuation and can significantly affect quality of life.
To help manage this risk, the FDA recommends that patients planning to take these drugs long-term should consult their healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks, and receive advice tailored to their personal needs. Patients should also be informed about potential itch rebound and other withdrawal symptoms such as hives, insomnia, and anxiety that may occur in phases after stopping the drug.
In cases where severe itching develops after stopping, some patients have found relief by restarting the medication and then tapering off more slowly under medical supervision. Gradual tapering of the medication may help reduce or resolve itching withdrawal symptoms better than abrupt cessation.
Patients should maintain close communication with their healthcare provider during discontinuation attempts so that severe symptoms can be managed promptly. While no specific effective treatments for withdrawal itching have been established, professional guidance is essential.
The FDA is requiring manufacturers to mention the side effect of potential intense itchiness in the labeling of these drugs. It is important to note that the risk of withdrawal-related itching increases with prolonged daily use (beyond three months, and sometimes even after less than one month).
In summary, planning for long-term cetirizine or levocetirizine use requires proactive consultation, patient education, and careful management of discontinuation to minimize rare but severe withdrawal itching. By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, long-term users can help manage their risk and maintain their quality of life.
[1] FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about rare itching after stopping long-term use of cetirizine and levocetirizine (accessed on July 24, 2023)
[2] Pruritus After Cetirizine Discontinuation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature (accessed on July 24, 2023)
[3] Management of pruritus after discontinuation of cetirizine: A case report and literature review (accessed on July 24, 2023)
[4] Pruritus After Cetirizine Discontinuation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature (accessed on July 24, 2023)
- The recent development involving the FDA's warning about pruritus after stopping long-term use of antihistamines like cetirizine and levocetirizine highlights the importance of health-and-wellness education regarding potential future risks related to science and technology.
- In an attempt to manage the risk of pruritus rebound and other withdrawal symptoms, mental-health therapies and treatments may be necessary for some patients, underlining the interconnectedness of health, science, and technology.
- The Food and Drug Administration's intervention underscores the significant role of science and technology in not only developing effective therapies and treatments but also in identifying and mitigating potential side effects, such as the case with pruritus after stopping antihistamines.
- Gasping for air in the realm of health-and-wellness journalism, Gizmodo contributes to public understanding by reporting on the FDA's warning about pruritus after stopping long-term use of cetirizine and levocetirizine, demonstrating a commitment to exploring science, technology, and their impact on our daily lives.
