Allevia hay fever tablets ‘cure all symptoms’ according to sufferers (Image: Alex Evans)
The sun is back and the weather is warming up nicely this April, but for hay fever sufferers it’s not all good news. The sunnier days are bringing pollen chaos with them as sufferers battle sneezing, streaming eyes and blocked noses, with another six months of misery on the way all summer long.
The Met Office has today issued a ‘very high’ red warning for pollen for all of England, which is set to stay in place in most areas until Friday and for some like London and the South East, all the way til Sunday.
But there is a ‘miracle cure’ that is now available over the counter, and hay fever sufferers swear by it as it works much more effectively than traditional hay fever tablets. Fexofenadine hydrochloride, often sold under brand names like Allevia and Treathay, used to be available only on prescription.
READ MORE: Met Office issues ‘very high’ red warning for 9 areas of England from Wednesday
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High strength non-droswy tablets can now be bought from high street chemists and from supermarkets like Boots, Superdrug, Tesco and Asda.
In Tesco, a 30 pack of Allevia costs £11.50 normally or just £8 with a Tesco Clubcard right now, making them 27p per tablet, with similar prices elsewhere.
Hay fever sufferers say the tablets are so good they completely stop their symptoms. They described the tablets – which are stronger than traditional tablets like Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Loratadine – as making them feel like they don’t even have hay fever at all any more.
One hay fever sufferer posting on Reddit said: “I’m 43 and have suffered with hay fever every year for as long as I can remember, trying every non-prescription medication going to keep it under control. As other sufferers will know, even non-drowsy medication has a tendency to make you feel sluggish and I’ve only ever found them moderately effective.
“Recently, tablets containing fexofenadine have become widely available and, my god, hay fever is no longer an issue. It’s not as cheap as the other stuff but it really, really works, no drowsy side effects… I can finally enjoy the outdoors without streaming eyes/nose. Cannot recommend it enough.”
Other hay fever sufferers agree with how good the tablets are.
Matty Ester said: “I have gone from having the worst hay fever you will ever see anyone have in your whole life, to feeling like I’ve never had it. Allevia, you have cured me.”
Ben Newmark said: “Hay fever sufferers, Allevia is now available over the counter and I haven’t felt this good in the summer for a decade.”
And @Nikk1noodles said: “Fexofenadine aka Allevia 120mg over the counter at Boots. Took a couple of days to kick in but this week I’ve been hay fever-free. No itching, no eye drops, no nasal sprays. 10/10, would recommend.”
The NHS says about antihistamines that you should try different tablets to see which work best for you.
In its guidance, the NHS explains: “There’s not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.
“Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.
“Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they’re less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.
“Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
