Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Allertin (Apotex, Tablet)
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
ALLERTIN provides:
- fast relief from symptoms of allergies, including sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose, as well as itchy watery red eyes, caused by exposure to seasonal allergens (trees, grass, and ragweed pollen) and perennial (year round) allergens (dust mites, animal dander and molds).
- fast relief of allergic skin conditions, such as skin itch and hives.
What it does:
ALLERTIN contains a long-acting antihistamine, which–blocks the action of histamine and relieves allergy symptoms. Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system – the body's defense 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 2 hours of taking the medication.
Symptom relief will be maintained for 24 hours.
ALLERTIN does not cause drowsiness. It lets you stay alert and focused while relieving allergy symptoms.
When it should not be used:
ALLERTIN should not be used:
- if you are allergic to loratadine or to any of the other product ingredients (see What the nonmedicinal ingredients are).
if you are pregnant or nursing.
What- the medicinal ingredient is: loratadine
What the important non-medicinal ingredients are: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and colloidal silicon dioxide.
What dosage forms it comes in: Tablets. 10mg
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
- If you have severe liver disease, take 5 mg once daily or 10 mg every other day.
BEFORE you use ALLERTIN talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you have severe liver disease
Stop taking ALLERTIN 48 hours prior to any skin testing procedures.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
ALLERTIN may interact with drugs known to reduce liver metabolism.
If you are taking any medication. it is important to ask your physician or pharmacist before taking ALLERTIN.
Alcohol has not been found to interact with ALLERTIN.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
ALLERTIN: Adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older): One tablet daily, with water.
Adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older) can take this medication for up to 6 months.
Do not give ALLERTIN to children between 2 and 12 years of age for longer than 14 days, unless recommended by your doctor.
Overdose:
Contact your Poison control Centre, physician or pharmacist as soon as possible.
| 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, ALLERTIN may cause undesirable effects.
Mild side effects that may occur include fatigue, headache, dry mouth, sedation, stomach and digestive discomfort such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and nausea.
Uncommon side effects include: increase in appetite, coughing, and dizziness. Rarely you may experience allergic reactions to the medication that may appear as a rash or difficulty in breathing. Additionally. hair loss, abnormal liver function, and abnormally fast heart rate or heart palpitations may occur rarely. Convulsions and seizures may occur very rarely.
Uncommon side effects in children include nervousness and nervous ticks as well as side effects involving the stomach or intestines.
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 call your doctor or pharmacist | ||
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||
| Common | Stomach discomfort - i.e. gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) | ✓ | ||
| Uncommon | Allergic reaction (rash, difficulty in breathing) | ✓ | ||
| Rare | Fast heart rate or heart palpitations | ✓ | ||
| Rare | Liver _ dysfunctio n | ✓ | ||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking ALLERTIN, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Between 15° and 30°C. Protect from exposure to excessive moisture. 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 MedEffectTM 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
For more information, please contact your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
This leaflet plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be obtained by contacting DISpedia, Apotex’s Drug Information Service, at 1-800-667-4708. This leaflet can also be found at http://www.apotex.ca/products.
Ontario, M9L 1T9.