Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Allergy Control Desloratadine
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
ALLERGY CONTROL DESLORATADINE
fast 24 hour relief from seasonal allergies (trees, grass, pollen
and ragweed) and year round allergies (dust mites, animal dander and molds) resulting in symptoms including nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, stuffiness, itchy palate, itchy ears, itchy throat and allergic cough, as well as itchy watery red eyes.
fast relief of allergic skin conditions, such as skin itch and
hives.
What it does:
Desloratadine is a long-acting antihistamine; it blocks the action of histamine and relieves allergy symptoms. Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system – the body’s defence against invading substances – when the body is affected by substances that you are allergic to (allergens).
Most people will feel relief of allergy symptoms within 75 minutes of taking Desloratadine.
Symptom relief will be maintained for 24 hours.
ALLERGY CONTROL DESLORATADINE does not cause drowsiness.
ALLERGY CONTROL DESLORATADINE can be used by people with mild to moderate asthma.
When it should not be used:
Desloratadine tablets should not be used:
if you are allergic to desloratadine or to any of the other
product ingredients (see “What the non-medicinal ingredients are”).
if you are pregnant or nursing.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Desloratadine
What the non-medicinal ingredients are:
FD & C Blue No.2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, titanium dioxide, zinc stearate
What dosage forms it comes in:
Tablets: 5 mg.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
- Tell your doctor if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
BEFORE you use ALLERGY CONTROL
DESLORATADINE talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you have severe liver disease
- you have severe kidney disease
Keep out of reach of children.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
None of the drugs tested have been found to interact with desloratadine.
If you are taking any medication, it is important to ask your physician or pharmacist before taking ALLERGY CONTROL DESLORATADINE.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
Tablets: Adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older): Swallow one tablet with water, once daily, regardless of mealtime.
Overdose:
In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed dose:
If you miss taking your dose on time, do not worry; take your dose when you remember. Do not exceed more than one dose in 24 hours.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Along with its desired effects, desloratadine tablets may cause undesirable effects.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
ALLERGY CONTROL DESLORATADINE Product Monograph Page 33 of 33 Side effects that may occur include, dry mouth, fatigue and headache.
Rarely, you may experience allergic reactions to the medication, which may appear as a rash or difficulty in breathing. Very rarely, the following side effects may occur: abnormally fast heart rate or heart palpitations, restlessness with increased body movement, seizures and liver dysfunctions such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) – which may be recognized by jaundice (yellowing of the skin).
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and seek immediate emergency medical attention | ||
Only if severe | In all cases | |||
| Allergic reaction (rash, difficulty in breathing) | √ | |||
| Fast heart rate or heart palpitations | √ | |||
| Restlessness with increased body movement | √ | |||
| Seizures | √ | |||
| Liver dysfunctions – i.e. inflammation of the liver (appearance of jaundice – yellowing of the skin) | √ | |||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking ALLERGY CONTROL DESLORATADINE, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store between 15° and 30°C.
Protect tablets from excessive moisture.
Blisters are to be stored in box.
Keep out of reach of children.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:
$ Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
$ Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
$ Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program Health Canada
Postal Locator 0701E Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect™ Canada Web site at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
This document, plus the full product monograph prepared for health professionals, can be found by contacting by Pharmascience Inc., at 1-888-550-6060.
Pharmascience Inc.
Montreal, Canada
H4P 2T4