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Anti-allergy drugs:
beware of confusion with brand names

Three drugs containing cetirizine are available over the counter in France. Their brand names, which have no connection with the international nonproprietary name (INN), risk confusing patients.

Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve certain allergy symptoms (rhinitis and urticaria).

When patent protection of cetirizine (Zyrtec°) ended, the manufacturer sought by all possible means to maintain its sales, as generic drugs containing cetirizine appeared on the market. Taking advantage of Zyrtec°’s reputation, the company produced orodispersible cetirizine tablets called Zyrtecset° aimed at the self-medication market. Currently, two other drugs based on cetirizine (sold by two other firms) are aimed at the self-medication market: Reactine° and Humex Rhinite Allergique°. These brand names make no reference to the drug’s real name (the INN = cetirizine). The failure to reveal the drug’s real name leads to an increased risk of self-medicating patients accumulating and reusing drugs of the same composition, and even overdosing.

It is a shame that patients receive conflicting information, depending on whether cetirizine-based products are prescribed or sold over the counter.

©Prescrire April 2005

Source: "Débrouilles, embrouilles et confusion" Rev Prescrire 2005 ; 25 (260) : 272-273.

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